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Category: News
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AIRAH backs further action on high-GWP refrigerants
AIRAH has backed a federal government proposal to ban the import and manufacture of small air conditioners with high-GWP refrigerants – and called for similar actions in other classes of equipment. The ban on small air conditioners with high-GWP refrigerants would complete the transition – already well under way – from R410A to R32 and […]
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Mitsubishi Electric CEO steps down due to improper testing
In a press conference on July 2, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation President and CEO Takeshi Sugiyama announced his intention to step down from his role. The announcement came in response to the findings from an internal investigation that revealed evidence of a long history of improper testing of railway air conditioning equipment and air compressors manufactured […]
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Is this the HVAC system of the future?
A research collaboration between architecture firm BVN and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has created a 3D-printed air-diffusion system that has the potential to slash embodied carbon and installation costs – and disrupt the status quo of mechanical services. The Systems Reef 2 (SR2) is an alternative to traditional ductwork that is 3D printed […]
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Reducing the urban heat island effect
A new study by researchers at the Ohio State University has uncovered how to measure the effects shade can have on temperatures in urban environments. Urban areas are often affected by the “urban heat island effect”, where surfaces such as buildings and carparks can absorb and reflect heat – which in turn increases the overall […]
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Roll-out of professional registration begins in NSW and Victoria
July 1, 2021, marks a major step in the national professional registration era, with the NSW and Victorian governments beginning to phase in registration schemes for engineers working in these states. New South Wales has introduced the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation. Although this applies only to multi-storey (and mixed use) residential buildings initially, the […]
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Apprentices take centrestage in SA
South Australia’s top refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices have been recognised at the annual AIRAH Apprentice Awards. This year’s event, held at the Adelaide Pavilion, saw industry members and guests gather to celebrate the achievements of apprentices in the HVAC&R industry. “It was a great success and honoured some really talented young men in the […]
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Toshiba elects interim chair, issues statement
In the midst of considerable change, Toshiba Corporation used the occasion of its recent AGM to elect CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa as Interim Chair of the Board. ”Toshiba is in the middle of a period of considerable change, focused around an improvement in corporate governance, greater emphasis on capital management, increase in shareholder returns, and the […]
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Woolworths opens refrigeration apprenticeship program
Woolworths has opened applications across five states for its 2021 refrigeration apprenticeship program, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. The four-year program offers the selected apprentice refrigeration technicians the opportunity to gain experience with the latest global refrigeration technologies. Woolworths says its refrigeration systems are at the forefront of technology. […]
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Beijer Ref expands offering in Oceania
Beijer Ref is expanding its Oceania footprint with two deals that strengthen its offering in industrial refrigeration and natural refrigerants. To further bolster its position in Oceania, Beijer Ref has acquired the assets of the Australian company Industrial Refrigeration Components (IRC). IRC has an annual turnover of approximately AU$3.1 million, and the company consists of […]
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EPEE appoints Folker Franz as new Director-General
The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) has welcomed Folker Franz, a German national and public affairs professional, as its new Director-General starting August 1. He will take over from outgoing Director-General, Andrea Voigt. Founded in 2000, the EPEE represents Europe’s HVAC&R industry; it has more than 50 member companies, and national and […]
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How will you celebrate World Refrigeration Day?
World Refrigeration Day, celebrated on June 26, is an international awareness campaign established to raise the profile of HVAC&R. It focuses attention on the significant role that the industry and its technology play in modern life and society. It also draws attention to engineering and science that is all around us every day. As the […]
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City of Sydney proposes energy targets for development applications
In an Australian-first plan, the City of Sydney is considering mandatory energy target requirements for building development applications. Should the council proceed, development applications would have to comply with minimum energy performance standards. Summarised in a report, Performance standards to net zero energy buildings, the proposal requires applications to comply with minimum energy ratings from […]
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Suppliers sought for home heating and cooling program
The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is inviting HVAC&R companies to express their interest in becoming registered suppliers for the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades program. The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades (HHCU) program has the goal of helping 250,000 low-income and vulnerable households improve their thermal comfort by offering rebates […]
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A cool career move for Woolworths manager
Geoffrey Craggs is proving it’s never too late to follow your passions, after switching roles from a duty manager to an apprentice refrigeration technician within the Woolworths Food Group. Craggs migrated to Australia from Belgium in 2012, and is now settled in Rockdale, Sydney. After working as a duty manager for nine years he wanted […]
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Researchers sound further warnings about HFOs
A new report from the German Environment Agency, and research from the University of New South Wales have raised more concerns about the environmental impacts of HFO refrigerants. When hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were identified as greenhouse gases, and targeted for phase-down under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) were put forward as an […]
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Concerns grow over IAQ in Australian schools
A recent RMIT research project has highlighted the poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in some Victorian classrooms, and added to concerns around ventilation in Australian schools in general. Given their developmental stage and the amount of time they spend in the classroom, school children are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality. According to the report, […]
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AIRAH calls for industry to unite at Census time
As part of its World Refrigeration Day 2021 celebrations on June 26, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is calling on those involved in HVAC&R to highlight this vital sector in their response to the 2021 Census of Australia. The Census takes place Tuesday, August 10. AIRAH is rallying its members […]
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Queensland will adopt licensing reforms when “fully ready”
The Queensland government has indicated it will be working with the Commonwealth to resolve issues around automatic mutual recognition before adopting the reforms, due to take effect on July 1 around Australia. “The Queensland government is supportive of improving occupational mobility to support economic recovery, but not at any cost,” says the government. “It is […]
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New comprehensive guide to refrigeration
Fundamentals of Refrigeration is a new manual published by Volker Stamer, Director of the international Bitzer training centre Schaufler Academy. According to Bitzer, the text is a comprehensive guide to refrigeration, with a wealth of basic information aimed at new entrants to the industry, and extensive reference material that will serve experienced refrigeration technicians. “The […]
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Dr Bronwyn Evans honoured in Queen’s Birthday list
Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans has been appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to engineering, to standards and to medical technology. As well as possessing a background in electrical engineering, Dr Evans has been an important figure for promoting the engineering sector and mentoring young […]