There has never been a period in history when the HVACR and building services industry has been pulled in so many directions.
This fast-moving and changing landscape has made ARBS 2026 more relevant than ever, according to ARBS chair, Peter Arnel.
Speaking at the official opening of the three-day event, Arnel said the exhibition is an important meeting place for industry to come together, network, debate and see where the technology and trendlines are heading.
“It’s my honour to welcome you to ARBS 2026,” Arnel said.
“This event is the meeting place for our industry to debate the issues of the day.
“We are in a complex business environment with the HVACR & building services industry being pulled in different directions.
“Reading the headlines, it is easy to see the different directions our industry is being pulled.”
Arnel pointed to media reports to demonstrate this complex business environment.
From the global energy crisis to extreme weather, military conflict and supply chain problems, it has been a challenging decade.
Arnel said today’s energy markets are more globalised than ever and this has been accompanied by a rise in military conflicts and trade tensions. All of this has occurred post-pandemic proving it has been one global shock after another.
Closer to home Arnel pointed to the grim statistics showing young people abandoning apprenticeships in key trades.
This is in addition to the emergence of AI, electrification and data centre power emissions which are set to double over the next five years.
This hyper-accelerated growth—primarily fueled by the artificial intelligence boom—is creating unprecedented challenges for power grids worldwide.
Arnel pointed to research showing global technology companies are planning to invest up to $100 billion in Australia’s digital infrastructure.
“But that investment concentrates pressure in one place. For our sector, this is not a future issue. It’s already here,” Arnel warned.
“These are real headlines. And while they seem like a disparate spread…they’re not separate stories.”
He said each headline is, in one way or another, playing out in buildings and across the built environment.
“Electrification is accelerating, but most buildings weren’t designed for it,” Arnel said.
“Indoor environment quality is in the spotlight, yet barely measured.
“Regulation is tightening, but not consistently.
“Energy efficiency gains are getting harder, with the early wins behind us,” he said.
“AI is in the plant room, bringing new opportunities and risks.
“Our workforce is under strain. We’re asking more of our buildings than ever before…And more from the people who design, build and operate them.”
Arnel said the challenges the industry is facing today are complex and ARBS is where everyone can come together to engage with them directly.