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Category: News
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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 […]
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NSW government targets women in trades
The NSW government plans to invest more than $20 million over three years to attract more women into the construction industry, hoping to see women in 15 per cent of trade and non-traditional roles by 2030. The Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program (IIP) is a grant funding initiative that aims to deliver projects aligned […]
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Expert guide to achieving net zero by 2040
UNSW experts have produced a guide to help the construction industry achieve net zero in the built environment by 2040, contemplating not only operational emissions, but also embodied carbon and the entire life-cycle of building materials. Race to Net Zero Carbon: A Climate Emergency Guide for New and Existing Buildings in Australia details information about […]
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Tool to support move away from gas boilers
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) has launched an online estimation tool designed to aid Australian businesses in sizing heat pumps to replace gas boilers in a bid to reduce skyrocketing energy costs and decarbonise operations to meet net zero targets. A2EP notes that although the implementation of industrial heat pumps is growing rapidly […]
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New material adapts heat emission for energy savings
Chicago University researchers have designed a building material that adjusts its emission of infrared colour and heat according to outdoor temperatures, which could provide low-energy temperature regulation for buildings. In a recent paper published in Nature Sustainability, researchers explained that their non-flammable electrochromic building material contains a layer that can reversibly shift between solid […]
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Gender segregation worsening in critical industries
Australian construction and engineering industries continue to have a high level of occupational gender segregation despite more women entering the workforce, according to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). Occupational gender segregation occurs when an occupation is dominated by either male or female workers. According to CEDA, this is worsening in critical industries […]
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Updated advice on indoor air quality
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) with support from AIRAH has released an updated handbook on indoor air quality. The handbook, last updated in 2021, has been revised to align with NCC 2022 and assist in understanding the indoor air quality (IAQ) verification methods in NCC Volume One and Volume Two. “The handbook contains explanations […]
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NSW strengthens fire safety regulations
The NSW government has made important changes to its fire safety regime to address shortcomings of the system. The Fire Safety Regulation 2022, published in December 2022, requires engineers to seek comment from the Fire Commissioner when developing performance solutions for Class 2–9 buildings, ensuring that the NSW fire authority is more engaged in the […]
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Updated guide on condensation management
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released an updated condensation management guide that explains the new provisions in the 2022 version of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). NCC 2022 will be adopted by states and territories on May 1, 2023, with some requirements – including those relating to condensation management – commencing on […]
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Air conditioning costs to cause discomfort
Melbourne-based startup Conry Tech is highlighting the increased costs of air conditioning this year, and predicts this will bring mainstream attention to what is typically an invisible issue. Conry Tech CEO and co-founder Sam Ringwaldt, M.AIRAH, estimates that power bills for air conditioning will be over $12.4 billion in 2023, given recent energy price rises. […]
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A clearer view of Australia’s commercial building stock
A new national report on energy consumption of buildings has revealed that Australia’s commercial building stock is almost double what was previously thought – and offers important signposts for the journey towards net zero. The 2022 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Baseline Study, published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), […]
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Final report from ASHRAE Global HVAC&R Summit released
The final report from the ASHRAE Global HVAC&R Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey last October has been released by the US-based engineering association. “The Summit was designed to create an environment of collaboration and strategic dialogue to address the critical issues of the day, which were determined via the results of an international survey developed […]
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Call for facility management summit speakers
The Facility Management Association (FMA) invites speakers to submit presentations for its national summit, Compliance and Regulation in FM, to be held in Melbourne, March 28. The summit will explore the latest in compliance practices, trends and requirements through presentations and panels. The day will comprise two half-day sessions, focusing on regulations in the morning […]