The Testing and Commissioning Association Inc. (TACA) was established in early 2021 after a collective of leading building commissioning organisations identified a clear gap in ongoing professional development and local industry support across Australia and the Asia‑Pacific region.

TACA brings together some of the most respected commissioning specialists from around the country. With strong engagement from all sectors of the industry, the association is rapidly positioning itself as the leading local benchmark for building commissioning standards and practice.

The associations founding President Chris Wright, whose more than 45 years of hands‑on commissioning experience and long‑standing involvement in the industry have been instrumental in shaping TACA’s foundation and direction. Chris has also played a key role in building strategic relationships with other peak industry bodies, including AIRAH and AMCA.

Reflecting on TACA’s formation, Chris notes that the Board’s early months were both demanding and rewarding. Significant volunteer effort went into developing a robust membership and accreditation framework spanning trainees, technicians, supervisors, companies, and affiliates. While commissioning standards in our region have historically been influenced by overseas organisations for decades, the establishment of a strong local association marks an important milestone for the industry.

Since its launch in November 2021, TACA has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with membership and industry interest continuing to grow.

TACA’s vision is to work closely with AIRAH and AMCA to deliver a high‑quality, nationally recognised accreditation and training framework for professionals involved in the engineering, installation, and commissioning of HVAC&R systems. While the current focus is on Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB), the association is actively looking ahead to future accreditation pathways in building air tightness testing, clean rooms, and fume hoods. TACA is also committed to collaborating with HVAC&R TAFEs and training organisations across all states to ensure a consistent and unified message throughout the industry.

As the industry responds to post‑COVID challenges and the increasing demands of climate‑responsive building performance, TACA encourages all professionals in the HVAC TAB space to support a robust accreditation scheme that delivers real value to consulting engineers, facility managers, building owners, and occupants alike.

TACA has experienced strong and growing industry support. With a clear emphasis on consistent benchmarking, contemporary training, and professional excellence, the association is focused on creating a lasting, positive legacy for the built environment well into the future.