As part of its World Refrigeration Day 2021 celebrations on June 26, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is calling on those involved in HVAC&R to highlight this vital sector in their response to the 2021 Census of Australia. The Census takes place Tuesday, August 10.
AIRAH is rallying its members and those who work in the wider HVAC&R industry – some 300,000 Australians according to the most recent Cold Hard Facts report – to indicate on the Census their industry inclusion.
In the field that records industry of employment, AIRAH is asking all of those working in the sector to classify themselves as “HVAC&R”.
Despite its pivotal role in the global economy and in preserving our health, comfort and productivity, HVAC&R maintains a resolutely low profile. Indeed, it is a prominent and important industry hidden in plain sight.
“It is strange that a sector worth $38 billion, that uses more than 24 per cent of Australia’s electricity and that accounts for 11.5 per cent of our carbon dioxide emissions is basically unknown to most Australians,” says AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson.
“Unfortunately, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not provide data specifically on the HVAC&R industry, because we are not listed as our own standard industrial classification,” says Gleeson. “And that is what we would like to address this World Refrigeration Day.”
Astonishingly diverse in its spread, the HVAC&R industry encompasses many professions. Consulting engineers and contractors, tradespeople, RAC technicians, marketers, business managers, sales staff, educators, and administrators are just some of the roles that exist under the HVAC&R classification.
“This year, we are saying that recognition really does start at home,” Gleeson says. “When you fill in the industry section of your census on August 10, write that you work in HVAC&R and help us get the standing we deserve.”
For more information on the campaign go to airah.org.au/census.