2026 Nominations

Nominations close: 17 August, 2026

Please use the form below to nominate a project or person for an AIRAH National Award for 2026.

After the closing date all nominations will be reviewed and by a panel of experts. If more information is required on any application the applicant may be contacted by the panel.

Awards nominations form 2026 (#146)

Applicant details

Applicant/Project Lead First Name

Applicant/Project Lead Last Name

Contact Number

Organisation

Award Category

Award being applied for

Choosing the award category will reveal further specific questions and inputs regarding the project.

Award criteria

After choosing the appropriate award category please indicate how your project meets the award criteria by ticking the applicable boxes and a written explanation of the project’s performance.

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.

Criteria:

Project title

Brief description of the project (max 1000 characters)

Excellence in HVAC criteria

Resilience (Climate, grid peak demand etc)

Net zero, embodied and operational emissions (esp electrification, low impact refrigerants)

Safety during installation, use and decommissioning

Resource efficiency (eg: circular economy, design out pollution, use of recycled equipment, recycled materials, labour productivity tools and improved rating/certification frameworks)

Operation Performance Verification (NABERS)

Scale of project. Please state contact value and areas services

Evidence of performance

Provide clear, non-marketing evidence to demonstrate project performance. This may include:

Performance data (KPIs, impact metrics)
Independent evaluations
Testimonials (include name/role/date if permitted)
Comparisons or benchmarks (pre/post intervention)

Evidence of performance (max 5000 characters)

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.

Criteria:

Project title

Brief description of the project (max 1000 characters)

Scale of project. Please state contract value and areas serviced

Evidence of performance

Provide clear, non-marketing evidence to demonstrate project performance. This may include:

Performance data (KPIs, impact metrics)
Independent evaluations
Testimonials (include name/role/date if permitted)
Comparisons or benchmarks (pre/post intervention)

Excellence in HVAC criteria

Resilience (Climate, grid peak demand etc)

Net zero, embodied and operational emissions (esp electrification, low impact refrigerants)

Safety during installation, use and decommissioning

Resource efficiency (eg: circular economy, design out pollution, use of recycled equipment, recycled materials, labour productivity tools and improved rating/certification frameworks)

Operation Performance Verification (NABERS)

Evidence of performance (max 5000 characters)

Excellence in Refrigeration Award

Celebrates excellence in the design, installation or operation of refrigeration systems, including innovation, efficiency and environmental performance.

Criteria:

Project title

Brief description of the project (max 1000 characters)

Excellence in Refrigeration criteria

Resilience (Climate, grid peak demand etc)

Net zero, embodied and operational emissions (esp electrification, low impact refrigerants)

Safety during installation, use and decommissioning

Resource efficiency (eg: circular economy, design out pollution, use of recycled equipment, recycled materials, labour productivity tools and improved rating/certification frameworks)

Evidence of performance

Provide clear, non-marketing evidence to demonstrate project performance. This may include:

Performance data (KPIs, impact metrics)
Independent evaluations
Testimonials (include name/role/date if permitted)
Comparisons or benchmarks (pre/post intervention)

Evidence of performance (max 5000 characters)

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.

Criteria:

Achievement

Description of the achievement (max 5000 characters)

Supporting documents upload

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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.

Criteria:

Eligibility:

In the past 12 months, students and emerging professionals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to advancing the HVAC&R industry

Nominee details

Full name

Contact number

Current institution/university

Degree/course name

Year level or graduation year

Current employer (if applicable)

LinkedIn profile (optional)

Key selection criteria

1. Leadership & Initiative

Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership, initiative or influence within their studies, workplace or industry involvement:

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2. Academic or Research Contribution

Outline the nominee’s academic achievements, research work, innovation or technical contributions relevant to HVAC&R or the built environment:

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1. Industry Engagement

Describe involvement in:

Industry activities
Student chapters
Mentoring
Volunteering
Conferences/events
Committees or projects

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4. Future Potential

How is the nominee likely to contribute to the future of the HVAC&R industry?

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Supporting Evidence

Upload section for supporting evidence including:

Academic transcript (optional)
Research papers/projects
Awards or recognitions
Portfolio or presentation materials
Reference letters
Community involvement

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Referees

Require 1–2 referees:

Academic referee
Industry/professional referee

Referee 1 name

Referee 1 position

Referee 1 organisation

Referee 1 email

Referee 2 name

Referee 2 position

Referee 2 organisation

Referee 2 email

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.

Criteria:

Eligibility:

In the past 12 months, students who demonstrate exceptional academic and technical achievement, dedication to their studies, and a strong commitment to the HVAC&R industry.

Nominee details

Full name

Nominee name

Nominee email

Nominee employer/company

Nominee registered training organisation (RTO/TAFE)

Nominee qualification/course

Nominee apprenticeship year/stage

Nominee AIRAH membership (if applicable)

Nominator Details

Nominator name

Nominator company/RTO

Nominator position/title

Relationship to nominee

Nominator contact number

Nominator email

1. Technical Excellence

Describe the nominee’s technical capability, workmanship and understanding of industry practices.

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2. Commitment & Professionalism

Provide examples demonstrating:

Reliability
Work ethic
Safety awareness
Initiative
Teamwork

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3. Industry Potential

Why does the nominee stand out as a future industry leader or high-performing technician/tradesperson?

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4. Achievements & Contributions

Include examples such as:

Outstanding projects
Competition participation
Additional training
Customer service
Innovation/problem solving

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Upload supporting evidence

Upload section for supporting evidence including:

Employer endorsements
Training results/transcripts
Photos of projects/work
Certificates or awards
Workplace achievements

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Referees

Require 1–2 referees:

Employer/supervisor referee
Academic referee

Referee 1 name

Referee 1 organisation name

Referee 1 position

Referee 1 email

Referee 2 name

Referee 2 organisation name

Referee 2 position

Referee 2 email

Declaration

By checking the box below, I declare that the information provided is accurate and that I am authorised to submit this nomination.

I declare the information provided is accurate and I am authorised to submit this nomination. I consent to this information being used for judging and promotional use and I agree to AIRAH’s awards terms and conditions.