Page 20
Category: News
-
Need to know: key updates to AS 1668
One of the most important Australian Standards used by HVAC practitioners, AS 1668, is being reviewed. Brett Fairweather, M.AIRAH, from It’s Engineered takes us through the major changes and the key talking points in the drafts of AS 1668.2 and AS 1668.4, which are open for public comment until January 23, 2024. Why is an […]
-
Cooling ceramic offers energy-efficiency breakthrough
A breakthrough in developing a passive radiative cooling (PRC) material has been announced by researchers at City University of Hong Kong, with findings published in Science. Known as cooling ceramic, the material has achieved high-performance optical properties for energy-free and refrigerant-free cooling generation. The researchers say its cost-effectiveness, durability and versatility make it suitable for […]
-
Refrigeration helping elite athletes
The University of Melbourne has found a new use for one of its research refrigerators: helping to train a woman for an arctic marathon. Sia Kindberg is undertaking the 230km Ice Ultra Arctic marathon in February next year at Swedish Lapland, Sweden. Temperatures can drop to -40°C, and Kindberg will be expected to carry her […]
-
Women in construction speak out
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has released the results from its Women in Construction Future Leaders Pilot scoping study. With assistance from the NSW government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program (IIP) grant, ASBEC launched the pilot to create lasting change in the industry and promote gender diversity. It is also a part […]
-
Industry collaborates to strengthen fire safety
A new course has become available for HVAC&R technicians maintaining or signing off mechanical services for Annual Fire Safety Statements.
-
Public v private: the great trade training debate
November has been a busy month for skills training in Australia. The federal and Victorian governments combined to announce funding for up to 62,800 new fee-free TAFE positions in Victoria – with the construction industry highlighted as a major area of need. Meanwhile, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) released a report suggesting […]
-
New views of the engineering skills shortage
Engineers Australia has launched its latest statistical overview of the engineering profession in Australia, which it says sheds light on the concerning state of the engineering workforce. The report, now into its 15th iteration, is based on Australian census data and offers high-level insights about the engineering workforce. This edition covers the 2016-2021 census surveys […]
-
A super-model for green technologies
A research team at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has developed a super-model to project how three green technologies will perform in Switzerland. As many countries aim for carbon neutrality by 2050 – including Switzerland – the need for projection tools is ever increasing, although many models have limitations. According to UNIGE, they can take […]
-
Hunter prize for Adelaide refrigeration business
Australian business Cold Logic has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to construct and install cold and cool rooms for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates. The Adelaide-based refrigeration specialist will partner with UK company Ernest West & Beynon (EWB), leveraging EWB’s experience in supplying into the Type 26 program, the reference design for […]
-
More work to do – ACIF reviews building reforms
The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has released a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Building Confidence Report recommendations. It finds that that although the states and territories have made progress towards implementing the recommendations, there is still work to be done. After the Building Confidence Report was released in 2018, federal, state and […]
-
Cooling to take centre stage at COP28
A worldwide initiative to reduce cooling-related emissions is set to be launched at COP28, slated for November 30 to December 12 in Dubai. Known as the Global Cooling Pledge, the initiative represents the world’s first collective focus on reducing energy emissions from the cooling sector. It comes in response to growing access to and demand […]
-
ASHRAE releases guide on grid interactivity
US engineering organisation ASHRAE has released a guide focusing on the essential role of grid interactivity in the decarbonisation process. The second in a series of guides developed by the ASHRAE Task Force For Building Decarbonization (TFBD), the Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation Resource Guide is designed to provide information on maximising carbon […]
-
Cooling streams to save fish
Researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada have been working on ways to artificially cool streams to save coldwater species of fish. As water temperatures rise, various species of fish have been impacted – scientists estimate 400,000 fish make the annual salmon run in Canada, whereas 50 years ago the numbers were about a million. The […]
-
Opinion: The great Australian standards paywall
Clearscope Legal’s Raphael Brown looks at whether Australia’s pricing model for standards is helping or hindering the HVAC&R industry. Australian Standards are the unsung heroes of the HVAC&R world, defining the technical legal obligations that keep our heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in check. From the fine art of electrical wiring (AS/NZS 3000) to the […]
-
NABERS embodied carbon tool taking shape
The work by NABERS towards launching an embodied carbon tool in mid-2024 has taken another stride forward following the release of a paper detailing the results of its public consultation, and responses to key questions about the tool. As the grid decarbonises and buildings move away from fossil fuels to all-electric systems, there is a […]
-
Engineers Australia appoints new president
Engineers Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Raj Aseervatham as National President and Board Chair. Dr Aseervatham has more than 35 years’ professional experience, starting his career as a civil infrastructure engineer in local and state government. He has worked in two ASX 50 mining companies and one ASX 50 energy company, consulting and audit/assurance firms […]
-
Latest Aussie acquisition for Beijer Ref
Beijer Ref has signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Turner Engineering, an Australian HVAC distributor with an annual turnover of approximately AUD$28 million. Turner Engineering was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Perth. “The company, which is among the region’s longest-standing independent HVAC distributors, boasts a highly proficient […]
-
World Ventil8 Day puts spotlight on health
The second annual World Ventilation Day (World Ventil8 Day) on November 8 will draw a direct link between ventilation in buildings and people’s health. The initiative, which is supported by professional bodies, universities, and environmental groups worldwide, aims to raise awareness of the vital role played by ventilation in maintaining people’s health, wellbeing, and productivity. […]
-
Germicidal UV could contribute to indoor air pollution
Germicidal ultraviolet (UV) is used to reduce the load of airborne pathogens in viruses, but new research has found it could be producing harmful compounds. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Aerodyne Research and Harvard University have discovered 222-nanometer UV lights may produce harmful compounds in indoor spaces; and are best used in conjunction […]
-
Stiebel Eltron welcomes new General Manager
Stiebel Eltron Australia, a leading provider of all-electric hot water, heating, and ventilation solutions, has announced the appointment of Nick Shepherd as its new General Manager. Shepherd has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and product development and a proven track record of success in leading teams and driving growth. Stiebel Eltron […]