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Category: News
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COVID-19 ventilation optimisation guide for schools
AIRAH has released a guide to COVID-19 ventilation optimisation aimed at primary and secondary schools. Authored by Brad Prezant, Affil.AIRAH, the guide offers readers a better understanding of airborne transmission and building ventilation systems found in schools in Australia. It also provides advice about building a strategy for different facilities. It is intended as a […]
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AREMA flags concerns over whole-of-home approach
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association (AREMA) has raised concerns about the whole-of-home approach proposed for the 2022 revision of the National Construction Code (NCC). AREMA says it fully supports “sensible energy efficiency policy and legislation”, including incorporating energy efficiency into the NCC and using a whole-of-home calculation that includes heating and cooling […]
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Safe Work Australia updates ventilation advice
Safe Work Australia has updated its guidance on improving ventilation in indoor workspaces to minimise the risks of COVID-19, including information about modifying HVAC systems. The information is a key resource for employers, who have a duty under the model Work Health and Safety laws to minimise the risks of COVID-19 in the workplace so […]
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Linear compressor could slash HVAC&R energy use
European tech company Magtor has developed a linear compressor that could cut energy use by 30 per cent and eliminate power spikes on start-up, making it a candidate to replace traditional rotary-based technology. Identified as a key sustainable solution by the Solar Impulse Foundation, and presented as one of the “investment ready” cleantech ventures at […]
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Harrison claims WorldSkills gold for Queensland
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and a surprise call-up to the competition, Cameron Harrison has brought home another gold medal for Queensland in the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. Harrison was halfway through his final block of TAFE in his Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration when lead lecturer Carl Balke tapped him on the shoulder. The […]
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How do you solve a problem like construction?
One of Australia’s newest Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Building 4.0 CRC is looking to boost innovation in a sector that has traditionally been slow to change: the construction industry. According to Building 4.0 CRC’s website, for decades building has been plagued by rising costs, stagnant productivity, high waste and low margins. These problems are compounded […]
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ASHRAE makes presence felt at COP26
US HVAC&R engineering body ASHRAE was represented at the COP26 conference recently held in in Glasgow, Scotland, formally participating as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). It was also an official COP observer. Along with more than 60 influential firms and organisations operating within the built environment, ASHRAE was one of the signatories of the 1.5°C COP26 […]
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Could HVAC systems be used to detect COVID-19?
Researchers at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine have been attempting to detect SARS-CoV-2 in a building by testing the air passing through the HVAC systems. The team hopes this could lead to earlier detection of the virus, improved quarantine protocols, reduced transmission, and fewer outbreaks. Researchers collected samples from two large student dormitories […]
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Windows that control heat with the flick of a switch
Engineers at Duke University in North Carolina, USA have developed a window-like technology that can alternate between absorbing heating and cooling with the flick of a switch. The material is made from electrochromic technology, a material that can change colour and opacity through conducting electricity. Assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke, […]
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Strategies to stop our cities overheating
Launched at COP26, Beating the Heat is a handbook that provides strategies for sustainable cooling of cities. Created by the Cool Coalition, UNEP, RMI, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), Mission Innovation and Clean Cooling Collaborative, it offers planners an encyclopedia of proven options to help cool cities. In recent weeks, much […]
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Subject matter experts needed for Gas Training Package
With the Gas Supply Industry Skills project having commenced, the Gas Industry Reference Committee is forming a Technical Advisory Committee. The committee is now seeking expert input. “Your industry expertise and insight is welcome to help review and develop five qualifications and 69 Units of Competency in the Gas Supply Training Package,” says Australian Industry […]
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Good vibrations for cooling data centres
Glasgow-based Katrick Technologies hopes to revolutionise cooling power consumption in data centres with a vibrations-based heat-removal system. As the data proliferates in our increasingly digitised world, the energy demands of data centres are rising. Nature magazine has predicted that by 2030, data centres will be responsible for more than 8,000TWh of consumption worldwide, much of […]
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Concrete steps to manage embodied carbon
As scrutiny of embodied carbon increases, the NSW government has announced that it will fund the investigation and development of a world-leading framework for measuring, benchmarking and certifying emissions from construction and building materials. Carbon emissions from materials used in construction, such as steel and cement, are expected to become the largest source of carbon […]
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Seeking clarity on professional registration
As professional registration schemes commence across Australia, practitioners in the refrigeration sector are looking for a clear statement from government on which parts of their work will fall under the new regulations – and calling for alternative qualification pathways. On July 1, 2021, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 came into effect in New […]
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CEOs call for committed climate action
CEOs of some of the world’s largest multinational organisations – including a number of iconic names in HVAC&R – have committed to reducing emissions by more than 1Gt annually by 2030. All members of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, the more than 90 chief executives say that if world leaders reach agreement at COP26 […]
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New guide to energy efficient homes
The federal government has published the sixth edition of Your Home, an independent guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home provides advice on designs, materials and appliances that can make homes more comfortable and sustainable when building, buying or renovating. Written by more than 50 experts in building design and construction, it contains the latest […]
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COVID-19 considerations for operating theatres
The AIRAH Infection Control and Operating Theatre Practices Special Technical Group (STG) has produced a document that looks at the advantages, disadvantages and risks of common COVID-19 practices in operating theatres. The document provides considerations related to various measures that may be employed in operating rooms to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes negative […]
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A.G. Coombs releases advisory note on IT systems
In response to varied occupancy patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, A.G. Coombs has released an advisory note on supporting resilient tenant IT systems. “During COVID-19 many buildings experienced a significant reduction in the number of occupants,” says A.G. Coombs. “With the move to remote working, the reliance on tenant IT systems, often supported by […]
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Countries must go hard and early to avoid 2.7°C rise
The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) latest Emissions Program Gap Report has found that countries’ climate promises for 2030 fall far short of Paris Achievement goals, leaving the world on track for a global temperature rise of at least 2.7°C this century. The report, now in its 12th year, finds that countries will need to go […]
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Victoria pledges millions to build clean energy workforce
The Victorian government has launched a $6 million fund to support projects that promote training for an expanded clean energy workforce. The Clean Economy Workforce Capacity Building Fund provides grants up to $1 million for collaboration between industry and training providers to deliver innovation in clean economy training and workforce development. Funding can be used […]