2026 Award Categories
Excellence in HVAC – Best New Project Award
Recognises outstanding delivery of a newly built HVAC system, demonstrating excellence in design, installation, performance and overall project execution.
Prize: Exclusive site tour opportunity where the project is highlighted as an industry benchmark.
Excellence in HVAC – Best Retrofit Project Award
Awards excellence in upgrading or modernising existing HVAC systems, with a focus on improved efficiency, performance, and sustainability outcomes.
Prize: Curated innovation showcase at AIRAH’s flagship Future of HVAC conference exhibition space.
Excellence in Refrigeration Award
Celebrates excellence in the design, installation or operation of refrigeration systems, including innovation, efficiency and environmental performance.
Prize: Complimentary registration and exhibiting booth at AIRAH’s RefCon27 conference.
Industry Advancement & Inclusion Award
Recognises individuals who make significant contributions to the advancement of the HVAC&R industry through knowledge sharing, research, education, thought leadership, and initiatives that foster diversity, inclusion, and a stronger professional community.
Prize: Full page profile feature highlighting their contribution and impact in AIRAH’s Ecolibrium magazine and online article.
Future Leader (VET or Higher Education) Award
Recognises outstanding postgraduate students and emerging professionals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to advancing the HVAC&R industry. This award celebrates individuals making significant academic, research, or applied contributions while showing strong potential to become future leaders of the profession.
Prize: Feature interview in AIRAH’s publications and social media and opportunity to shadow the AIRAH Board, gaining first-hand exposure to its strategic discussions, decision-making processes, and leadership in shaping the industry.
Student of the Year (VET or Higher Education) Award
Recognises an outstanding student who demonstrates exceptional academic and technical achievement, dedication to their studies, and a strong commitment to the HVAC&R industry. This award celebrates individuals who show significant potential to make a positive impact on the profession.
VET Prize: Bunnings toolbox kit and the opportunity to shadow a selected committee’s Associate Director
Higher Education Prize: An AIRAH Professional Education course voucher (valued at $1000) and the opportunity to shadow a selected committee’s Associate Director
Towards Net Zero Competitition – First prize of $10,000
AIRAH is partnering with the Norman Family Foundation to offer the inuagural David Norman Sustainability Award with $10,000 prize money for the winner.
The Towards Net Zero Competition is designed to identify and support emerging Sustainability Professionals who are passionate about sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation of the built environment. It will provide an opportunity for young professionals to demonstrate their technical capability, creativity, and practical understanding of pathways toward Net Zero buildings and communities.
Prize: David Norman Sustainability Award and a cash prize of AUD $10,000.