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Category: News
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Apprentices complete Kirby Scholarship Program
Recently, 10 fourth-year HVAC&R apprentices participated in the first round of the Kirby Apprentice Fund Naturals Training Scholarship Program. The apprentices were selected from across mainland Australia. Kirby Brand and Communications Manager Elizabeth Paparo, Affil.AIRAH, says the scholarship recipients were selected from a large pool of applicants. She says the 10 demonstrated a commitment to […]
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Humidity a major factor in emissions from cooling
Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Xerox PARC have released a study exploring the environmental impact of controlling humidity. The research first appeared in the journal Joule, titled “Humidity’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning”. While studies on air conditioners and greenhouse gases have been compiled before, this is the […]
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Victoria approves assessment scheme for HVAC&R engineers
The Victorian Business Licensing Authority has approved the AIRAH Professional Engineer Register (APER) program under the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019. This follows the approval for the APER in Queensland in 2021, and represents the next step of AIRAH’s plan to provide a professional registration scheme for HVAC&R building services engineers across the country. AIRAH […]
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Infrastructure Sustainability Council calls for industry shake-up
Australia’s Infrastructure Sustainability Council has released two new agendas that it hopes will bring the building industry together around a shared vision to address climate change and combat inequality. The first agenda, Advance our nations, fair – world-class infrastructure for thriving nations, explores barriers to world-class infrastructure performance. The second, Place-based approaches to net zero, […]
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New study confirms IAQ benefits of plants
Research teams at the University of Birmingham and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have recently discovered that indoor plants may be able to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by up to 20 per cent. The team chose to use common houseplants in their research, including peace lilies, corn plants and fern arums. Each plant was placed […]
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The end of hotel quarantine in Victoria
Hotel quarantine will finish in Victoria at the end of the month, with the purpose-built Victorian Quarantine Hub in Mickleham, north of Melbourne, becoming the sole quarantine site for unvaccinated travellers. The hub, which opened in February, has gradually been ramping up operations. From April, it will have capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 residents […]
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Using supercomputers to study COVID in classrooms
Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) are using supercomputers to study how aerosol viral particles are distributed in a ventilated classroom. The research is being used to determine optimal placement of HVAC outlets to minimise “dead zones” and maximise ventilation and therefore improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Using the Summit, the […]
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Triple-pane windows to gain market traction
A new generation of more affordable thin, triple-pane windows has been proven to reduce energy costs and noise levels. Researchers from the Department of Energy at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have led a series of studies with the aim of creating products with greater availability and lower costs. PNNL says windows typically make up approximately […]
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Global HVAC&R industry called to support Ukraine
The Refrigerating Association of Ukraine has issued an open letter calling for the global HVAC&R sector to provide its support in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion. The letter, written by Association Chairman Serhii Anashkin and shared online, appeals to manufacturers of HVAC&R equipment and refrigerant, as well as experts and participants in the […]
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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 […]