Nominations have opened for the ARBS Awards 2026, Australia’s leading celebration of innovation and achievement in HVACR, 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.
ARBS CEO, Amanda Searle, said the expanded awards categories and format reflects the industry’s growing depth and diversity.
“Every two years, the ARBS Awards shine a light on the best and brightest driving Australia’s HVACR, building services and technology industry forward. The new format for 2026 allows us to celebrate the excellence from across all areas of our industry,” she said.
ARBS Foundation executive officer, David Eynon, said the foundation will be supporting the next generation of talent with a $5,000 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,” he said.
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 HVACR and building services sector (nomination via ARBS associations).
ARBS Future Leader Awards Categories:
HVACR 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, as part of ARBS 2026. Winners for the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards will be awarded at our gala dinner on 6 May, during ARBS 2026 in Melbourne.
Entries are open from 13 November 2025 and close at 5pm, 30 January 2026.
Entry details and to nominate visit: www.arbs.com.au/awards