Page 11
Category: Regulations
-
Update on COVID-19 restrictions for NSW workers
The New South Wales government has responded to requests to clarify the rules for HVAC&R workers in the state. Although some information has already been shared, restrictions continue to change. The update below was received by AIRAH on Monday, August 2 from the NSW Treasury Taskforce. These directions are subject to amendment at any time. […]
-
The most significant change in NCC 2022?
Although the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code is still at draft stage, one of the biggest changes is already confirmed: a new look with improved useability. This will apply across all three volumes of the NCC: Volume 1 (Class 2 to 9 buildings); Volume 2 (Class 1 and 10 buildings); and Volume 3 […]
-
New controls proposed for HFCs and HFOs
Five European countries have proposed new legislation that could see HFCs and HFOs classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – and covered by tighter regulations. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and the human body. They do not break down, and can accumulate over time. They […]
-
Updates to incentives for refrigerated cabinets
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is updating the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for refrigerated cabinets. Refrigerated cabinets are designed to store and display chilled and/or frozen food items, and are typically used in retail stores such as supermarkets, petrol stations, liquor outlets and smaller food and beverage vendors. The VEU […]
-
Blueprint for Australasian digital twin adoption released
Stewarded by the Smart Cities Council (SCC), a draft blueprint to drive adoption of digital twin activity in the Australian and New Zealand built environments has been released. Digital Twins, For All – the Australia and New Zealand digital twin blueprint – was released recently at a gathering of government and industry leaders in Wellington, […]
-
Modest start for red-tape-reducing licence system
On July 1, the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme took effect. The new system has been hailed as a way of cutting red tape and allowing Australians to work across borders without having to apply and pay for additional occupational licences, if they are already licenced for the work in their home state or territory. […]
-
Victoria seeks input on gas substitution roadmap
The Victorian government is seeking community and industry input to help inform Victoria’s gas substitution roadmap and assist the gas sector to reach net zero emissions. The roadmap will detail the transition pathways and identify policy mechanisms to achieve Victoria’s emissions reduction targets through reduced fugitive emissions, more efficient use of gas, electrification and increased […]
-
Roll-out of professional registration begins in NSW and Victoria
July 1, 2021, marks a major step in the national professional registration era, with the NSW and Victorian governments beginning to phase in registration schemes for engineers working in these states. New South Wales has introduced the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation. Although this applies only to multi-storey (and mixed use) residential buildings initially, the […]
-
NCC 2022 public comment extended
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has extended consultation on stage 1 of National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 public comment draft until 11.59pm (AEST) July 11, 2021. “The ABCB is cognisant of the ongoing impact on industry of COVID-19, and the flow-on effect of the various lockdowns experienced in many jurisdictions,” says an ABCB statement. […]
-
Government eyes ban on high-GWP air conditioners
The Ozone and Climate Protection Section of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is seeking industry input on a proposal to limit the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The approach would ban the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using […]
-
Incentives coming for heat pump water heaters
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is proposing a new energy efficiency activity which provides financial incentives for businesses wishing to install an efficient heat pump water heater (HPWH). The proposed activity has been developed collaboratively by the VEU team and the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) team in New South Wales with a view to […]
-
Towards a ratings scheme for space heaters
The Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (E3) has published a product profile on space heaters in Australia and New Zealand and is looking for feedback to support a ratings scheme for these appliances. According to E3, space heating accounts for around a third of residential energy use in Australia and New Zealand. Energy rating labelling and […]
-
New occupational licensing system clears parliament
The government is charging towards a July 1, 2021 implementation date for its new Automatic Mutual Recognition legislation after the bill was passed by the Senate. The reform will enable licensed workers such as HVAC&R technicians to operate across jurisdictions, without having to apply, pay for and wait for a further licence to perform the […]
-
NCC 2022 open for public comment
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is inviting comments on stage 1 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft (PCD). The National Construction Code (NCC) is updated every three years, based on required regulatory practices, industry research, public feedback provided, and policy directions from governments. Updated content is included in the PCD for consultation, seeking […]
-
NSW confirms professional registration plans
The New South Wales government has taken the next step towards introducing professional registration of engineers and other building practitioners by gazetting the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2021. The regulation includes details on the classes of practitioners who must register, registration pathways and CPD requirements, lodgement of compliance declarations, insurance, and more. From July […]
-
Reforming Victoria’s building regulatory system
The Building Reform Expert Panel is inviting feedback on the Framework for Reform and possible improvements to Victoria’s building system. A group established by the Victorian government to lead its review of the building legislative and regulatory system, the Panel is accepting feedback until May 19. The Panel has been asked to advise on changes […]
-
Discussion begins on building manuals
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has developed a discussion paper about the potential for building manuals to address long-standing problems with inaccurate and incomplete building information. Issues with building documentation were highlighted in the Building Confidence Report, published in 2018. It recommended that each state and territory require a comprehensive building manual to be […]
-
Compulsory demand response for AC?
The Department for Energy and Mining in South Australia has put forward proposed local demand response requirements for selected appliances, including air conditioners. Appliances with demand response (DR) capabilities can be used to shift load of appliances and to lower peak demand on the network. For air conditioners in particular, DR has the potential to […]
-
New training units reach validation stage
Two new units of competency are being added to the Electrotechnology Training Package. The technical advisory committees (TACs) have now considered all stakeholder feedback and the draft materials are available for final validation to ensure they meet industry needs. The unit UEERA999Y Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems […]
-
Next step for national licensing system
The Australian government has introduced the Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021 to the House of Representatives. If it passes through parliament, it will see a new system for automatic mutual recognition (AMR) of occupational registration beginning on July 1, 2021. The legislation will allow workers with occupational licences who are registered for an occupation in […]