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Category: News
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Small fixes for big emissions reductions
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has applauded a new report that highlights common faults in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment – and the considerable potential benefits of addressing them. HVAC&R has a huge impact on Australia’s energy use and greenhouse emissions. HVAC&R uses more than 24 per […]
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Max Duarte named International Committee Chair of IIAR
Max Duarte has assumed the position as Chair of the International Committee of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR). Duarte has been an IIAR member for many years, during which time he has served as Vice Chair of the International Committee and presented technical documents at the US IIAR EXPO and various events in […]
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ASHRAE forms task force for building decarbonisation
ASHRAE has formed a task force to address climate change through decarbonisation strategies for the built environment. The ASHRAE Task Force for Building Decarbonization (TFBD) has been established to develop technical resources and provide leadership and guidance in mitigating the negative carbon impact of buildings on the environment and the inhabitants of our planet. “In […]
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Biden sued over executive environmental order
Twelve American states have filed a federal lawsuit against President Joe Biden for his executive climate change order, alleging that he lacks the statutory and constitutional authority to dictate specific values for the “social costs” of greenhouse gases for regulatory programs administered by the federal government. Biden signed executive order 13990 on his first day […]
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Refrigeration research receives €15m funding
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing €15m (AU$23m) to fund a research, development and education platform in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning technology. The Refrigeration and Energy Technology Research Platform will be established by Chemnitz University of Technology, the Institute of Air Handling and Refrigeration Dresden, and the Fraunhofer […]
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Chemours pledges to reduce HFC-23 emissions
Global chemistry company and refrigerant producer Chemours has announced a project to significantly reduce emissions of HFC-23 at its Louisville, Kentucky (US) manufacturing site. HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential (GWP) of 12,400 – many times greater than most refrigerants used today. It is a by-product of producing R22, […]
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Government extends apprentice wage subsidy
The federal government is extending its Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement subsidy scheme for 12 months until September 30, 2021. The program, which covers 50 per cent of wages paid to new or recommencing apprentices, has been embraced by businesses. The government says it is has helped create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months. “Growing our […]
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EPA offers $50,000 for IAQ solutions to smoke
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a design challenge to encourage the development of IAQ innovations that offer protection from smoke exposure during wildfires. In partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, the EPA is offering five prizes – each up to US$10,000 (AU$13,000) – for low-cost approaches to clean fine particulate […]
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NSW invests $750 million in industrial net zero program
NSW has announced a $750 million program to promote low-emission industries and drive the state towards its 2050 net zero target. Energy Minister Matt Kean says the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program is about co-investing with industry to reduce carbon emissions and develop low-emissions technologies for the future. “NSW was one of the first […]
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What is the most common RAC fault?
A new report prepared by the Expert Group for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment lists the most common faults identified in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It also gauges the impacts of these faults and highlights how routine maintenance could significantly reduce electricity use, refrigerant leaks and emissions. The […]
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The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are back
The 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants (RAPG 2021) program is now inviting applicants to win $30,000 worth of grants. Now into its ninth year, the program was established to help ease the financial strain felt by many apprentice plumbers, and to invest in the skills of future plumbers and provide assistance so that they can […]
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Round two of WA Clean Energy Future Fund
Round two of Western Australia’s Clean Energy Future Fund is now accepting applications. Launched in April 2020, the state government fund supports the implementation of innovative clean energy projects in Western Australia. According to the WA Government website, these are projects that offer high public value through contributing to one or more of the following […]
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Why some people might feel the cold more than others
New research has revealed almost 20 per cent of people worldwide lack a protein called α-actinin-3 in their muscle fibre. The skeletal muscle in this group of people is made up of more slow-twitch muscle fibres. These muscles are more durable and energy efficient and provide better tolerance to low temperatures than fast-twitch muscle fibres. […]
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New report on potential health impacts of HFOs
A new report has highlighted the possible environmental and human health risks posed by some HFOs – the newest generation of synthetic refrigerants – breaking down in the atmosphere. Report and statement of the downsides of HFO refrigerant usage has been produced by Refolution Industriekälte GmbH, a European refrigeration company that specialises in low-temperature systems […]
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Airmaster acquires Specialised Fire Protection
Airmaster has entered into an agreement to acquire fire protection services company Specialised Fire Protection. Through this acquisition, Airmaster says it will build upon its portfolio of specialist in-house knowledge and expertise in fire services, while continuing to service Specialised Fire Protection customers. “With over 50 years of combined experience, and a customer base that […]
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Beijer Ref’s Australian plant completes relocation
Beijer Ref’s Australian manufacturing operation SCM REF Australia has completed its relocation into a new purpose-built facility at Bankstown, Sydney. The OEM has been set up to service the Australian refrigeration industry, with a focus on natural refrigerants. As part of the push for sustainability under the combined Beijer Ref umbrella, Kirby and Beijer Ref […]
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Safe Work releases guidance on workplace ventilation
A new COVID-19 fact sheet on improving ventilation in indoor workplaces has been developed by Safe Work Australia. The fact sheet highlights practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and improve ventilation in indoor workplaces. The advice covers three main points. Ensuring HVAC systems are operating properly. This includes checking that systems […]
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HVAC&R is helping NASA find life on Mars
Those in HVAC&R often talk about the impacts this industry has had in supporting our modern way of life. Now another achievement can be added to the list: interplanetary exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed one its largest and most advanced rovers, named Perseverance, on Mars on February 18, 2021. The aim […]
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Welcome to the hydrogen-heated home
The UK government has confirmed the country’s first test homes completely relying on hydrogen for heating will be opened to the public, researchers and educators in April. The two semi-detached homes will showcase working hydrogen appliances in a domestic setting. They will demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a direct lower carbon alternative to existing […]
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Changes imminent for NABERS Energy Ratings
NABERS Energy Ratings are set to change from July 1 this year to reflect the increasing decarbonisation of the grid. There are also plans to introduce a formal definition of “net zero” and recognise buildings that achieve this standard. Corine Mulet is Technical Projects Manager at NABERS and presented a session on the changes as […]