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Category: News
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Pipework insulation provisions put to the test
A large Australian installer of refrigeration and air conditioning pipework is conducting tests to determine whether certain insulation provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC) could be revised to facilitate installation of refrigeration pipework without affecting energy efficiency. The provision in question in NCC 2019 is J5.8(a), specifically relating to insulation required on refrigeration pipework. […]
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Big investors Google and Sol Systems back small fixes
Google and clean-energy developer Sol Systems have unveiled a new approach to energy efficiency by pairing clean energy with community investment in two less prosperous US states. The two giant corporates are providing seed funding to three electricity co-operatives and a non-profit, all US-based outfits. The idea is to spend money upfront to make homes […]
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Campaign to improve smoke and fire wall penetrations
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is launching a campaign to improve service penetrations in fire-rated and smoke-proof walls. The campaign will leverage the insights from extensive research work done on the issue with industry input. During 2020 and 2021, the VBA partnered with BehaviourWorks Australia to undertake research to understand how improper service penetration of […]
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OzHelp builds on mental health and wellbeing
The OzHelp Foundation has announced the launch of a new program aimed at preventing suicide and supporting mental health in the building and construction industry: the Health in Trades program (HiT). According to OzHelp, nine Australians, on average, die by suicide every day. Of all these deaths, 75 per cent are men, and construction workers […]
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AC based on air-cooled photovoltaic-thermal system
Scientists in China claim to have developed a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air conditioning system that uses an air-cooled condenser and a PV/T condenser combined in series. The research was published recently in Applied Thermal Energy, a technical journal. Researchers from Hebei University of Technology say they have designed the photovoltaic-thermal air conditioning system, whose novelty arises from using […]
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A.G. Coombs releases advisory note about net zero for FMs
Integrated building services provider A. G. Coombs has issued another in its series of informative guidance communiques or advisory notes. Aimed at facility managers, the latest is an exploration of net zero buildings. “The concept of ‘net zero’ is pivotal to any discussion regarding sustainability in the built environment,” the note says. “Despite its widespread […]
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Federal government launches energy-efficiency grants
Small and medium businesses across Australia can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and bring down emissions. The grants can be used for a wide range of activities, such as upgrading or replacing existing air conditioners with high-efficiency units, or replacing gas heating boilers with […]
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Europe votes to move away from fluorinated refrigerants
The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) has agreed to amendments to the F-gas regulation that will see bans on fluorinated gases in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment over the next five years. It signals a major move away from synthetic gases and towards natural alternatives. “We are making […]
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Daikin to expand Australian manufacturing operations
Daikin Australia has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations as part of a continued focus on local manufacturing, research and development. The project, due for completion by June 2024, will see the construction of a new 7,500m2 factory to complement the existing factory at Daikin’s Australian headquarters on Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW. […]
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Fast-track pathogen mitigation standard under development
ASHRAE has convened a project committee to develop an indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard. The goal is to finalise the consensus-based, code-enforceable standard within six months. “The health and wellbeing of building occupants are crucial factors that must be considered during the design, construction and operation phases of the building process,” says ASHRAE […]
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Employers’ gender pay gaps to be disclosed
Under a new federal government bill aimed at improving gender equity, the gender pay gaps for employers of 100 workers or more will be publicly disclosed. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), Australia’s national gender pay gap is 14.1 per cent. From May 2022, women in Australia earned $263.90 less than men each […]
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Online HVAC&R resource for Southeast Queensland
A new local resource site for the Southeast Queensland HVAC&R community has been launched: the HVACR Noticeboard. Founded by local mechanical engineer Wes Mergard, the HVACR Noticeboard has two purposes. First, it provides a central online meeting place for Southeast Queensland to support and showcase the work of local HVAC&R industry leaders, in the forms […]
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Harnessing heat pumps could deliver huge savings
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) and the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) have released a report that reveals the huge potential energy and emissions savings offered by heat pumps in Australia. Harnessing heat pumps for net zero: The role of heat pumps in saving energy and cutting emissions spotlights the critical role of heat […]
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Electrical control of passive radiative cooling
Researchers in Sweden have shown that electrical tuning of passive radiative cooling can be used to control the temperature of a material at ambient temperatures and air pressure. Passive radiative cooling occurs when thermal energy leaves an object in the form of infrared radiation. The amount they emit depends on its ability to absorb infrared […]
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Householders get free hot water in server cooling trial
UK company Heata is rolling out small but powerful servers that can be attached to home hot water heating systems. The servers get the cooling they need, and the householders who install them get free hot water heating in return. The installation works by fitting the server and a patented thermal bridge to a standard […]
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APCO seeks views on problematic packaging
Leading up to the 2025 deadline for Australia’s national packaging targets, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is seeking information on problematic packaging. The targets, to be achieved by December 31, 2025, are: 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging 70 per cent of plastic packaging being recycled or composted 50 per cent of […]
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AIRAH names Trish Hyde as new CEO
Following a detailed recruitment process, the AIRAH Board has appointed Trish Hyde to the role ofAIRAH Chief Executive. Hyde replaces Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, who announced his impending resignation late last year, but will help with the seamless leadership transition over the coming weeks. AIRAH President Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH, says Hyde’s passion for sustainability, proven ability […]
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AC disruptor secures further funding
US air conditioning company Gradient has secured US$18 million (AU$26 million) funding to advance its innovative heat pump solutions. The Series A funding is co-led by Sustainable Future Ventures and Ajax Strategies, with participation by Safar Partners, Climate Tech Circle, Shared Future Fund, At One, Impact Science, and others. Gradient CEO Vince Romanin says the […]
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Bans on horizon for common refrigerants
All eyes are on a European proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that may result in bans on many widely used refrigerants. Alex Pachai, who chairs the Eurammon technical committee, the International Institute of Refrigeration working group on safety, and the industrial heat pump manufacturer’s group at the Danish Heat Pump Association, explains […]
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RAC apprentices eligible for new ‘clean energy’ payment
Refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices are now eligible for additional financial support thanks to the trade’s reclassification as a “clean energy” job in the updated Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. The priority list identifies occupations for the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System, which provides support payments for both apprentices and their employers. The latest priority list also […]