HVAC design just got more sustainable

AIRAH updates and events HVAC Sustainability

August 26, 2025

Nick Johns-Wickberg

AIRAH’s Professional Diploma in Sustainable HVAC Design and Operation is accepting new applicants.

The diploma is a key component of AIRAH’s ever-expanding professional development offering. Here’s what you need to know. 

What it’s about 

AIRAH’s Professional Diploma in Sustainable HVAC Design and Operation is a modular online program focusing on environmentally effective HVAC systems. It explores sustainability, compliance, design methodologies, operational evaluation, and longterm performance optimisation.  

The program is divided into four modules: 

• Principles of sustainable HVAC systems 

• Codes, standards, and rating tools 

• Design of sustainable HVAC systems 

• Maximising sustainability in operations. 

Candidates who successfully complete all four modules and the final case study will receive the AIRAH-accredited Professional Diploma in Sustainable HVAC Design and Operation program certificate. 

Course benefits 

Diploma candidates will benefit from: 

• Cutting-edge knowledge and insight into HVAC sustainability  

• Increased productivity and skills 

• Improved ongoing employability, and employer confidence that you have received sound energy-efficient design training. 

For employers, the course will: 

• Provide content that is wholly relevant to the industry 

• Save time on training 

• Set employees on a clear, industry-recognised career path  

• Provide uniform training for employees, regardless of where they are located 

• Show potential employees their commitment to continuing professional development 

• Achieve increased certainty when employing AIRAH-trained staff 

• Offer faster human capital return on investment. 

More broadly, the program benefits mechanical building services engineers, ESD engineers, sustainability consultants, senior contractors, technical staff within manufacturers and suppliers, building architects, and other technical service providers.  

No matter their background or experience, candidates will strengthen their competency and understanding of energy efficiency in HVAC design, development, delivery, compliance, and operation. 

Requirements and assessment 

The following professionals are eligible to enrol in the program: 

• Graduate engineers with three to five years of HVAC experience 

• Mechanical engineers 

• Industry practitioners with several years of experience. 

Candidates are required to demonstrate their competency and understanding through knowledge assessment tasks (including self-assessment questions, short answer questions, and case studies). 

There is a maximum of five months to complete each module, with an additional four months to complete the final (full course) case study assignment. 

This article appears in Ecolibrium’s Spring 2025 edition

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