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IWBI speaks on new WELL standard
Last month the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) unveiled an updated version of its building standard. Known as WELL v2, it is being rolled out globally in pilot form. “Since our launch in 2014, we’ve learned a lot from the thousands of WELL users, practitioners and researchers who have embraced WELL as a tool for […]
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NSW to invest half a billion in school air conditioning
The NSW government has announced that it will allocate $500 million in the state budget for air conditioning. The new policy, called Cooler Classrooms, is intended to provide improved learning environments for classrooms and libraries in up to 1,000 schools. “This funding will ensure thousands of classrooms that previously did not have air conditioning will […]
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Andrew Leach leaves Actrol
Andrew Leach is vacating his position as Actrol business development manager, although he has made it clear he is not “retiring” – Leach says he is likely to continue working with the industry in some form. During his 26 years in the sector, Leach has seen a lot of changes and acquired a lot of […]
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AC Electrical Safety rules changing June 30
Important changes to the registration system for household air conditioning units are set to take effect on June 30. Under the Electrical Equipment Safety System, all units must be declared with the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) and documented to AS/NZS 60335.2.40 with registration before selling. The new rules state that for units that use […]
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States sign up to Skilling Australians Fund
South Australia, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and New South Wales have signed up to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). The establishment of the SAF is a commitment by the Australian Government for ongoing funding for vocational education and training (VET) with the aim of making a lasting positive impact on skilling Australian […]
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ARC’s free tool for trainees
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is offering a free digital temperature sensor to trainee licence holders undertaking the first year of a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. The initiative is aimed at supporting the training and development of future HVAC&R technicians. Kevin O’Shea, chair of the ARC RAC Industry Board, said that the idea was […]
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UNESCO recognises refrigeration pioneer
It’s not often that HVAC&R makes the front page, but James Harrison, the founding father of refrigeration, was recently mentioned at ABC online news for his role in helping Geelong earn the status of UNESCO City of Design. Harrison is credited as the inventor of the mechanical refrigeration process for creating ice – he patented […]
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Hot tips from A.G. Coombs
The efficiency of condensing water heaters or boilers has made them a popular choice for new installations and as plant replacements. Recognising this, A.G. Coombs has issued an advisory note providing advice on the design, selection, installation and maintenance of such units. “Condensing boilers achieve higher efficiency by using the waste heat in flue gases […]
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Giant “water battery” and solar planned for USC
The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) plans to be carbon neutral by 2025, and will use a giant “water battery” run by solar panels to achieve its goal. Project partner Veolia will build, install and operate 5,800 rooftop solar panels and a 4.5 megalitre water storage tank at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs […]
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Shane Carmichael speaks on Dunnair acquisition
After the announcement that Air Change was set to acquire Dunnair, HVAC&R News spoke to Air Change general manager Shane Carmichael about the move… What made Dunnair an attractive proposition for Air Change? Air Change has traditionally offered unique and innovative products for niche applications. The acquisition of Dunnair provides us the opportunity to supply […]
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Super-desiccant holds promise for AC systems
A new carbon-based desiccant has been developed by scientists at the University of New South Wales – and it could be a game-changer in applications such as packaging, electronics and air conditioning. The revolutionary drying agent is made from layers of graphene oxide and significantly outperforms current desiccants; it is twice as absorbent as the […]
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Mitsubishi Electric Australia’s Dealer Awards winners
Mitsubishi Electric Australia held their annual Dealer Awards in Brisbane CBD on May 19. Over 300 Mitsubishi Electric specialists’ dealers and VIPS from Japan attended the gala dinner, hosted by MC Andrew O’Keefe. Guests were entertained during the event by award winning performances from salsa dancers and the Supergroup, featuring Richard Clapton, Joe Camilleri and […]
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Flashback: The Secret Life of Machines
A TV series called The Secret Life of Machines aired on television in 1988. It was written by Tim Hunkin, and presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod. The series explored how machines were made and worked. It has attracted a lot of attention over the years, partly because most of it is still relevant today. It also […]
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The GBCA has released a landmark discussion paper
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released a discussion paper called Building with nature that calls for a renewed focus on prioritising biodiversity and ecology in our buildings and cities. Analysing global and domestic research and evidence, the paper points to the significant positive impacts green space and biodiversity have on people and […]
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New standard for facilities management
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the fourth standard for facilities management, ISO 41001. Stan Mitchell, Chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the standard, said that ISO 41001 will help organisations by establishing a common approach and set of processes that can be used throughout the world. “ISO 41001 has the […]
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Trump pressed to commit to HFC phase-down
While the HFC phase-down has begun in earnest in Australia and Europe, the USA – one of the world’s largest users of HFCs – is yet to commit. Now, 32 major players in America’s HVAC&R industry have written an open letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to ratify the Kigali Amendment and commit to […]
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Lendlease named Platinum Employer of Choice for LGBTI Inclusion
Lendlease has become Australia’s first property and infrastructure company to achieve the nation’s highest level of recognition for its efforts to truly embrace the contribution of its LGBTI workers. The company has been named as a Platinum Employer of Choice for LGBTI Inclusion in the Australian Workplace Equality Index, awarded by Pride in Diversity. The […]
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IBPSA Seminar Series 2018
IBPSA Australasia and the Australian Passive House Association are holding a seminar in Melbourne on May 31. Guest speakers and presentations include: Designing a high-speed train station in the south of France Pablo Sepulveda, AECOM Sepulveda will present on the key design challenges associated with designing a new high-speed train station in Montpelier, France. He […]
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Sustainability Victoria offers money for HVAC upgrades
Sustainability Victoria is offering funding of up to $30,000 to boost the performance of commercial buildings and realise the huge savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions it has identified in a new report. The report, Next Wave Refresh 2018, analyses Victorian commercial building stock, including retail, healthcare and accommodation in Melbourne metro and regional […]
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Reece confirms Heatcraft NZ purchase
Reece has officially taken ownership of Heatcraft’s New Zealand operations, after announcing the acquisition from Swedish company Beijer Ref at the end of March 2018. Daniel Palumbo, Reece Group general manager of operations, says: “We’re excited to recently take ownership of Heatcraft’s operations in New Zealand and work with our new colleagues to continue providing […]