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Budget offers launchpad, now we must aim high, says AIRAH
AIRAH has applauded the Australian 2023–24 Federal Budget and its strong investment in a net zero future. It also notes that success will require ambition, as well as continued cooperation between government and industry. AIRAH CEO Trish Hyde says the federal government has wisely combined short-term relief with investments that will bring energy bills down […]
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Cloudy with a chance of data errors
Industry stakeholders have highlighted issues with widely used weather and climate datasets that they say can cause significant errors for building energy modellers. Since August 2021, the CSIRO has distributed free weather and climate datasets for use by building energy modellers for estimating HVAC energy demand and consumption, as well as moisture management under typical […]
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ASHRAE publishes zero energy and zero carbon standard
ASHRAE has released a new standard to measure zero net carbon and energy goals in buildings. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 228–2023, Standard Method of Evaluating Zero Net Energy and Zero Net Carbon Building Performance, sets requirements for evaluating whether a building or group of buildings meets a definition of “zero net energy” or a definition of “zero […]
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MECLA to bust myths about embodied carbon
The Material and Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA) is holding a Spotlight event at 3.30pm (AEST) on May 18 to bust myths about embodied carbon. “Low embodied carbon materials continue to be clouded by myths, which prevent large-scale uptake in the built environment,” say the organisers. “Some of these so-called myths claim that low embodied […]
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New approaches to addressing hidden energy poverty
As energy prices rise and temperatures drop, RMIT researchers note that one in four Australian households are struggling to pay their power bills. Despite this, many are missing out on welfare benefits because their circumstances do not fit within assistance programs, a phenomenon known as “hidden energy poverty”. A new study, published in Energy Research […]
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Construction Innovation Forum to explore digital transformation
A lineup of global thought leaders is coming together on May 17 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to explore the seismic impact of digital transformation in construction – both in the future and in the now. “Technological advances in the building and construction industry allow organisations to design, construct and maintain buildings more efficiently, with […]
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Humidity may increase heat risk in urban climates
Researchers at Yale University have found that heat stress in urban areas is dependent on local climate, and that a humidifying effect can erase the cooling benefits that would come from trees and vegetation. According to the researchers, as temperatures across the globe reach record-level highs, it follows that urban areas are also facing increased […]
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NABERS Renewable Energy Indicator preview
NABERS is holding a webinar to preview its Renewable Energy Indicator (REI) on Thursday, May 11. The REI is a new indicator displaying the proportion of renewable energy that a rated building is running on. Both onsite renewable energy generation and offsite renewable energy purchases are recognised. Expected to be launched in the first half […]
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Fujitsu launches high static R32 ducted range
Fujitsu General has introduced a new high static R32 ducted air conditioning range which it says delivers an innovative blend of sustainability, compatibility, useability and high performance. The new range includes single-phase R32, single-phase R32 high performance (HP), and three-phase R32 models. Fujitsu says the indoor unitsall feature the same lightweight and compact chassis design, meaning […]
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Viega announces new managing director
Systems solutions firm Viega has appointed Juliet Bosel as its new managing director for Viega Australia and New Zealand. With 12 years of senior leadership experience in the plumbing and HVAC industry in Australia, Bosel brings significant expertise and knowledge to her new role. Viega says it is confident that under Bosel’s leadership the business […]
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All systems go for NCC 2022
As of May 1, 2023, NCC 2022 has officially been adopted by the states and territories. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) says this marks one of the biggest changes to an edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) since the Building Codes of Australia and the Plumbing Code of Australia were combined in 2011. […]
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Social media provides data on heat-vulnerable regions
New research into social media data at Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, has provided insight into what motivates people to buy air conditioners worldwide. With temperatures rising around the world, more and more people globally regard air conditioning as an essential part of living. But AC units are also likely to increase energy consumption. […]
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World ‘gravely impacted by extreme weather and climate events’
According to the annual report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate change continued to advance at a tremendous and impactful clip in 2022. The WMO says droughts, floods and heatwaves affected communities on every continent and cost many billions of dollars. Antarctic sea ice fell to its lowest extent on record, and there was […]
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ARBS Foundation marks milestone in support for HVAC&R
The ARBS Foundation – the foundation for industry education and research – is celebrating nearly a decade of support for the HVAC&R industry. Now in its ninth year, the foundation has made significant contributions to the air conditioning, refrigeration, and building services industry through grants for various projects and initiatives. ARBS Executive Officer David Eynon […]
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Buildings the key to Australia’s net zero target
A new joint report by the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) sets out a suite of property-focused policy recommendations to help Australia achieve its decarbonisation goals. Every Building Counts 2.0 is a revision of the roadmap originally launched in 2019, and updates the original eight key policy recommendations […]
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Construction Specialties offers CPD on louvres
Louvre expert Construction Specialties has developed an online CPD module that focuses on louvres. The new CPD on-demand training module, created following repeated requests from industry, can be completed in under an hour, says Construction Specialties. According to the company, the module offers professionals a comprehensive introduction to the use, standards and specification requirements of […]
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simPRO appoints Gary Specter as new CEO
Business management software company simPRO has appointed Gary Specter as the company’s new chief executive officer. Executive Chairman Bruce Gordon says simPRO’s board appointed Specter after a thorough and extensive review, and declared him “a dynamic, growth-driven leader with proven success in building strong teams, driving revenue, and exceeding financial and customer expectations”. “Gary possesses the qualifications […]
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Reliable Controls puts focus on IAQ monitoring
Reliable Controls has added its support to the push for better indoor air quality (IAQ), in particular through air monitoring. “Integrating IAQ sensing technology into your building allows you to collect building data that helps you optimise building performance and avoid system failures,” says the company. “Long-term trends are almost impossible to detect with periodic […]
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CFCs on the rise again?
A new study has found increased emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), despite their production being banned under the Montreal Protocol. The researchers say the most likely cause is a “loophole” that allows the creation of CFCs during the production of other chemicals, including common synthetic refrigerants. The research, published in Nature Geoscience and led by the […]
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Automated Logic expands local footprint
Building management solutions provider Automated Logic has acquired Logical Electrical Solutions and Logical Service Solutions (collectively “Logical Electrical and Service Solutions”), the independent Automated Logic controls contractor operating in the Australian Capital Territory. Automated Logic is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of building and cold chain solutions. The acquisition expands Automated […]