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Category: News
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Updated energy standards for new NSW projects
NSW has introduced a 7-star energy efficiency rating standard for new homes and renovations costing more than $50,000, as of October 2023. The new measures extend to large commercial developments and state projects too, which will have to submit a “net-zero statement” showing buildings are either all-electric or can convert to 100 per cent renewable […]
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Tests reveal huge energy penalties of common faults
A government-led study to quantify the benefits of HVAC&R maintenance is set to reveal the most common equipment faults – and their significant impacts on energy use. Attendees at the ARBS 2022 Seminar Program last week were afforded a sneak peek at the results, presented by Deepthi Worthing from the Ozone and Climate Protection, Department […]
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Propane AC could help avoid global temperature rises
A report published at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has highlighted the emissions that could be avoided by switching to propane as a refrigerant in split-system air conditioners. The research team estimates that such a transition could avoid a 0.09°C increase in global temperature by the end of the century. Global […]
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Australian fridgie to compete at Chillventa
Australian refrigeration and air conditioning technician Tom Clancy is set to travel to Germany in October, where he will compete in the WorldSkills international competition at the giant Chillventa exhibition. The scheduling of the competition came as welcome news for Clancy and the other international competitors, who were due to battle it out in Shanghai […]
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National registration roll-out gathers pace
Western Australia and the ACT have both taken the next steps towards implementing registration schemes for professional engineers. The moves add momentum to a nationwide trend towards registration schemes in response to the recommendations of the Building Confidence Report, which highlighted the need for registration as a mechanism for providing public accountability. WA and the […]
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Geothermal energy innovation on Metro Tunnel project
A project using geothermal energy has been selected as a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in sustainability across the state. Rail Projects Victoria was nominated for its world-first pilot trial using geothermal technology to convert existing infrastructure foundations into renewable thermal energy. Rail Projects Victoria worked in partnership with the […]
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Roadmap for addressing engineering skills crisis
Engineers Australia has developed a new report that it describes as a roadmap to address Australia’s engineering skills shortage in the short, medium and long term. Strengthening the Engineering Workforce identifies five factors influencing the profession’s supply of engineers and provides an inventory of tangible initiatives which could lessen current and future shortages. Supply factors […]
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Fake city shows heatwave weaknesses
Washington Post writers have constructed a hypothetical city to demonstrate the disastrous effects of extreme heat on infrastructure – building a cautionary tale in “Meltsville”. The project draws international inspiration from true examples of built environments that weren’t designed to endure extreme temperatures. Meltsville, through its article and accompanying dynamic graphics, illustrates that much of […]
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Building equality in gender policies
Governments around Australia are pushing the building and construction industry to take action on gender equality policies. Earlier this year the Victorian government revealed the Building Equality Policy (BEP), aimed at creating training and employment opportunities for women through government procurement on building, infrastructure, civil engineering and any other capital works projects. Under the gender […]
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Gill named to senior role at The Carbon Trust
Steve Gill, the head of the World Refrigeration Day secretariat, has been appointed head of sustainable cooling at The Carbon Trust. In this new role, Gill will lead global initiatives to address critical climate change challenges. He’ll also be charged with developing new propositions to address gaps and opportunities globally where The Carbon Trust can […]
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Geothermal solution for sustainable poultry farming
A new hybrid geothermal and solar energy system promises to dramatically reduce emissions and energy costs for many Australian poultry farms. The University of Melbourne is teaming up with geothermal companies Ground Source Systems and Fourth Element Energy to create a hybrid geothermal and solar HVAC system specifically for the poultry industry. The project, funded […]
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Suppliers sought for Home Heating and Cooling Program
The Victorian government is once again looking for suppliers to join the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program. In response to industry feedback, applications are now open online, via VendorPanel, the government’s eProcurement Platform. The program offers rebates to replace gas, electric and wood heaters with reverse-cycle split systems in low-income and vulnerable households. It […]
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Digital partnership for HVAC&R maintenance
AIRAH has partnered with field-servicing software provider Uptick to offer DA19 HVAC&R Maintenanceas an integrated online solution. The first of its kind, the partnership will allow Uptick to provide AIRAH’s DA19 inspection checklists, routine maintenance frequencies, and asset-class taxonomy to its premium customers. For more than 20 years, DA19 has been widely considered the definitive […]
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Expanding the clean energy workforce
Solar Victoria is offering free and low-cost packages for women to take up apprenticeships and training in the renewable energy industry – including air conditioning and refrigeration. The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades has invested $11 million in comprehensive training and workforce development packages. Women currently make up less than 1 per cent of the […]
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Collective push for higher standards in NCC 2022
More than 100 organisations have signed a joint statement supporting the lifting of energy standards in the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC). The document has been sent to federal and state and territory ministers ahead of a meeting in late August, where it is expected a final decision will be made on raising minimum energy […]
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New IAQ study from Daikin
A new indoor air quality study from Daikin has revealed more than half of Australians have experienced health issues due to poor air quality at home. The company says its Understanding indoor air quality in Australian homes research shows that humid conditions, poor ventilation and a lack of awareness on how to improve air quality […]
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Optimising commercial refrigeration and cooling equipment
The Victorian government has published a guide to optimising the performance of commercial refrigeration and cooling equipment. Aimed at end-users, it contains information on refrigerant gases, energy use, and a maintenance checklist for typical equipment. “Refrigeration and cooling systems can use a lot of energy and, if not properly maintained, may leak refrigerants,” reads the […]
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Landmark Australian ventilation study
A recent City of Melbourne research project has found that simple changes to ventilation systems can significantly decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and reduce energy consumption in office buildings. The City of Melbourne BREATH pilot tested and evaluated three different ventilation systems in a vacant CBD building over three months: displacement ventilation air conditioning, in-ceiling […]
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Sensory heating and cooling mattress promotes sleep
Bioengineers at the University of Texas in Austin, USA, have developed a sensory heating and cooling mattress and pillow system that can help people fall asleep. It is designed to manipulate bodily temperatures through sensors connected to the skin. Research fellow at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Shahab […]
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Bill Gates backs green air conditioning startup
Software billionaire Bill Gates is investing in air conditioning startup Blue Frontier, a company that aims to develop technology that will improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce harmful environmental impacts. Blue Frontier has received a $20 million round of funding, with backers including Bill Gates’ investment fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, among others. According to its […]