The ARBS Hall of Fame pays tribute to individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have left a lasting legacy in the HVAC&R and building services sector. Recipients exemplify integrity, influence and lifelong commitment to industry advancement.
At the 2026 ARBS Awards, Steve Hennessy was inducted into the ARBS Hall of Fame, his career defined by sustained contribution to the advancement of building services engineering across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
"Steve's positive outlook has been a great inspiration for me over the last twenty-five years or so, and also to many others. He always manages to find the time to provide a considered response to issues and to be a sounding board to creatively bounce ideas backwards and forwards. I am so pleased that Steve is being recognised through his induction into the ARBS Hall of Fame. - Peter Kinsella, CIBSE Past President, CIBSE ANZ Committee Member."
In his acceptance speech, Steve called for professionals in the audience to give back to the building community, "Its increasing important that we share what we know, and its increasingly important that we protect the uninformed and ill-informed from misinformation.
If anyone here ever feels even a slight inclination to do just a little bit more — to contribute beyond their day‑to‑day role — I’d encourage you to follow that instinct, get involved with your industry associations, get involved with developing codes and standards, get involved in sharing your skills and knowledge. Not because you have to, but because it can be surprisingly rewarding. That’s certainly been my experience."
With a professional journey spanning several decades, Steve has combined technical expertise, industry leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education and collaboration. He began his career in the early 1980s through an indentured apprenticeship with Haden, before completing a Building Services degree at the University of Liverpool. This strong technical foundation has underpinned a career dedicated not only to engineering excellence but also to strengthening the profession as a whole.
Steve has been an active member of CIBSE since 1991, quickly becoming a key contributor to the organisation’s growth and impact in the region. Serving as NSW Chair in 1994, he played a central role in delivering technical events that promoted knowledge sharing and professional development. His leadership extended further through two terms as CIBSE ANZ Chair, helping guide the institution through periods of growth and increasing industry engagement. He continues to support CIBSE through ongoing committee involvement, reflecting his enduring commitment to the profession.
Beyond CIBSE, Steve has contributed significantly to the wider engineering community. As a founding member of Engineers Australia’s Society for Building Services Engineering, he has been instrumental in fostering stronger collaboration between professional bodies, including CIBSE, AIRAH, and other industry organisations. This work has helped promote a more unified and effective approach to addressing industry challenges.
A long-standing advocate for professional education, Steve has served on the ARBS Seminar Committee since its inception, supporting the delivery of accessible, practical, and high-quality technical content for industry practitioners. His contributions have also extended to Australian Standards committees and working groups, where he has helped shape technical guidance and best practice.
Sustainability has been a consistent focus throughout Steve’s career. He has been a strong supporter of NABERS, contributing to its promotion and adoption in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. His work reflects a deep understanding of the role building services engineers play in improving building performance and reducing environmental impact.
Steve’s contributions have previously been recognised with some of the profession’s highest honours, including the CIBSE Silver Medal in 2008 and the Gold Medal in 2024.
It was a particularly proud moment for the CIBSE ANZ Committee to put forward Steve’s nomination for this prestigious recognition. Having witnessed first-hand the depth and consistency of his contribution over many years, the nomination reflects the high regard in which he is held across the region. Members of the committee were honoured to be present to see Steve receive the award in person—an occasion that celebrated not only his individual achievements, but also the lasting impact he has had on the profession and the community around him."Steve’s service to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers has been exceptional in both depth and impact. Through decades of leadership, technical contribution and commitment to professional development, he has helped strengthen the building services profession across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. His enduring dedication to collaboration, education and industry advancement has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the next generation of engineers." - Mark Davie, CIBSE ANZ Chair