In July 2009 I wrote my first editorial for this magazine. For those that kept reading these editorials, last month you will have read I am leaving Climate Control News.
I thought I would leave you with some final thoughts on the HVACR industry.
I love science
The laws of physics, chemistry, biology are immutable and cannot be altered.
Having stated that, those laws are still only theories; for a ‘law’ to be scientific it must also be possible to prove it false by the same application of scientific method.
Therefore laws are debatable but, if the contrary argument is unprovable it is not a sustainable argument.
Which brings me to the next point.
Refrigeration is cool
What other engineering science is there utilising physics, chemistry and biology plus thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, mechanical engineering and high-order scientific mathematical formulae and yet still uses cool tools such as welders and brazers, thermal imagers, gauges and vacuum pumps and the growing field of controls to work on huge thumping bits of machinery?
No other trade that I know of; which brings me to the next point.
Save HVACR, save the world
Air conditioning made skyscrapers possible and long distance travel bearable, totally changing work practices and productive output. Ventilation and heating changed manufacturing and home life, allowing the expansion of communities and real increases in living standards.
Refrigeration has possibly made the single biggest change to everyone’s life around the world, singlehandedly creating global food distribution.
While commentators discuss how this planet will feed its fast-growing population, refrigeration has been doing the job for a hundred years and only requires the global infrastructure and political will to continue for another hundred years.
Which brings me to my next point.
Collaboration is king
In the 21 years I have been reporting on this industry, the biggest changes (and most positive) occurred when industry worked together.
The depletion of the ozone layer galvanised world opinion, dragging refrigeration unwittingly into the public limelight.
With the problem recognised and the science proven, industry got together and solved the problem. And no other country did it better than Australia.
From out of that collaboration came, among other things, Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and the full refrigerant stewardship program.
Which brings me to the next point.
ARBS is awesome
Another spin-off from that collaboration. I think ARBS influence, real and potential, is immense for our trade. It provides a nation-wide central point for the industry: not only a chance to network and see and learn new things but to also show that HVACR can be a force to be reckoned with in the broad industrial landscape.
If we can utilise the coming together of ARBS to engender more collaboration for common goals then we can go nowhere else but up.
Which brings me to my final point.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man
Even with collaboration, it still requires individuals to do the hard yards.
Many people have assisted me over the past 21 years, one person has been a constant: Kevin O’Shea.
Kevin stepped up to lead the Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors Association way back in the ‘80s when he was striving to run his own business. His passion for the industry is reflected in his work ethic on numerous industry collaborations over those ensuing years.
We haven’t always seen eye to eye (usually my fault) but he has always been there for me and for your industry. More strength to you Kevin (and my apologies for the public recognition).
You will notice that all of my lessons are positive ones. This is due to two factors: firstly the HVACR industry is, in general, a positive one always looking for the opportunity to do better.
Secondly, I may have cause to work in the industry again and I do not wish to burn bridges!
See you at ARBS, it is your last chance to tell me what you think.