Queensland is set to become the proving ground for Australia’s next-generation HVAC&R innovation, according to a new industry white paper released by ARBS Chair Professor Tony Arnel.

Titled ‘The Heat is On: Why Queensland is Ground Zero for HVAC&R Innovation’, the white paper unpacks the drivers reshaping the state’s building and construction future, from a $77-billion construction pipeline to a net zero transformation and the once-in-a-generation opportunity of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The paper reveals that Queensland accounts for the nation’s highest cooling needs, yet uses less residential energy than the Australian average, a paradox pointing to significant efficiency and technology opportunities. It also highlights a looming skills shortfall of 40,300 public infrastructure workers by 2026, alongside challenges in supply chain resilience, refrigerant policy and the adoption of smarter, more climate-resilient systems.

ARBS Chair Professor Tony Arnel.jpg — *ARBS Chair Professor Tony Arnel*

“This paper offers a big-picture snapshot of just some of the issues we’ll be exploring at ARBSQLD and asks a few hard questions. The answers won’t come from one individual, but from all of us,” Professor Arnel says.

Industry professionals can continue the conversation in person at ARBSQLD, to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on 27-28 August 2025. With more than 100 exhibitors confirmed and free registration now open, ARBSQLD is set to become the ultimate gathering place for those driving Queensland’s HVAC&R transformation.

Register now for ARBSQLD at: www.arbs.com.au/arbsqld.

Download the free whitepaper at: www.arbs.com.au/arbsqldwhitepaper

Architecture & Design Team

ARBS

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