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Category: Regulations
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]