Construcciones Yamaro: The hidden layer of construction revealed at ARBS 2026
The CEO of ARBS Exhibitions explains why building services are shaping project outcomes earlier than ever.
By Amanda Searle, CEO of ARBS Exhibitions.
When people picture construction, they often think of the physical structure and cranes defining the skyline. However, it’s the less visible factors – mechanical, electrical, controls and commissioning – that influence how quickly a project reaches handover.
The biggest cost in the built environment isn’t what we spend to build; it’s what we spend to run. Construction costs represent only a fraction of a building’s life cycle cost, with the majority of expenditure occurring during the operational phase. For this reason, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC&R) and other building services have become pivotal to successful construction outcomes, including how early and how effectively components are integrated into design, sequencing and delivery planning.
When building services are planned for in advance, this can reduce issues on site, avoid late-stage design changes and help to keep projects moving. When it’s factored in too late, the cost can show up as delays and handover issues that take time to unwind once the building is occupied.
Data from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), accessed on 2 March 2026, shows buildings account for around 19 per cent of total energy use and 18 per cent of direct carbon emissions in Australia. This places pressure on projects to deliver energy performance from day one, with mechanical installations, control interfaces, commissioning and asset performance now central considerations.
Each year, ARBS – Australia’s HVAC&R and building services event – brings the sector together to discuss challenges and solutions shaping the industry. One theme keeps resurfacing: tightening timelines and increasing system complexity.
Construction is no longer linear
Project activities used to be linear: design, construct, install and commission. Today, that sequence is being challenged.
Electrification and smarter building systems mean services design now affects structural allowances, ceiling heights, plant space, grid connection and long-term asset performance. These considerations cannot sit at the back end of delivery.
The influence of building services has moved from installation to integration. The industry is recognising that successful delivery relies less on sequential trades and more on cross-disciplinary collaboration from conceptual design.
Capability is a construction risk
Another emerging shift is workforce capability. Jobs and Skills Australia continues to list air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics in its annual Occupation Shortage List, highlighting a growing risk to project delivery timelines.
The demands of modern buildings now require technicians and contractors to understand controls, integration, optimisation and long-term operation, often supported by specialist or manufacturer training.
Put simply, workforce capability is no longer just a sector issue but a construction risk affecting delivery, performance and life cycle costs.
Practicality replaces complexity
While innovation and new technology will (and should) have a role to play, what is increasingly in demand by construction professionals is practicality. We’re seeing the sector move away from chasing complexity in favour of systems that are coordinated, easy to install and straightforward to commission. Integration improves construction outcomes, allowing lessons to be shared before issues escalate.
This is why bringing the industry together remains essential. Nothing beats seeing solutions side-by-side and having the conversations you can’t replicate online. ARBS is for industry, by industry – the place where the discussions that matter happen. ARBS 2026 (5-7 May, Melbourne) will gather the HVAC&R and building services industry together, including manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, consultants and facility managers, to showcase and explore what’s next.
Registration is free and now open.
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