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Author: Laura Timberlake
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Jelly ice cubes take the cake
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, USA, have developed a new type of cooling ice cube that doesn’t melt. The researchers believe the “jelly ice cubes” could revolutionise how food is kept cold and shipped without relying on ice or traditional cooling packs. The cubes are compostable and anti-microbial, and prevent cross-contamination. Professor in […]
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WELL booming in Asia-Pacific region
As the pandemic heads into its third year, the Asia-Pacific region has increasingly adopted WELL programs. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently highlighted the exponential growth as it crossed the 300 million square metre mark of spaces enrolled in WELL programs. IWBI reports that nearly 80 million square metres of real estate are applying […]
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National review of engineering education
The Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) has released the results of a recent study as part of the Engineering 2035 Project, a national review of engineering education. The Engineering 2035 Project explores the practices and methods used for educating professional engineering students, and makes recommendations on how educators and universities can move forward. Approximately […]
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Migrating engineers could solve skills shortage
A study by Engineers Australia, titled Barriers to Employment for Skilled Migrant Engineers, has found migrants may be the key to filling the skills shortage in the industry. The study reveals that while migrants account for almost two thirds of qualified engineers in Australia, 47 per cent of are unemployed and struggling to find a […]
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Green walls reduce heat loss by more than 30%
A study conducted at the University of Plymouth, UK, has revealed retrofitting existing building walls with a living wall could reduce heat loss by more than 30 per cent. The researchers retrofitted a green wall at the university on a pre-1970s building, and monitored the differences in heat lost between the retrofitted wall and a normal […]
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Energy and electrotechnology skills webinar
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is hosting a webinar on Thursday, December 9 about energy and electrotechnology industry skills. New skills and technologies are having an impact on sectors such as electricity generation, transmission, distribution and rail, and electrotechnology – including HVAC&R. They are also affecting the growth of renewable systems. The relevant industry reference committees […]
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Standards Australia gives support to solar
Standards Australia has revised the standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays to support the growing solar panel industry. According to Standards Australia, almost four million solar photo-voltaic (PV) panel systems have been installed across Australia in the past 20 years, which has seen a dramatic reduction in overall costs. Solar […]
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TRANSFORM returns in 2022
Along with celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is hosting the fourth iteration of its TRANSFORM conference from March 23–24, 2022. TRANSFORM 2022 will address how the built environment must change in order to keep up with climate change. Key influencers from the industry – including CEOs, thought leaders and […]
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Institute of Refrigeration proposes path to net zero
The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) is calling for consultation on two policy papers that address key aspects to support users of HVAC&R technologies in the pathway to net zero emissions. The papers are published by Beyond Refrigeration, an initiative of the IoR that addresses climate change issues and provides a framework for technical leadership. The two […]
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Where do we go after COP26?
ClimateWorks Australia is holding a webinar on Tuesday, November 23 about how infrastructure can help deliver net zero after COP26. ClimateWorks Australia says infrastructure influences around 70 per cent of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. With pressure mounting from the private sector and public stakeholders to fulfil the net zero ambition, how can Australia adapt […]
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Windows that control heat with the flick of a switch
Engineers at Duke University in North Carolina, USA have developed a window-like technology that can alternate between absorbing heating and cooling with the flick of a switch. The material is made from electrochromic technology, a material that can change colour and opacity through conducting electricity. Assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke, […]
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Collective Impact Summit
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is hosting the 2021 Collective Impact Summit virtually on Thursday, November 18. The summit will run from 10am–1.30pm (AEDT) with include four sessions, and aims to identify and acknowledge the actions that are required for Australia to scale up and accelerate progress towards a circular economy for packaging. In […]
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Insights into AI and big data
The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) is hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 11 exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and big data can change the way buildings are managed. The online event will include insights into utilising data structuring and cloud connections. Panel speakers include: Robin Brimblecombe – Manager, Engineering & Sustainability, Monash University Dawn Beadle […]
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Industry briefing on building information modelling
AMCA Australia is hosting a BIM-MEPAUS online industry update on Tuesday, November 16. The briefing will explore the latest developments and updates within BIM-MEPAUS. Running from 10am–1.30pm (AEDT), the session will include: A review of how BIM-MEPAUS product data templates support asset information requirements An overview of the BIM-MEPAUS Revit template add-in A demonstration of […]
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New tech taps heat from underground carparks
A renewable energy source company has developed a technology that could see heat from underground parking lots used to warm the buildings above them. Enerdrape, a cleantech spin-off of the Swiss Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL), creates renewable energy sources that can be used in new and existing building structures. The technology the company […]
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The 2021 State of the Industry Report
The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) has released its 2021 State of the Industry Report, which provides information on important topics in the natural refrigeration industry. The report summarises data from the IIAR’s annual State of the Industry Report Survey. It examines the use of ammonia as a refrigerant, and includes information on emerging […]
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Sydney IICA Technology Expo
The Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation (IICA) is hosting a Technology Expo on Wednesday, November 17 at Rosehill Racecourse. The Expo will feature a variety of companies showcasing their products and services relating to the instrumentation, control and automation industry. The event is targeted at managers, electricians, engineers, maintenance managers, production planners, operational staff, […]
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Embracing renewable energy could reduce emissions
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are exploring new ways to reduce energy consumption while still keeping homes cool. Dr Mohammad Al Hashmi from UBC Okanagan has been using data from Saudi Arabia to develop an operational framework that cools homes with minimal environmental impacts. He believes rapid population growth has led to […]
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FairAir gets a new look
AIRAH has released a new and improved version of its website FairAir, offering independent advice for residential air conditioning. Already well known within the industry, and referenced by consumer groups such as CHOICE, FairAir has been revamped and updated to support residents and HVAC&R technicians in selecting suitable equipment for residential cooling and heating. AIRAH […]
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i-Hub Integrated Design Studios Symposium
AIRAH and the Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling (i-Hub) are hosting a free Symposium about the Integrated Design Studios (IDS) initiative. The online event will feature three two-hour sessions from October 25–27. The Integrated Design Studios concept is about involving HVAC&R engineers at the early stages of the building design process. The conceptual design stage […]