The leading news platform for Australia’s HVAC&R industry
Aiming high for cooling tower efficiency
AIRAH, with support of the ARBS Foundation, has published an updated version of DA17: Cooling Towers.
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News
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Aiming high for cooling tower efficiency
AIRAH, with support of the ARBS Foundation, has published an updated version of DA17: Cooling Towers.
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RAC teaching team recognised at RMIT Awards
Two refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) instructors have been recognised at RMIT’s 2025 Awards for Excellence ceremony.
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Changing of the guard for AIRAH advertising
After nearly a decade with the Institute, AIRAH Advertising Executive John McGrath will retire at the end of 2025.
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Researchers develop new cooling fabric for clothing
A new textile innovation co-developed by University of South Australia (UniSA) scientists could keep wearers cooler and drier in extreme heat.
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UNEP report highlights critical dual role for HVAC&R in a warming world
The second edition of UNEP’s Global Cooling Watch Report places the HVAC&R industry at the junction of climate mitigation and adaptation and warns that we cannot “air condition our way out of the heat crisis”.
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Prefabricated and modular construction handbook open for comment
Standards Australia has released a handbook for prefabricated and modular construction and is calling for public comment.
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Survey highlights training gaps for HVAC&R technicians
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) has published the results of a survey to identify gaps in current training for HVAC&R technicians and other challenges in education that are affecting the industry.
Events
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Melbourne School of Design to host ASA2025 conference
The Melbourne School of Design is set to host the 58th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association from December 3–5.
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HVAC&R industry’s finest shine at 2025 AIRAH National Awards
The Australian HVAC&R industry has celebrated its best and brightest for another year at the 2025 AIRAH National Awards in Sydney.
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Nominations open for ARBS Awards 2026
Nominations have opened for the 2026 ARBS Awards, which will take place in May next year.
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UTS to hold lecture on climate-responsive architecture
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will host a free session focusing on building design in hot areas – both dry and humid – on Wednesday, November 26.
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Registrations open for IIAR conference in Texas
The 2026 IIAR Conference will take place from March 15–18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
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Towards holistic urban resilience
The Post-Carbon Research Centre and the RMIT School of Engineering are organising a special lecture on November 26 with Professor Prashant Kumar, who will share expert insights into greening solutions for climate adaptation in Australia.
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AIRAH recognises SA’s finest
AIRAH’s 2025 SA Member and Apprentice Awards was one of the biggest in the event’s 60-year history.
Regulations
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NABERS Energy update – have your say
NABERS is seeking feedback on a proposed NABERS Energy update for 2030 that will affect how energy efficiency in buildings is measured.
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Built environment leaders bring sustainable thinking to Parliament House
AIRAH’s Nick Johns-Wickberg shares his experience of attending last week’s ASBEC council meeting in Canberra.
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NCC 2025 slated for publication in early 2026
Commonwealth, state and territory building ministers met yesterday to agree on the timing of future updates to the National Construction Code – including NCC 2025.
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GBCA launches updated Green Star tool
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released its Green Star Buildings v1.1 rating tool, which strengthens action on carbon, nature and circular economy while simplifying delivery for project teams.
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CBD Program roadmap offers clear pathway to reducing emissions
The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released a policy roadmap describing how the Commercial Buildings Disclosure (CBD) Program will be expanded over the next decade to deliver major reductions in emissions.
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Update coming for Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide
A project is underway to revise the Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide, a vital reference to educate and safeguard workers and end-users.
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Queensland introduces digital licenses
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has announced that it will start introducing digital licences, developed in partnership with the Queensland government as part of Queensland’s Digital Licence app.
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Features
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Built environment leaders bring sustainable thinking to Parliament House
AIRAH’s Nick Johns-Wickberg shares his experience of attending last week’s ASBEC council meeting in Canberra.
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The importance of vapour barriers in refrigeration
Bob Jackson, M.AIRAH, explains the importance of hermetically sealing the outer skin of cold rooms to create a vapour barrier.
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The living machine: How HVAC systems mimic the human body
In the cover feature for the October–November 2025 issue of HVAC&R News, Gary Raman, Affil.AIRAH, argues that the human body is the most advanced HVAC system on the planet.
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Building diversity in HVAC&R: Q&A with Ree McCaig
We speak with Ree (Maria) McCaig – owner of McCaig Air Conditioning in Bendigo – about the challenges of running a business, the rewards of training apprentices, and strategies for attracting more women to HVAC&R.
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Springing towards a more sustainable future
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, reflects on the steps Australia can take to become healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient over the next five years.
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How Australia’s 2035 emissions target will affect HVAC&R
The federal government has released its 2035 emissions target, which it says is “ambitious, achievable, and in Australia’s national interests”.
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Radical refrigeration
Dave Peall, M.AIRAH, discusses his work on the “radical” idea of using water as a direct expansion refrigerant.
Business
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Fujitsu General extends partnership with Essendon FC
Fujitsu General Australia will continue its 12-year association with the Essendon Football Club, taking on the role of co-major partner within the EFC network.
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Panasonic releases splittable R32 ducted system
Panasonic Australia has launched its new R32 Inverter NX Series Splittable Ducted Air Conditioning System.
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CAREL to host HVAC&R software webinar
CAREL’s upcoming webinar will introduce STone Virtual Loop, a digital tool that allows developers to test and validate HVAC&R software in a virtual environment.
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Daikin releases new 18 and 20kW R32 inverter ducted systems
Daikin Australia has introduced its new 18 & 20kW R32 Premium Inverter Ducted Systems (FDYA180AV1 & FDYA200AV1.
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Camfil filter maintains WELL certification
Camfil Australia’s Opakfil ES V-Bank air filter has maintained its Works with WELL designation.
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Louvreclad launches Aerion Series vertical performance louvre
Australian company Louvreclad has released its independently tested Aerion Series vertical performance louvre, which is a finalist in the 2025 AIRAH National Awards.
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Camfil releases Gold Series III dust collector
Camfil Australia has released its Gold Series III dust collector, which it says is “engineered for unmatched dust and fume control”.