Shaping the future of HVAC&R

ARBS, Australia’s leading HVAC&R and building services exhibition, recently released its new whitepaper, Catalysts for Change: Learnings from ARBS 2024

Developed by ARBS Chair, Professor Tony Arnel, the whitepaper captures the strategies and insights that emerged from ARBS 2024 – an event that Gina McMaster, HVAC&R Centre Executive Office, described as emphasising the industry’s “ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence”.

The whitepaper discusses the critical role of HVAC&R in advancing global sustainability efforts by addressing key themes including electrification, smart systems, and circular economy practices. It highlights the increasing significance of embodied carbon, which is expected to account for up to 85 per cent of the built environment’s emissions by 2050.

“Building services operate quietly in the background, invisible to the everyday observer. Yet, they are at the epicentre of some of the world’s most visible and pressing issues,” says Professor Arnel. “From managing indoor air quality to reducing energy consumption, cutting carbon emissions to championing a circular economy, HVAC&R is at the heart of a healthier, more sustainable future.

“Our visitors came for the exhibition and networking and stayed for the seminars – 45 in total – that explored a multitude of topics and gave a diverse range of professionals a thought leadership platform. From the concepts covered in the seminars, and from the conversations held with customers and competitors on the exhibition floor, we know two topics are at the forefront: carbon and circularity. While it’s impossible to capture every idea shared at ARBS 2024, we’ve distilled the discussions and debates into a ready reckoner for HVAC&R leaders looking into the future.”

Insights from the whitepaper include:

• Priority on electrification: Calls the industry to prioritise electrification to support decarbonisation efforts. It highlights the need for more efficient and smarter systems to meet the demands of a rapidly warming world.

• Focus on embodied carbon: With embodied carbon poised to become a dominant factor in building emissions, the whitepaper urges industry leaders to measure and manage these emissions now, using tools like the NABERS Embodied Carbon Tool.

• Adapting to regulatory shifts: Outlines how upcoming regulatory changes, including Australia’s national net zero targets and the Global Cooling Pledge, will impact the industry. It provides a roadmap for aligning business strategies with these new standards.

• Innovation through circular economy: Advocates for a shift towards circular economy principles, encouraging HVAC&R professionals to rethink design and material use to extend the lifecycle of products and reduce waste.

“Our industry stands at a pivotal moment and our actions today will determine how effectively we can reduce emissions and create a sustainable future.”

Download the whitepaper today to explore the strategies that will shape the future of the HVAC&R and building services industries: https://www.arbs.com.au/ arbs-2024-whitepaper/