Page 69
Category: News
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Time to talk about embodied emissions
A new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has called for a bold new vision to transform the buildings and construction sector from a major cause of the climate emergency into a major solution. Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront shows that buildings are responsible for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. Reducing the […]
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Slashing on-farm energy use
The NSW government is urging primary producers to put their best ideas forward to cut costs and reduce on-farm energy use, and is offering up to $2.25 million in grants. “In the midst of the worst drought on record, it’s more important than ever that farmers are efficient, and get the best bang for their […]
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A breakthrough for cool roofs?
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have designed a new system that could help keep roofs cool by radiating heat into outer space, without consuming electricity. The system consists of a polymer/aluminium film installed inside a box at the bottom of a specially designed solar shelter. The film cools its surroundings by absorbing heat from […]
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AMCA celebrates industry achievements
The Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) has held its Annual Training Achievement Awards in Melbourne. The awards recognise apprentices and trainees who have achieved excellence in the early stages of their career with AMCA member companies. The awards were hosted by former Olympian, Nicole Livingstone. She introduced the individual winners in three categories: […]
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Evans to lead Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia has announced Dr Bronwyn Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer. Evans arrives at Engineers Australia with extensive experience in corporate and not-for-profit leadership roles, here and abroad. These include CEO of Standards Australia, senior executive roles at Cochlear Ltd and GE Healthcare, as well as non-executive board experience in the construction, medical […]
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Wilkinson moves on from AIRAH
After almost 18 years with AIRAH, Phil Wilkinson, F.AIRAH, has resigned his position with the Institute to seek new opportunities in more people-oriented roles. During his tenure Wilkinson has held several key positions including Technical Manager, Business Development Manager, CEO, and most recently as the Executive General Manager – Technical Services and Government Relations. “Throughout […]
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O’Connell confirmed as Standards Australia CEO
Standards Australia has announced the appointment of Adrian O’Connell as its new Chief Executive Officer. O’Connell has been Standards Australia’s acting CEO from March 2019 and was formerly Deputy CEO and General Manager International and Corporate Services since 2014. “The board is delighted to confirm Adrian as our Chief Executive Officer,” says chairman Richard Brooks. […]
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The Chill Challenge
Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB-USA) is launching the Affordable Off-Grid Refrigeration Challenge this month. Refrigeration is acknowledged as a key in social and economic development. But up to two billion people worldwide do not have access to reliable refrigeration. EWB-USA notes that refrigeration is a particular challenge because some people acquire electricity through “mini-grids” or […]
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Professional registration bill passed
The Victorian parliament has passed legislation to introduce compulsory registration of engineers. The move is in line with the recommendations of the Building Confidence implementation plan, which seeks to restore the public’s trust in Australia’s building industry. Top priority in the plan is a consistent national approach to the registration of those involved in the […]
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Petition to ban open supermarket fridges
Concerned shoppers in the UK are supporting a petition to ban the use of open fridges and freezers in supermarkets and other retail outlets. “Retailers in the United Kingdom unnecessarily waste huge amounts of energy on open fridges and freezers,” reads the petition text. “Climate change threatens our planet. If all supermarkets had doors on […]
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Brennan wins bronze at WorldSkills Kazan
Refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Patrick Brennan has claimed a Bronze medal at the 45th WorldSkills International Championships in Kazan, Russia. Russian champion Akeksandr Leushin shared the gold with Korea’s JuHwan, the pair scoring 747 and 745 respectively, ahead of Brennan on 739. In total there were 28 competitors in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning […]
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Sean Treweek named CEO of Meinhardt Australia
Prominent HVAC industry identity Sean Treweek, F. AIRAH, has been named CEO of Meinhardt Australia. A former national president of AIRAH, Treweek boasts considerable experience acquired over two decades in roles with WSP Lincolne Scott, NDY and others. “Sean brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the property, construction and infrastructure engineering sectors and […]
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Crackdown on refrigerant offences
The Department of the Environment and Energy has issued a number of fines for offences under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. A New South Wales-based refrigeration mechanic has been fined $2,520 for discharging R410A while installing an air conditioning system. According to the Department, the offender holds a permit issued […]
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New era for Fantech
Fantech has announced the launch of Fantech Capital HVAC as a new business under its overall structure. The move will see the air movement and ventilation specialist offering a new portfolio of products such as chillers, cooling towers, AHUs and FCUs. Brands will include Clint, Mesan USA, Euroclima, Komfovent, SmartAir, Smartech, Airatherm, Liberty, Barcol-Air and […]
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Brennan ready for WorldSkills’ biggest event
Australian refrigeration and air conditioning WorldSkills champion Patrick Brennan is in the final stages of preparation for the 45th WorldSkills International Competition in Kazan, Russia. The competition will be held from August 22–27. It will bring together more than 1,600 young professionals representing more than 60 countries and regions. They will compete in 56 skills. […]
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UN project celebrates women workers
Last year the United Nations called for women working in the HVAC&R industry around the world to share their stories. These have now been compiled in a special publication – Women in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Industry: Personal Experiences and Achievements. “If you ask the average person on the street who they think designs, manufactures, […]
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Securing your BMCS
Building services specialist A.G. Coombs has published an advisory note about building management control systems. “In modern buildings, building management and control systems (BMCS) are responsible for the operation of critical systems including air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, backup power supplies and, often, building security and access. “These critical systems can be let down by compromised […]
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Battle of the thermostat heats up
Is there a battle of the sexes when it comes to office air conditioning? And do men and women really work more efficiently at different temperatures? Certainly decades of anecdotal evidence and arguments about dress codes and set-points suggests men and women have different ideal temperature preferences at work. Now a new German study does […]
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Disruption waiting to happen for BMS industry
According to IBM researcher Arun Vishwanath, disruption is coming to the building controls industry in the form of artificial intelligence and machine learning that could eventually enable self-driving buildings. Vishwanath was the keynote speaker at AIRAH’s inaugural Big Data and Analytics Forum in Sydney last week. The event saw 120 attendees – including analytics consultants, […]
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Umow Lai joins Integral Group
Australian building services and sustainability practice Umow Lai is joining Integral Group, a global network of mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers, energy analysts, commissioning authorities and sustainability consultants. Founded in Melbourne in 1991 by George Umow and Dominic Lai, M.AIRAH, Umow Lai has grown to become a leading multi-disciplinary building services engineering, fire engineering, ICT […]