Page 14
Category: Regulations
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New rules on refrigerated cabinets
From August 15, 2020, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) 2019 will come into force in Australia. The changes in the 2019 Determination include: The addition of refrigerated storage cabinets, ice-cream freezers and scooping cabinets to the product classes of refrigerated cabinets that are regulated for energy efficiency The assessment of refrigerated cabinet performance […]
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RIS for open flued gas heaters
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is undertaking a review and regulatory impact statement (RIS) process to consider options to address risks from open flued gas space heaters. Open flued gas space heaters pose a risk of releasing unhealthy and sometimes lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide into buildings. Malfunctioning, poorly or infrequently […]
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Reforming approvals for commercial buildings
The Department Of Mines, Industry Regulation And Safety – Building And Energy is holding a free information session on the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (CRIS) titled Reforms to the approvals process for commercial buildings in Western Australia. The CRIS will be published on Wednesday, December 11 and will be available from the Building and Energy website. The […]
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Professional registration timetable confirmed
The Victorian government is moving ahead with its plan for compulsory professional registration of engineers, and has released more information about when and how the scheme will come into effect. Consumer Affairs Victoria held a forum on Monday, December 2 with engineers who have previously expressed an interest in the engineers registration scheme. The forum […]
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Help fix the skills gap
The Australian Industry Standards annual skills survey is open, and all members of the HVAC&R industry are encouraged to participate. “This is the best opportunity refrigeration and air conditioning employers will get to voice their opinion,” says long-time educator and member of the RAC technical advisory committee (TAC), Steve Smith. “They can indicate whether the […]
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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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NSW takes first step towards registration
The NSW government has released draft regulations to introduce registration for building and development certifiers. The move comes one month after Victoria passed legislation for compulsory registration of engineers, and follows the recommendations of the Building Confidence implementation plan. Engineers Australia has criticised what it perceives as the excessively narrow focus of the regulation. “The […]
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Change on the way for NCC 2019
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is undertaking an out-of-cycle amendment for the 2019 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). It will be known as NCC 2019 Amendment 1 and is now open for public consultation. The amendment will include: Enhanced fire safety measures for early childhood centres in high-rise buildings. A defined term […]
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The standard of safety
As the industry works towards delivering a safer and higher quality built environment, Standards Australia has highlighted AS/NZS ISO 45001: 2018 as an ideal tool for improving occupational health and safety. The standard ISO Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use was adopted by Standards Australia as AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 […]
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Survey on Performance Solutions
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Office has released an online survey regarding the inclusion of mandatory requirements in the National Construction code (NCC) for the development of Performance Solutions. Performance Solutions are one method that can be used to show compliance with the requirements of the NCC. They can be developed for areas such […]
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Consultation on “smart” demand response
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council has drafted a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for certain electrical appliances to be demand-response capable. The South Australian Government is leading the consultation under the Energy Equipment Efficiency (E3) Program. The consultation paper re-examined and updated the modelling that was undertaken in 2013/14, quantifying energy network peak cost […]
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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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Best practice guide for coolrooms
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is conducting a review of a best practice guide for energy efficient walk-in coolrooms and freezers. Walk-in coolrooms are those intended to store chilled or frozen foodstuffs and other perishable items. They are accessible by at least one door suitable for people to walk through. […]
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Residential rethink in NCC 2022
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to investigate possible changes to the energy efficiency provisions, with an emphasis on residential buildings in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The ABCB has produced a scoping study to begin the process. The study outlines a […]
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Health and Wellbeing regs up for review
The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 are scheduled to expire in December 2019 after 10 years of operation. New regulations have now been drafted, along with a regulatory impact statement (RIS). According to A.G. Coombs’ strategic development director Bryon Price, F.AIRAH, the primary area of interest for buildings and facilities relates to the […]
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New minimum standards for large AC
New greenhouse and energy minimum standards (GEMS) have been drafted for air conditioners above 65kW. They are open for public comment. There are currently no minimum energy efficiency requirements under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act for air conditioners over 65kW capacity to be sold in Australia. There are, however, requirements in the National […]
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New energy labels explained
As reported previously, a new energy rating label is on the way for some air conditioners. The zoned energy rating label (ZERL) includes more detailed information to help customers choose the best air conditioner for their climate zone – and save money. The labels will be mandatory on new models from April 1, 2020. To […]
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Energy efficiency calculators ready for testing
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released four energy efficiency calculators for beta testing. The calculators have been developed to help users with understanding and applying the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for the energy efficiency of façades, lighting, fans and pumps. The calculators include: Façade, Volume One Lighting, Volume One Fan Systems, Volume One […]
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ABCB to revise energy efficiency provisions
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has opened consultation for an energy efficiency scoping study. The ABCB has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to investigate possible changes to the energy efficiency provisions, with an emphasis on residential buildings in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The work is to […]