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Category: Regulations
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Stewardship for electrical and electronic products
Submissions for the Stewardship for Consumer and Other Electrical and Electronic Products discussion paper are closing on Friday, February 25. According to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the e-waste generated each year by Australians has more than doubled in the past 10 years. The department held discussions from August to November last […]
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Timetable confirmed for NCC 2022
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has confirmed the preview and adoption dates for NCC 2022, and has scheduled a series of seminars around the country to present the key changes. As previously reported, the adoption of NCC 2022 has been delayed until later this year due to the disruptions to industry caused by the […]
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Call to provide input for Industry Skills Survey
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is holding a survey to identify the skills needs for various industries. AIS collects data annually from the Industry Outlook Survey to determine industry workforce planning and skill development demands. The data is especially relevant in 2022, with the dual factors of the pandemic and digital transformation impacting the labour market. The […]
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Draft guidance on reducing GHG emissions
The Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has released a new draft guideline for managing greenhouse gas emissions. Under Victoria’s Environment Protection Act 2017, which came into effect on July 1, 2021, people conducting activities that pose risks of harm to human health or the environment from pollution and waste must understand those risks and take […]
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NSW proposes increase to BASIX standards
The NSW government is proposing increases to BASIX thermal performance and energy standards, beginning in late 2022. The government says the work is being done “to build more comfortable homes, cut energy costs and contribute to the state’s target of net zero homes by 2050”. This aligns with the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, the […]
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Overcoming regulatory barriers for prefab homes
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has released a consultation paper that explores the regulatory barriers limiting the uptake of modular and prefabricated home construction. “Builders, trades and homeowners are looking at innovative ways to build – for speed, accuracy and finish,” says HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy Kristin Brookfield. “However, our current building codes, standards, […]
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Technology Investment Roadmap under review
The federal government is calling for submissions to inform development of the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2022. The Low Emissions Technology Statement (LETS) is an annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap – the Australian government’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions. It is the cornerstone of Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which the government says […]
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IEA seeks case studies in resilient cooling
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is collating case studies as part of its Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) program. The specific project, Annex 80, focuses on the resilient cooling of buildings. “The world is facing a rapid increase of air conditioning of buildings,” says the IEA “This is driven by multiple factors, such as […]
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Standards Australia gives support to solar
Standards Australia has revised the standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays to support the growing solar panel industry. According to Standards Australia, almost four million solar photo-voltaic (PV) panel systems have been installed across Australia in the past 20 years, which has seen a dramatic reduction in overall costs. Solar […]
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Institute of Refrigeration proposes path to net zero
The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) is calling for consultation on two policy papers that address key aspects to support users of HVAC&R technologies in the pathway to net zero emissions. The papers are published by Beyond Refrigeration, an initiative of the IoR that addresses climate change issues and provides a framework for technical leadership. The two […]
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Seeking clarity on professional registration
As professional registration schemes commence across Australia, practitioners in the refrigeration sector are looking for a clear statement from government on which parts of their work will fall under the new regulations – and calling for alternative qualification pathways. On July 1, 2021, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 came into effect in New […]
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Clock ticking on Queensland licence deadline
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is urging workers to submit their applications for occupational and site supervisor licences ahead of the January 1, 2022 deadline – and to take advantage of the alternative pathway arrangements that finish this week, on September 30. According to the QBCC, assessment officers have seen an increase in […]
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Residential Energy Efficiency CRIS open for comment
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking comment on a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) providing an analysis of proposed amendments to the residential energy efficiency provisions included in stage 2 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft. The CRIS provides an analysis of the cost and benefits of the proposed increases in the […]
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International framework for embodied and operational carbon
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is developing a common international reporting framework for embodied and operational carbon in the built environment. Embodied carbon is the total greenhouse emissions generated during the manufacture of the materials and products used in the construction and refurbishment of new and existing buildings and infrastructure. It is coming under […]
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Draft NCC 2022 energy efficiency and condensation provisions
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking comment on proposed amendments to energy efficiency and condensation technical provisions, for possible inclusion in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. Some of the more significant amendments proposed in this second and final stage of the public comment draft include: A stringency increase in the thermal performance […]
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APCO working to reduce packaging waste in HVAC&R
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is contacting organisations within the HVAC&R sector to discuss responsibilities regarding packaging waste in Australia. As industry, government and consumers strive to improve waste avoidance and the recovery of waste through recycling, there is significant focus on implementing a circular economy for packaging to benefit businesses, society and the […]
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New incentives for energy efficient cold rooms
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has published the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Cold room) Regulations 2021 and the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Specifications 2018 Version 10.0. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program sets state-wide targets to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer businesses and households access to discounted energy-efficient products […]
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Alternative pathway for Queensland RAC licences
Queensland workers needing an occupational licence for air conditioning and refrigeration work can now apply using an alternate qualification pathway. The new pathway allows an applicant who may not have the required qualifications to use their experience instead. Employees who perform mechanical services work for a licensed contractor, including refrigeration and air conditioning, have until […]
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NABERS seeks input from warehouses and cold stores
NABERS is seeking industry involvement to expand its rating system into warehouses and cold stores. A national initiative, NABERS has enjoyed great success as a world-recognised and robust rating tool for offices, shopping centres, hotels, and other building sectors. This year it is expanding to the warehouses and cold stores sector and is looking to […]
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Keeping up with the code
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking input on a draft model for continuing professional development on the National Construction Code. The Building Confidence Report (BCR) recommended that each jurisdiction require all practitioners to undertake compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) on the National Construction Code (NCC). In response, the BCR Implementation Team has developed […]