The leading news platform for Australia’s HVAC&R industry
Dismay at US decision to relax HFC restrictions
HVAC&R industry groups and environmental activists alike have strongly criticised the US government’s decision to roll back restrictions on HFCs.
From our advertisers
News
-
WA expands wage subsidy for apprentices
Western Australia’s State Government is investing $19.6 million in the GTO (group training organisation) Wage Subsidy Program to support an additional 330 spots for apprentices.
-
2026 EEC Award winners
The 2026 Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) Awards winners were announced at a gala dinner during the EEC National Conference (May 27–28 in Sydney).
-
Refrigerant-free heat pump heading for market
A German startup plans to commercialise an electrocaloric heat pump design.
-
New Zealand’s MEPs for AC now in effect
Air conditioning units and heat pumps imported into New Zealand or manufactured in NZ must now comply with new energy efficiency requirements developed by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
-
Circular thinking takes centre stage at REB26
Professor Usha Iyer-Raniga, keynote speaker at the upcoming Reshaping Existing Buildings Conference, offers a preview of her presentation and shares her thoughts on improving circularity in Australia.
-
Nearly $100 million allocated for collaborative R&D
The Australian Research Council’s latest funding round is helping university researchers and industry collaborate on some of Australia’s most urgent challenges.
-
Portfolios scale up ambition in NABERS 2026 SPI
For eight years, the NABERS Sustainable Portfolios Index (SPI) has been creating a league table for property’s heavy hitters, showcasing progress across energy efficiency, decarbonisation, electrification, water, waste and Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ).
Events
-
2026 EEC Award winners
The 2026 Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) Awards winners were announced at a gala dinner during the EEC National Conference (May 27–28 in Sydney).
-
Circular thinking takes centre stage at REB26
Professor Usha Iyer-Raniga, keynote speaker at the upcoming Reshaping Existing Buildings Conference, offers a preview of her presentation and shares her thoughts on improving circularity in Australia.
-
Retrofit and EnerPHit Month
The Australian Passivhaus Association (APA) is running a national “Retrofit and EnerPHit Month” campaign until mid-June, with a range of events on the agenda.
-
ARBS Awards put HVAC&R achievements centre stage
People, projects and products were given their moment of glory at the 2026 ARBS Industry Excellence Awards, held in Melbourne on May 6, 2026.
-
HVAC&R turns policy into practice
At ARBS 2026, speakers from across the globe are shining a light on the essential nature of HVAC&R, and its pivotal role in decarbonising the built environment, enabling social progress and protecting human health.
-
Tips for your ARBS adventure
Will we see you at ARBS 2026? The HVAC&R industry exhibition and program of seminars kicks off at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from Tuesday, May 5–Thursday, May 7.
-
Intelligent theme for World Refrigeration Day 2026
World Refrigeration Day is an opportunity to celebrate the skills, inventiveness and achievements of HVAC&R – and in 2026, the real power behind the profession is in the spotlight.
Regulations
-
New Zealand’s MEPs for AC now in effect
Air conditioning units and heat pumps imported into New Zealand or manufactured in NZ must now comply with new energy efficiency requirements developed by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
-
New NCC 2025 CPD and tutor materials available
New continuing professional development (CPD) and tutor materials have been made available to support both industry-based learning and formal education delivery with the updated NCC 2025 requirements.
-
Dismay at US decision to relax HFC restrictions
HVAC&R industry groups and environmental activists alike have strongly criticised the US government’s decision to roll back restrictions on HFCs.
-
Updated refrigerant designations
ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have released an updated refrigerant designations and safety classifications fact sheet.
-
RPEQ renewal now due
HVAC&R engineering practitioners working in Queensland need to ensure they renew their RPEQ registration before the closing date of May 31, 2026.
-
Have your say on refrigerant recovery
A survey on industry engagement with Refrigerant Reclaim Australia’s takeback and disposal program is seeking input from facilities managers and engineers.
-
NSW eyeing minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals
The NSW government is seeking feedback on introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes.
From our advertisers
Features
-
Portfolios scale up ambition in NABERS 2026 SPI
For eight years, the NABERS Sustainable Portfolios Index (SPI) has been creating a league table for property’s heavy hitters, showcasing progress across energy efficiency, decarbonisation, electrification, water, waste and Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ).
-
CSIRO goes to the edge with CO2 cooling
Data centre developments often come under fire for their massive thirst, competing with communities, agriculture and nature for both groundwater and surface water supplies. CSIRO’s new data centre project in Queensland, however, is utilising advanced cooling solutions to conserve precious H2O.
-
Profitability, practicality and productivity win, but IAQ missed out
AIRAH welcomes many positive measures in the 2026 Budget, including those specifically supporting the engineering, property and construction sectors.
-
Updated guidance on flammable refrigerants
AIRAH has launched a revised Flammable Refrigerant Safety Guide, in collaboration with Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and Refrigerants Australia, and with support from the ARBS Foundation.
-
HVAC&R turns policy into practice
At ARBS 2026, speakers from across the globe are shining a light on the essential nature of HVAC&R, and its pivotal role in decarbonising the built environment, enabling social progress and protecting human health.
-
Technical guidance for high-temp heat pumps
High temperature heat is crucial for many key industrial applications, and a new technical resource aims to help rein in the associated energy demand and emissions.
-
The true carbon cost of data centres
A new report by MECLA highlights the embodied carbon in data centre developments – and the huge contribution made by HVAC and other building services.
Business
-
Refrigerant-free heat pump heading for market
A German startup plans to commercialise an electrocaloric heat pump design.
-
Innovation in adiabatic cooling
EVAPCO designs out mechanical pumps in new adiabatic system, reducing long-term operational costs and lowering water consumption.
-
Tools of the Trade grant
Business insurance service BizCover has launched a year-long grant initiative designed to support trade students across Australia with the cost of essential equipment.
-
Nearly $100 million allocated for collaborative R&D
The Australian Research Council’s latest funding round is helping university researchers and industry collaborate on some of Australia’s most urgent challenges.
-
Scaling up electric refrigerated transport
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced an investment of up to $10 million to support the roll out of low-emissions electric transport refrigeration.
-
Is HVAC&R becoming a two-speed market?
Global research and consulting organisation BSRIA’s latest publications suggests the global cooling and heat pump market is showing signs of pressure.
-
Midea presents latest tech at MCE 2026
Midea Building Technologies (MBT) unveiled a suite of new HVAC&R solutions at MCE 2026 (Mostra Convegno Expocomfort) including data center cooling, VRF systems, heat pump applications, and integrated building management.