Nominations have opened for the ARBS Awards 2026, Australia’s leading celebration of innovation and achievement in HVAC&R, building services and technology. Widely regarded as the industry’s highest honour, the ARBS Awards recognises the projects, products and professionals shaping the industry.

For 2026, the ARBS Awards will feature additional categories in a new two-stream format: the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards and the ARBS Future Leader Awards.

Amanda Searle, CEO of ARBS, says the expanded awards categories and format reflect the industry’s growing depth and diversity. “Every two years, the ARBS Awards shine a light on the best and brightest driving Australia’s HVAC&R, building services and technology industry forward. The new format for 2026 allows us to celebrate the excellence from across all areas of our industry.”

David Eynon, ARBS Foundation, says, “The ARBS Foundation is proud to support the next generation of talent with a $5,000 Foundation scholarship for each Future Leader Award recipient. This funding is designed to help emerging professionals take the next step in their careers through further education, training or research initiatives.”

ARBS Industry Excellence Award Categories

Major Project Excellence Award: Large HVAC&R projects over $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance. 

Minor Project Excellence Award: Small Australian HVAC&R projects under $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance. 

IBTech Project Excellence Award: Australian projects that successfully integrate intelligent-building principles for high-performing, sustainable outcomes.

IBTech Product Excellence Award: Intelligent building technologies and services that improve performance, connectivity and user experience through smart design or digital innovation.

HVAC Product Excellence Award: New or enhanced HVAC products that deliver innovation, sustainability, and proven industry impact.

Refrigeration Product Excellence Award: Refrigeration technologies that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and outstanding performance in real-world applications.

Education & Training Excellence Award: Initiatives that advance skills, education and professional growth in the HVAC&R and building services industry.

Hall of Fame: Tribute to individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have left a lasting legacy in the HVAC&R and building services sector (nomination via ARBS associations).

ARBS Future Leader Awards Categories

HVAC&R Tradesperson Award: Two awards acknowledging outstanding tradespeople who demonstrate excellence, professionalism and dedication in the delivery of HVAC&R services.

Young Achiever Award: Emerging professional (aged 30 years or under) demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment in the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services sector.

Outstanding Female in Industry Award: Exceptional female professional who has made a significant impact within the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services industry. 

Winners for the ARBS Future Leaders Awards will be announced at the ARBS Future Leaders Forum on 7 May 2026, as part of ARBS 2026. Winners for the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards will be awarded at our gala dinner on 6 May 2026, during ARBS 2026 in Melbourne.

Entries will close at 5pm, 30 January 2026. For entry and nomination details, please visit www.arbs.com.au/awards.

ARBS 2026 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 5-7 May 2026.

Architecture & Design Team

ARBS

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