ARBS to fund diploma in sustainable design

The ARBS Education and Research Foundation has announced a grant of $39,000 to the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) to assist in the development of a Professional Diploma in Energy-Efficient Sustainable HVAC.

The diploma will consist of four key units of competence:

• Compliance with energy and sustainable codes of practice
• Energy efficiency and sustainability in building services operations and maintenance
• Evaluation of design principles of energy-efficient HVAC systems
• Key design issues for energy-efficient HVAC systems.

The diploma is designed to benefit the industry by enabling more efficient energy use in buildings, especially reduced HVAC energy, improved indoor air quality, and greater sustainability.

“AIRAH is very thankful to the ARBS Foundation for the investment in the development of this diploma,” says AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH.

“It will help to make a significant difference in the compliance to codes and standards in the very important design of energy-efficient HVAC systems.”

Development of the diploma content is under way. It will be subject to peer review to ensure that the most up-to-date industry developments are incorporated.

The diploma will be delivered online, with all participants required to complete the AIRAH assessment process in order to earn the qualification.

AIRAH already offers a Professional Diploma in Building Services – HVAC&R. Since 2016, more than 270 students have enrolled for that course, which has received positive feedback for its extensive training resource, flexible modular structure, and demanding curriculum. The new Professional Diploma in Energy-Efficient Sustainable HVAC will further enhance the Institute’s educational offering.

ARBS Education and Research Foundation chair Ian Hopkins, M.AIRAH, says the foundation is pleased to be associated with the development of the diploma. He added that ongoing professional development opportunities like this diploma are very important to the industry and consumers.