Best HVAC Retrofit or Upgrade
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises excellence in the retrofit or upgrade of a HVAC system. It covers all aspects of project delivery. This can include planning through to engineering, documentation, procurement, teamwork, installation quality and workmanship, working in operational facilities, commissioning, fit-for-purpose outcomes and handover, including training and documentation. Products are not eligible in this category. The project must have been commissioned in the past two years.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Open to all individuals and organisations who are actively engaged in the HVAC&R industry, recognising initiatives carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations that have shown leadership in their efforts, initiatives, policies, programs and practices to embrace and foster truly inclusive levels of representation within their ranks. Nominees in this category might be acknowledged for efforts such as community service, professional development, hiring practices and programming activities that enhance opportunities for people of diverse cultures, background and experiences.
Excellence in HVAC&R Research
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises outstanding achievements in research that have produced additional knowledge of HVAC&R systems that can lead to future improvements in these technologies.
Excellence in Innovation
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises significant Australian improvements in the areas of HVAC&R achieved through innovation, including new or significantly improved systems or plant and equipment or processes. Products are not eligible in this category. The project must have been commissioned in the past two years.
Excellence in Refrigeration
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises excellence in the retrofit or upgrade to existing refrigeration systems or the development of new systems, or in the industry’s delivery of services. Products are not eligible in this category. The project must have been commissioned in the past two years.
Excellence in Sustainability
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises Australian initiatives that have made clear improvements in the sustainability of HVAC&R systems or the HVAC&R industry. The initiatives may be new air conditioning or refrigeration installations, retrofits or improvements to existing air conditioning or refrigeration systems or the development of new systems, items of plant or other improvements, or in the industry’s delivery of services. Products are not eligible in this category.
Future Leader
Open to all AIRAH members who are actively engaged in the HVAC&R and building services industry, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises emerging leaders in any facet of the HVAC&R and building services industry, and may include engineers, designers and drafters, project managers and supervisors, tradespeople, commissioning and maintenance technicians, technical salespeople and other industry participants. This award is open to any individual who is a member of AIRAH and actively engaged in the HVAC&R and building services industry. The nominee must be nominated by a third party and be 35 years or under as of December 31, 2023.
Innovative use of Renewable Energy in HVAC&R
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions, and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises initiatives that, through the innovative use of renewable energy, significantly improve the performance of HVAC and/or refrigeration systems. It was previously known as the Denis Joseph Award for Innovative Use of Solar Energy in HVAC&R, named in honour of Denis Joseph, F.AIRAH, a passionate supporter of solar HVAC&R.
James Harrison Medal
The James Harrison Medal is the highest honour AIRAH can bestow upon an individual. Named after Australian refrigeration pioneer James Harrison, it recognises the highest levels of individual achievement in the Australian refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
The James Harrison Medal recipient is selected by the AIRAH Board, and must be an AIRAH member. It is not awarded every year, and the winner is announced at the AIRAH Awards gala dinner.
Product of the Year
Open to all individuals, companies, corporate bodies, institutions and government authorities, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award recognises excellence in product manufacture within the HVAC&R industry. Products will be assessed for features such as innovation, energy efficiency, sustainability, originality and industry need. Eligible products must have been developed, designed and manufactured in Australia. This award recognises new products only and does not include updates to existing products or products that have been previously nominated for an AIRAH award.
Student of the Year | Research
Open to all AIRAH members, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award is given to a student demonstrating outstanding commitment to their studies and/or research at any level in the HVAC&R industry. Nominations can only be made by a third party, and are restricted to AIRAH members only.
Student of the Year | Trade
Open to all AIRAH members, recognising work carried out during 2022–2023.
This award is given to an outstanding student at any level in the HVAC&R industry’s trade sector. Nominations can only be made by a third party, and the nominated individual must be an AIRAH member.
WR Ahern Award
This award goes to the best technical paper written by an AIRAH member and published in Ecolibrium during the previous year. All eligible papers are assessed by independent judges. The top papers are then shortlisted, announced, and a winner selected.