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Category: News
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Extreme temperatures lead to online flaming
A new study has shown that temperatures outside a window of 12–21°C are linked to a marked rise in aggressive online behaviour. Conducted by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the study looked at more than four billion Twitter posts from US users between 2014–2020. Researchers used an AI algorithm to detect more than […]
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New type of AC replaces refrigerant with water
A multidisciplinary team at Harvard University is working on a design for a new type of air conditioner that it says uses a fraction of the energy typically needed by current models. The device uses water in place of refrigerants. Dubbed ColdSNAP (SNAP stands for “superhydrophobic nano-architecture process”), the design incorporates a coating that, inspired […]
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Deadline looms for new mechanical services licence
The New South Wales government is pressing ahead with plans to begin a new licensing class for mechanical services and medical gases on October 1. Given the tight timelines, and the concerns raised by HVAC&R stakeholders, NSW Fair Trading is working intensely with industry groups to better define the scope of the new licence – […]
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Major skills goals require detailed effort
At the National Jobs and Skills Summit, the federal government unveiled major initiatives to address Australia’s skills crisis. But industry insiders warn that the real work is still to come. During the summit, the government announced 465,000 additional fee-free TAFE placements, along with planned changes to Australia’s skilled migration system. Working with industry, unions and […]
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Air monitoring project expanding to 100 schools
After a successful pilot, an air quality monitoring project developed by UNSW researchers is expanding to 100 schools to gather more information on the environments where Australian children learn and play. UNSW Associate Professor Donna Green says it is fantastic to be able to extend the program more widely to schools throughout NSW, and in […]
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New thermal energy battery solution
Australian innovator MGA Thermal is proposing a thermal energy storage solution that aims to address the shortcomings of existing batteries. MGA Thermal says its new battery design will play an important role in providing medium-duration storage – a gap for traditional technology such as lithium-ion electrical batteries and hydrogen electrolysers. Lithium-ion electrical batteries are […]
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Status update on low-GWP refrigerants
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published a new informatory note outlining the requirements and options available for low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The refrigerants were selected according to performance, material compatibility, safety (flammability, toxicity), environmental protection and their cost. The note presents performance simulation results obtained using an advanced simulation model with […]
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Woolworths seeking refrigeration apprentices
Woolworths is looking for motivated individuals to join its next cohort of refrigeration apprentices in January 2023. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to install the latest refrigeration systems into Woolworths supermarket stores, or support the facilities management team with proactive and reactive maintenance services. The facilities management division oversees energy management and maintenance of […]
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New business tool for RAC technicians
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has partnered with Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to produce a brochure that promotes the value of always using a licensed RAC technician. As well as raising awareness of the industry, it is intended to help improve recovery rates […]
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Sustainability entries open for Banksia Awards
Entries are now open for the 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards, celebrating people and organisations working towards a net-positive future. The Banksia Awards are Australia’s longest-running sustainability awards, which recognise leadership in biodiversity, climate change, and First Nations people. The awards’ 15 categories highlight the diversity within the sustainability sector. “It’s time to amplify the […]
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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 […]