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Funding for gas industry could harm economy
A new report by energy thinktank the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) suggests proposals for providing long-term subsidies to the flailing gas industry could cause significant long-term economic damage to Australia. Led by Western Australian gas industry executive Nev Power, the National COVID-19 Commission (Advisory Board) (NCC) is proposing taxpayer funds steered […]
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Out with the mould
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has published an article on CSIROscope about the dangers of mould and how to prevent it. Mould causes health issues and can damage buildings. A fungal growth that loves moisture, it can generally be found in poorly ventilated areas of the house where damp has a chance […]
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Cooling solution doubles as installation art
The Panasonic Corporation, in collaboration with Obuchi Laboratory from Advanced Design Studies at the Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering of the University of Tokyo (T_ADS Obuchi Lab), has conducted a field test to assess the effectiveness of its Green AC Flex innovation both as an outdoor air cooling solution and as installation art. […]
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Cold Tube: Chilled panels beat the heat
A team of researchers has created a new way to cool down without using air conditioning. Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Princeton University, the University of California, Berkeley and the Singapore-ETH Centre claim that the creation known as Cold Tube is a better alternative to using air conditioning. The Cold Tube is a […]
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Aussie HVAC&R company makes COVID-19 advance
Australian IAQ, deep clean and corrosion protection expert Aeris Environmental has secured extended residual claims from the Therapeutic Goods Administration for its Aeris Active disinfectant cleaner. The on-label claims now include “Residual COVID-19 kill for up to seven days” and “Residual antibacterial for up to 30 days (or 200 touches) against gram-negative E. coli and […]
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Webinar on airborne transmission of coronavirus
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is presenting a webinar on Thursday, September 3, on airborne transmission of coronavirus. Since the pandemic began, more attention has been focused on the possibility of aerosol transmission of the virus. This session, presented as part of AIRAH’s Streamline series of webinars, will look at […]
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ARBS partners with NABERS on scholarships
The ARBS Education and Research Foundation has partnered with NABERS to provide scholarships to HVAC&R sole traders studying to become accredited energy and water assessors. “The ARBS Education and Research Foundation is committed to supporting further education of people employed in the HVAC industry, along with practical research into contemporary industry issues,” says ARBS Foundation […]
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Alfa Laval releases T15-B heat exchanger
The Alfa Laval T15-B is a compact heat exchanger designed for applications in HVAC, geothermal heating, data centre cooling and industrial processes involving heating or cooling of water, lube oil and other media. The release of T15-B continues the development of next-generation gasketed plate heat exchangers enabling more environmentally sustainable operations, says Alfa Laval. The […]
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Flammable charge limits on the move again
Charge sizes for flammable refrigerants in HVAC&R equipment are changing with a proposal to raise international limits for room air conditioners, and the adoption of a new standard in Australia for refrigeration appliances. An International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) working group has released a proposal to update safety standard IEC 60335-2-40. This would allow larger amounts […]
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Introduction to Passive House
In partnership with the Australian Passive House Association, the Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) will be delivering an introductory course on Passive House online. The webinar “An introduction to Passive House” will be presented as two separate sessions: Part one: Tuesday 8 September 9:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) | 9:00am – 12:00pm (ACST) | 7:30am – […]
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ASHRAE updates Building Readiness Guide
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has updated its guidance on building readiness to help mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Building Readiness Guide focuses on the operation of HVAC systems to help reduce the potential health risks when buildings reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Building Readiness Guide includes additional information and clarifications so that […]
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Building Physics Forum goes digital
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has confirmed that the 2020 iteration of the Building Physics Forum will be streamed virtually on Thursday, September 17. The live stream will run from 10.30am–4pm (AEST), 10am–3.30pm (ACST) and 8.30am–2pm (AWST). The event was originally slated to take place in Brisbane from September 16–17, […]
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Clean energy in Alice Springs
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $2.17 million in funding to support the Alice Springs Future Grid Project. The two-year project will focus on addressing barriers to further renewable energy penetration in the local electricity network. Alice Springs has approximately 10 per cent renewable energy generation, and faces a unique challenge in overcoming […]
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Driving collaboration on high-performance buildings
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) is presenting an exclusive webinar on August 26 about driving global collaboration on high-performance buildings. The event will feature Paul Ruyssevelt, Professor of Energy and Building Performance at the UCL Energy Institute and Vice Chair of the International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA EBC). Ruyssevelt is […]
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Victoria gets view of professional registration act
Work continues in Victoria on the implementation of the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019, which will come into operation on July 1, 2021. The scheme will apply to engineers providing professional engineering services in and for Victoria in the areas of mechanical, electrical, fire safety, civil and structural engineering. Public consultation opens on August 26 […]
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COVID-19 forcing a rethink on ventilation
Over the past few weeks, as the world registers more outbreaks of COVID-19, the attention on aerosol transmission of the virus has intensified. Researchers at the University of Florida have now made an important breakthrough. The team isolated viable virus from aerosols collected in a hospital room dedicated to two patients with COVID-19. The air […]
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Share how you work and you could win
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is conducting an online survey of HVAC technicians and contractors who service office buildings around Australia. The survey will help UOW support the Australian government in understanding the industry and shape future policies and programs. “Well-maintained HVAC systems function better, use less energy, emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions and boost […]
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ARBS moves to 2022
ARBS has been postponed, shifting to 2022. Originally planned for May 19–21, 2020, the exhibition was previously rescheduled to February, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ARBS 2022 will now be held from April 27–29, 2022, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. With Melbourne currently in stage-four lockdown, the COVID-19 situation remains largely unclear. […]
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EIA calls for ban of HFCs in split systems
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has renewed its call for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to be banned in domestic air conditioners, with the claim that a switch to hydrocarbons could prevent harmful emissions equal to 1,400 coal-fired power stations running for a year. New research commissioned by the EIA found that making the change could avoid 5.6 […]
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Lessons from WELL projects
The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) will be hosting a webinar to share learnings from recent WELL projects. The WELL Building Standard global rating system for healthy buildings has gained a strong foothold in Australia over the past four years. About 10 per cent of the total occupied office footprint in the country has now […]