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Category: News
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Plants don’t improve indoor air quality
It is a modern myth that has become universally accepted as fact: that houseplants help to reduce indoor air pollution. But a recent study by Drexel University scientists has proved that plants have little to no impact on indoor environments. The original study that found plants were beneficial in an indoor environment was conducted by […]
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Free guide on flammable refrigerant in vehicles
Ground-breaking Australian research has led to a free guide to help automotive technicians work safely with flammable refrigerants. Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA), automotive thermal and electrical trade association VASA and GHD Engineering worked together to study the management of health and safety risks associated with the use of flammable gases, including refrigerants, in an automotive […]
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Eight cooling solutions to save the world
A global coalition led by the government of India along with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has announced the eight finalists of the Global Cooling Prize. The international innovation competition aims to promote the development of super-efficient and climate-friendly residential cooling solutions for homes. The finalist teams include some of the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturers, […]
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AIRAH Award winners announced
On November 14 at Doltone House in Sydney, more than 300 people from Australia’s HVAC&R industry – a record attendance for the event – put on their black-tie best for the AIRAH Awards presentation gala. AIRAH president Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH, opened the evening by reflecting on the underlying purpose of the awards. “I don’t know […]
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OzonAction award winners
ASHRAE and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have announced the project selections for the 2019 ASHRAE-UNEP OzonAction Lower-GWP Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Innovation Awards. The annual international award program promotes innovative design, research and practice by recognising people who have developed or implemented innovative technological concepts applied in developing countries to promote lower global warming potential […]
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TAFE NSW inaugural awards night
This year TAFE NSW – Sydney Region Refrigeration Section hosted the annual student’s awards night at the Apprentice Restaurant, Ultimo. The organisers took advantage of this first-time event to recognise last year’s award winners too, as well as the 2019 WorldSkills Sydney region finalists. “The event showcases passion, dedication and commitment the students, teachers and […]
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AIRAH publishes salary survey
AIRAH has completed its survey of salaries in the Australian HVAC&R industry, and the mood of respondents is generally upbeat. In total, 491 industry professionals from every state and territory completed the survey. “The data in this report provides a comparative analysis of the survey responses provided by all participants,” says Dr David Iacuone, who […]
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Flammable future for split systems?
German development agency GIZ has published a resource guide promoting the use of R290 (propane) in split system air conditioners. The guide highlights the efficiency benefits and potential emissions reductions that propane offers, and addresses concerns about flammable refrigerants. Ultimately, it aims to encourage policy-makers to facilitate the market uptake of energy-efficient split systems using […]
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Rising impact of mobile air conditioning
Without further policy intervention, energy use from mobile air conditioning is set to triple by 2050. The stark warning is one of the highlights from a recently released report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) called Cooling on the Move. Air conditioners in passenger cars, vans, buses and freight trucks are collectively known as mobile […]
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New CEO for Sustainability Victoria
Claire Ferres Miles has been appointed CEO for Sustainability Victoria. A government entity, Sustainability Victoria supports Victorian businesses and communities to reduce waste, act on climate change, improve recycling, and to use resources wisely. In the past it has offered funds for HVAC upgrades and run refrigeration masterclasses around the state. “All Victorians are seeking […]
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Queensland tightens Cert II rules
The Queensland government has confirmed details of its new mechanical services licence framework, including the need for Certificate III qualifications to perform nearly all refrigeration and air conditioning work. The regulation incorporates feedback from the consultation period earlier this year, and confirms the goal of raising industry standards and accountability. “The licensing framework recognises that […]
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Buildings to the rescue for ERF
The federal government is searching for ways to give the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) a much-needed boost, and appears to see energy efficiency and the built environment as two areas with great potential. The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) – recently expanded and rebranded as the Climate Solutions Fund – is the centrepiece of the government’s […]
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Every building counts
The Property Council of Australia and Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) have launched a policy toolkit called Every Building Counts: A practical plan for emissions reduction. The plan sets out practical pathways for transforming Australian homes, workplaces and buildings into low carbon, high-performance structures while reducing emissions. It also includes 75 recommendations to federal, state […]
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Advice on flammables
Asercom, the European refrigeration and air conditioning components manufacturers group, has published a guide for the safe handling of components used in compression refrigeration circuits with flammable refrigerants. “The component manufacturers organised in Asercom have noticed a high degree of uncertainty among refrigeration and air conditioning specialists when dealing with flammable refrigerants,” says Asercom president […]
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Industry snapshot: the latest figures
The Department of the Environment and Energy has released an updated version of Cold Hard Facts, the definitive inventory of Australia’s HVAC&R industry. The 2019 edition updates the version released last year (which contained data up to 2016) with data collected during 2017 and 2018. Key points from this year’s report include: The bank of […]
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ARBS funding up for grabs
The ARBS Education & Research Foundation is encouraging companies working in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industries to apply for education and training grants. Research grants are available to look into solving practical problems. They can be used to support attendance at education and training courses, or the development of new ones. Research grants are also […]
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ActronAir scores BMC award
Australian air conditioning manufacturer ActronAir has been recognised in Deloitte Australia’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) awards. The 2019 winners were announced at a ceremony in Sydney last week. This is the first year that Deloitte has held the first BMC awards in Australia. The program was established in Canada in 1993, and uses global insights […]
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Heat is on for Cooler Classrooms
Last year, the NSW government announced that it would invest half a billion dollars in the Cooler Classrooms program. The five-year initiative aims to improve learning environments in public schools across the state by providing air conditioning. But with summer fast approaching, progress has been modest. “We are committed to delivering a quality, sustainable and […]
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Ground-breaking project for Lakeside
Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are ready to commence the Westgate Tunnel Project in Melbourne. Their names are Bella and Vida. The TBMs were named for good luck in the project ahead. According to the Westgate Tunnel Project website, this tradition dates right back to the 1500s, when miners and military engineers who excavated with […]
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Cool for School competition
The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) is running a competition for school students, to promote the contributions that refrigeration science and principles make to society. The Cool for School initiative encourages students to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematical principles behind refrigeration processes. IoR Chief Executive Miriam Rodway says refrigeration science and principles make a […]