AIRAH and IRHACE sign memorandum of understanding

In a move designed to significantly strengthen ties across Australasia in the HVAC&R space, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand Inc. (IRHACE) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding.

Although the two member bodies have co-operated on initiatives and knowledge sharing for many years now, the arrangement has always been an informal one. The new pact is a formal and comprehensive document that covers everything from exhibitions and conferences, to information exchange, and policy and position statements.

As part of the MoU, AIRAH and IRHACE have pledged to support the advancement and promotion of mutual interests of educational, technical, engineering and built environment professionals engaged in the HVAC&R and building services industry in both countries.

The pact was signed by IRHACE President Ashwin Patel and AIRAH President Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH.

“This MoU is vital for the Australasian region, with Australia and New Zealand now cooperating to leverage the great work and experience of all our members,” says Harwood. “The two institutes have much in common in terms of our remit, approach, and issues of concern. And beyond this, our common interests have aligned regularly over the years, so it makes sense to have a formal relationship put in place.”

Patel says the MoU is a win/win for IRHACE and AIRAH.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for both our institutes to share valuable knowledge and work co-operatively for our mutual benefit,” he says. “Kiwis and Aussies have worked closely together on many initiatives across several fields throughout our histories. Having this alignment in place for the two leading HVAC&R organisations from our respective countries is an extremely positive move.”

Both presidents thanked IRHACE General Manager Christine Johnston and AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, for their involvement in the MoU’s development.

The key areas of the agreement include:

• Co-operation on exhibitions and conferences
  Each organisation will help in disseminating information on the other organisation’s major event(s).
• Education and training
  Sharing of online learning programs, joint recognition of CPD, and consideration of common training packages.
• Development of standards
  
• Websites and information exchange
  
• Policy and position statements
  Each organisation may be given opportunities by the other to comment on proposed policy and position statements developed on technical subjects.
• Publications
  IRHACE and AIRAH will make their printed publications available to the members of the two organisations at members’ rates.
• Conferences
  Members of one organisation can attend major conferences of the other on the same terms as members of the host institute.