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Category: News
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A 100 billion tonne opportunity
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has released a report highlighting the enormous refrigerant bank worldwide, and environmental benefits of managing it properly. Search, Reuse and Destroy describes a range of measures to manage the global refrigerant bank, particularly the ozone depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contained in existing equipment, chemical stockpiles, foams and other […]
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AIRAH and ARENA announce dynamic Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling (i-Hub)
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) are notoriously energy-intensive, consuming a considerable percentage of Australia’s electricity and producing substantial emissions. The new Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling (i-Hub) initiative, led by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) – in conjunction with CSIRO, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the […]
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Cool solution for renewable refrigeration
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced Glaciem Cooling Technologies Pty Ltd (Glaciem) is receiving $2 million in funding to demonstrate the technical and economic value of integrating thermal energy storage with renewable energy into HVAC&R applications. Glaciem and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have been developing a low-cost thermal energy storage technology […]
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ASHRAE launches Tech Hour
ASHRAE has launched its first Tech Hour video on the ASHRAE 365 app. ASHRAE Tech Hour aims to provide relevant technical content in the form of one-hour videos to members and interested individuals. The first video, Optimize Occupant Health, Building Energy Performance and Revenue through Indoor-Air Hydration, launched on November 19. It is presented by […]
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‘Critical commitment’ to low-energy buildings
At its meeting on November 22, 2019, the COAG Energy Ministers agreed to update the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings to cover existing buildings. The addendum is the second stage of the national plan for a trajectory towards zero energy (and carbon) ready buildings for Australia. It provides a suite of initiatives to improve the […]
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The new successor to R410A?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has given Honeywell’s new stationary air conditioning refrigerant R466A (also known as Solstice N41) the official designation A1 – non-toxic and non-flammable. The classification could be a key factor for manufacturers deciding which refrigerant to use in their systems in the medium-term. As a result of […]
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Auto mechanic fined for illegal R134a cylinders
A Victorian auto mechanic has been fined after it was discovered he possessed 26 illegal disposable cylinders of the synthetic greenhouse gas R134a. According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, inspectors executed a search warrant on the mechanic’s business in April this year. During the search, they identified and seized approximately $2,500 of […]
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RAC to split from Electrotechnology?
Leading bodies in the HVAC&R sector have made submissions to the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) to establish a dedicated Industry Reference Committee (IRC) for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC). If successful, it would signal a new era for RAC training in Australia. The proposal was initiated by a unanimous vote of the Refrigeration and […]
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Renew farewells Luckman
Renew announced at its Annual General Meeting that CEO Donna Luckman will be leaving the organisation on December 13. Luckman has been employed at Renew for 16 years, and has been CEO for six years. President of the Renew board, Helen Millicer, expressed her thanks to Luckman for her contributions to the organisation. “Donna has […]
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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 […]