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Category: News
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AIRAH granted membership of Standards Australia
The Board of Standards Australia has granted the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) membership of Standards Australia. The nation’s peak non-government standards-development organisation, Standards Australia operates as an independent, non-government, not-for-profit outfit. The work of Standards Australia and its contributors from industry, government and the consumer sector enhance the nation’s economic […]
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Breaking the bias in HVAC&R
To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) and its theme for 2022, AIRAH has launched a survey to collect and share experiences of gender in Australia’s HVAC&R building services sector, and identify ways to “break the bias”. Sharing experiences The survey was initiated by the Women of AIRAH special technical group (STG). Ura Sarfejoo, M.AIRAH, is […]
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ABCB appoints Gary Rake as CEO
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) – the body responsible for updating and maintaining the National Construction Code (NCC) – has appointed Gary Rake as CEO. Rake comes to the ABCB with more than 25 years’ experience in senior positions across the public and private sectors. An economist and accountant by profession, his range of […]
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New research aims to end the refrigeration of vaccines
CSIRO researchers have developed a technique that addresses the challenges inherent in transporting temperature-dependent vaccines. The aim and hope of the research is to increase access to vaccines for those in rural and remote communities in Australia and developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that every year at least 50 per cent of vaccines […]
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Micro courses to improve leadership skills
The Institute for Sustainable Leadership is offering two micro courses to help participants develop their people skills. The “Essential Leadership Tools” course provides training in the basic leadership tools needed to improve team and individual efficiency and productivity while enhancing staff motivation. Dr Gayle Avery leads the course, bringing her global experience and real-life knowledge […]
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Solid-state refrigeration tech wins £1.3m funding
A zero-carbon refrigeration start-up company has received funding to commercialise its refrigeration technology, which aims to cut global emissions. Barocal, a spin-out from Cambridge University, has secured £1.3m to develop the solid-state temperature changing materials that work in both heating and cooling applications. The barocaloric materials offer a zero-carbon alternative to gas-compression cooling and heating. […]
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‘Climate-neutral’ chiller that runs on water
Refrigeration specialist Efficient Energy is claiming a world first with the launch of a climate-neutral chiller that uses water as a refrigerant. The German company made news last year when it won third place in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranking – an award for the fastest growing companies in the country. This growth was […]
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ABB and EEC join forces for energy efficiency
ABB will partner with Australia’s Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) to support an aligned mission to drive industrial energy efficiency. ABB will be involved in the Council’s initiatives related to policy and advocacy, business growth, and professional development Upcoming projects will facilitate a broader based platform for helping industry and infrastructure to acquire the information needed […]
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Report confirms massive demand for engineers
The latest Australian Engineering Employment Vacancy Report, produced by Engineers Australia, shows that demand for engineers is at a 10-year high. It also warns that this is exacerbating the existing skills crisis. According to the report, the number of jobs advertised increased 50 per cent nationally in 2021. Demand grew most strongly in Queensland, New […]
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A.G. Coombs issues advice on commercial HVAC refrigerants
A.G. Coombs has produced an update on its advice about refrigerant use for commercial HVAC systems. “As the world grapples with rising temperatures caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, refrigerants are under renewed scrutiny,” A.G. Coombs says. “Common refrigerants are classified as greenhouse gases, which can be hundreds or even a thousand times worse […]
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Final call for ARBS 2022 Industry Award nominations
The deadline for entries into the ARBS 2022 Industry Awards is quickly approaching, with submissions due 5pm on February 28. “Held alongside the ARBS 2022 exhibition, the ARBS Industry Awards are an opportunity for the Australian HVAC&R and building services community to celebrate the extraordinary talent which sustains the industry,” ARBS says. The award […]
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Finding a fast path to decarbonising building operations
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has released a discussion paper titled Rapid and Least Cost Pathways for Decarbonising Building Operations, and is calling for input into the next phase of the project. ASBEC plans to map out a pathway for fully decarbonised building operations. It will take into consideration the least cost pathways […]
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Refrigerant report underlines need for further efforts
The latest Cold Hard Facts report, just released, confirms that Australia has now very likely passed “peak bank” in terms of both total volume of refrigerant and its GWP value. But it also highlights segments of the refrigerant market that may require more attention, and the need for ongoing effort to restrict emissions. Since 2007, […]
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Breakthrough building materials moderate temperature
A research team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has developed innovative materials that can moderate building temperatures. Designed by Scientia Professor Mat Santamouris (Anita Lawrence Chair High in Performance Architecture at the School of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture), the new materials adjust the optical properties in conventional coatings for buildings. The design […]
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Government offers ventilation vouchers
As the Victorian government announces a relaxing of rules for mask wearing, it has also unveiled a stimulus package to support businesses and entice people back into venues and workplaces. Although the incentives for dining, entertainment and travel have been offered before, this time there is new funding aimed specifically at ventilation. A $60 million […]
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A new imperative for industrial IOT at scale
Although 96 per cent of international businesses believe digitalisation is “essential to sustainability,” just 35 per cent have implemented industrial IoT solutions at scale. This is one of the major findings of a new global study of international business and technology leaders on industrial transformation, looking at the intersection of digitalisation and sustainability. Commissioned by ABB, […]
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Scholarships in sustainable leadership
The Institute for Sustainable Leadership is offering 10 scholarships in support of International Women’s Day. The 50 per cent fee scholarships are available to organisations within the design and construction industry, and are open to all applicants, irrespective of gender. The Foundations in Sustainable Leadership course teaches participants to apply sustainable leadership practices to achieve […]
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Air quality protocol under development at QUT
International air quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska, in liaison with facilities management at QUT, is developing a protocol to undertake air quality auditing within the university’s facilities. Prof. Morawska says the assessment aims to ensure excellent air quality, which would ensure a lower risk of infection of airborne viruses including COVID-19, as well as […]
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World Refrigeration Day announces 2022 theme
At a session held during the 2022 AHR Expo in Las Vegas, World Refrigeration Day founder Steve Gill announced the theme for 2022: Cooling matters. Held annually on June 26 – the birthday of Lord Kelvin – World Refrigeration Day is an international initiative that raises awareness of the benefits of cooling. It also aims […]
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Grants up for grabs for plumbers and gas fitters
Rheem Australia is encouraging Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters to apply for a share of $30,000 in grants available from the 2022 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants scheme. Ten apprentice plumbers from around the country will receive a grant of $3,000 to support their studies and help launch their plumbing career. “This year marks a […]