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John Bosci, L.AIRAH

A legend of the Australian HVAC&R industry, John Bosci, L.AIRAH, has made a tremendous contribution not only to Australian HVAC&R, but also to the building industry at large and to the built environment.

Throughout his career, Bosci played key roles in consultancy Lincolne Scott (now WSP), with AIRAH, and with the Australian Refrigeration Council.

Through his efforts, passion, grit and determination, he has helped shape individual projects, careers, lives, and even the industry itself.

By the time he joined AIRAH in 1977, Bosci was already climbing the Lincolne Scott hierarchy. He eventually became the company's CEO.

It was as much for his considerable work for the Institute as his industry achievements that Bosci earned AIRAH's highest honour in 2017 – the James Harrison Medal.

After becoming the AIRAH Board's treasurer (2002–03), Bosci proceeded to change the entire financial direction of the organisation. His efforts were largely responsible for transforming AIRAH from a "club" to a viable business. He helped put the Institute in a position to offer wider services to all members, and to better represent the industry.

Among many other achievements, Bosci was pivotal in the procurement and development of AIRAH's head office (Elizabeth Street, Melbourne).

Instrumental in the establishment of the organisation that became the ARC, Bosci was also its inaugural chair. The ARC, of course, is the national licensing body.

It was said there was never a project or AIRAH activity with which Bosci did not have the time or energy to be involved. Governance reviews, financial management policy, membership strategies, training development, government and stakeholder relationships – all fell into his remit.

This was in addition to his senior managerial roles with Lincolne Scott, which under Bosci's stewardship was involved in many iconic projects. These included Melbourne's Crown Casino, Brisbane International Airport's Domestic Terminal complex, and Brisbane's Waterfront Place.

Well-respected, Bosci is known for his honesty, wealth of knowledge and great ideas by colleagues, clients and anyone with whom he has worked or had contact.

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100 Faces Q&A

What brought you to the HVAC&R industry?

As a young guy starting out, the only way to learn anything other than on the job was attending AIRAH seminars and lectures by industry guys.

What's your favourite HVAC&R-related memory?

Being invited to the AIRAH Board in 2001, and, with CEO Jennifer Pelvin, bringing about changes to AIRAH to become a tech powerhouse for the HVAC industry. This involved a total restructure of finances, Board appointments, marketing and the like, laying the foundations for where AIRAH is today.

How long have you been a member of AIRAH?

Officially 43 years, but early membership in WA has been lost so really getting very close to 50.

How do you see the HVAC&R industry developing over the next 100 years?

Too hard to predict but it will be faster than the past and be relevant, reliable and energy effective. For example, commercial-scale thermoelectric Peltier refrigeration.

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For more on John Bosci, visit his LinkedIn.

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