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Category: News
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New study raises concerns over HFOs
Research co-led by York University and Environment and Climate Change Canada has unearthed new evidence about the impacts of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) on the environment. HFOs have been positioned by some as the future of synthetic refrigerants. They have zero ozone-depleting potential and break down very quickly in the atmosphere, resulting in very low global warming […]
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Chill Challenge announces grants
Engineers Without Borders USA has announced grant awards for seven proposals in its Chill Challenge, an initiative launched in September 2019 to develop affordable refrigeration technologies for off-grid households in the developing world. “The development of off-grid refrigeration has enormous potential for improving the lives of millions of the poorest and most vulnerable people on […]
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China to tackle HFCs
China has proposed a national plan to deal with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The plan recommends adjusting the existing regulations dealing with Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to cover HFCs, and to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of existing measures. It also proposes adding HFCs to existing regulations consistent with implementation of the Kigali Amendment, including a quota system […]
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Next step in Australia’s emissions reduction
The Australian government has released a series of recommendations from the Report of the Expert Panel examining additional sources of low cost abatement. A panel chaired by former Business Council of Australia president, Grant King, looked at ways to incentivise low-cost abatement across the country, with a focus on the industrial, manufacturing, transport and agriculture […]
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RAC apprentices on hold for driving licences
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is calling for refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices to be prioritised among those waiting for driver licence tests. In Victoria, COVID-19 restrictions have led to the suspension of driver’s licence testing in Victoria, resulting in a backlog of almost 30,000 applicants. This includes refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) trade apprentices, […]
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Solar chimney a life-saver
Researchers at RMIT University have designed a solar chimney that saves energy – and lives. While solar chimneys are known for their sustainable features – with the ability to reduce energy usage by up to 50 per cent – the researchers have designed one that is also optimised for fire safety. The new design is […]
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Role of refrigeration in worldwide nutrition
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published their sixth Informatory Note on Refrigeration and Food: The Role of Refrigeration in Worldwide Nutrition. It is an update of previous versions published by the IIR in November 1996 and June 2009. The Informatory Note draws on the latest facts and figures from reputable organisations such as […]
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Legionella on the rise in Sydney
As governments begin easing COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Ministry of Health (NSW Health) has issued a reminder that building owners and occupiers have a legal obligation to ensure air conditioning cooling towers are properly maintained, to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. “There has been an increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease across the Sydney […]
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Heads-up on heating from Standards Australia
As winter approaches and people start heating homes and other buildings, Standards Australia has sent out a message to raise awareness about safety and energy efficiency. Standards Australia notes that standards set out requirements for the safe design, use and energy consumption of heaters and similar electrical appliances heavily used in winter. It also points […]
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RRA launches augmented reality app
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) has released a series of new digital training resources that provide an innovative and hands-on way for apprentices to understand the refrigerant recovery processes for various types of equipment. “The processes for recovering refrigerant, pressure testing, evacuating and re-charging systems are critical for both upholding industry best practice and reducing the […]
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ASHRAE’s guide to reopening buildings
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on how to reduce potential health risks when buildings reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic. 2019–20 ASHRAE President Darryl Boyce says we have reached a time where planning for a safe return to normal activities has become a priority. “Safe operation of HVAC and building water management systems […]
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Road to raising flammable charge limits
Life Front has released a new report with recommendations on how to safely raise the charge limits for flammable refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) applications. The EU-funded project aims to remove implementation barriers posed by legacy charge-limit standards. The report comes after the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) paved the way for […]
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Rebound offers “once in a generation” opportunity
A new white paper is encouraging leaders from government and industry to use the COVID-19 recovery to transform our traditional construction processes. “The global construction industry cannot continue operating the way it does,” write co-authors Sumit Oberoi and Alain Waha in the paper, titled Industrialised Construction: The Rebound from COVID-19. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, […]
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NABERS Sustainable Portfolios Index 2020
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Sustainable Portfolios Index (SPI) 2020 is now available online. The SPI explores the top 40 property portfolios in Australia achieving measurable sustainability actions. A portfolio consists of two or more buildings with NABERS ratings owned by the same company. The SPI also provides comparative business intelligence on […]
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Restarting hibernating HVAC systems
The Property Council of Australia, Facility Management Association (FMA) and the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) have called on building owners and facilities managers to commence careful planning for the safe reopening of commercial buildings and workplaces across Australia. The advice comes as the national cabinet and state governments announce easing […]
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EEC’s Luke Menzel joins i-Hub Steering Committee
Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) CEO Luke Menzel has been appointed to the Steering Committee of the Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling, or i-Hub. Established by AIRAH in association with the CSIRO and PRIME, the i-Hub has been designed to facilitate the HVAC&R industry’s transition to a low-emissions future, stimulate jobs growth, and showcase […]
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CaaS Incubator announces pilot projects
Five companies were selected into the CaaS Incubator program, an initiative that seeks to promote the concept of cooling as a service (CaaS). The CaaS initiative aims to decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from cooling use through a pay-per-service model for more efficient cooling systems. The winning projects offer highly efficient air […]
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Seeley wraps up at Mitsubishi Electric
Rob Seeley is leaving Mitsubishi Electric Australia after nearly a decade, and wrapping up his career in the HVAC&R industry after more than 30 years. Seeley was the HVAC state manager for Victoria and Tasmania at Mitsubishi Electric. His role developed over the course of his career, from direct engagement with consulting engineers to leading […]
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Experts call for indoor humidity guidelines
Leading members of the international scientific and medical community have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish global guidance on the minimum lower limit of air humidity in public buildings. Those behind the move have created a petition, which they say is aimed at increasing global public awareness about the crucial role indoor […]
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COVID-19 devastates housing industry
An economic modelling released by Master Builders Australia has shown that up to 43,000 new homes will not be built this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. CEO of Master Builders Australia, Denita Wawn, says the new modelling conducted by Master Builders Australia shows the devastating impact the lockdown of the economy is having on the […]