For nine years the ARBS Education and Research Foundation has been supporting the air conditioning, refrigeration and building services industry by providing grants for a wide range of projects and initiatives.
ARBS Foundation executive officer, David Eynon, said there are three broad categories into which funding has been directed: practical research, development and upgrading of training courses and materials, and funding for students to undertake training.
He said notable projects include the work that has been undertaken with Team Catalyst
“The Foundation has been a partner with Team Catalyst on several projects, including ground-breaking research comparing the performance of active chilled beam systems against two chilled water plant configurations,” Eynon said.
“This research was ground-breaking and was conducted against the background of changes in the National Construction Code.
“The findings from the research provide practical guidance to all those practitioners engaged in design and ongoing monitoring of HVAC systems found in energy-efficient buildings. It also conducted a study on the dispersion of airborne particles in indoor settings.
“The study helped authorities control the spread of COVID-19, revealing that airborne particles travelled much further than first thought.”
Eynon said the Foundation has provided financial support for the development of training programs, such as the graduate engineer program modules in energy efficiency and mechanical services developed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
The Foundation also supported the Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors' Association (AMCA) and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) to conduct the Certificate IV advanced program for refrigeration mechanics and provided support to the social fabric of the industry, such as sponsoring engineering students to participate in the Engineers Without Borders design summit.
The Foundation also offered 10 sole traders the opportunity to obtain accreditation in the NABERS rating system.
“Generally sole traders find it difficult to complete courses due to time and funding constraints. This program was a great success and appreciated by all of those who achieved accreditation,” Eynon said.
ARBS Foundation chair, Ian Hopkins, said another important initiative is the Aboriginal Career Start Program.
Run by NSW TAFE, the program supports Aboriginal careers.
“The Foundation provided grants to graduating students to purchase the tools they need to work in the trade,” Hopkins said.
“Our aim is to promote the growth and success of the industry, and these projects and initiatives are just a few examples of how we are achieving this goal.”