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Pipework insulation provisions put to the test
A large Australian installer of refrigeration and air conditioning pipework is conducting tests to determine whether certain insulation provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC) could be revised to facilitate installation of refrigeration pipework without affecting energy efficiency. The provision in question in NCC 2019 is J5.8(a), specifically relating to insulation required on refrigeration pipework. […]
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Big investors Google and Sol Systems back small fixes
Google and clean-energy developer Sol Systems have unveiled a new approach to energy efficiency by pairing clean energy with community investment in two less prosperous US states. The two giant corporates are providing seed funding to three electricity co-operatives and a non-profit, all US-based outfits. The idea is to spend money upfront to make homes […]
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Campaign to improve smoke and fire wall penetrations
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is launching a campaign to improve service penetrations in fire-rated and smoke-proof walls. The campaign will leverage the insights from extensive research work done on the issue with industry input. During 2020 and 2021, the VBA partnered with BehaviourWorks Australia to undertake research to understand how improper service penetration of […]
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Humidification and psychrometrics webinar
Condair’s Ian Eitzen, Affil.AIRAH, is presenting a free webinar on humidification and psychrometrics at 12.30pm (AEDT) on Thursday, March 23. The one-hour session will cover: An overview of commercial humidification Explanation of psychrometrics calculations Detailed analysis for all types of humidifiers with the pros and cons of each Best practice guide to humidifier selection. For […]
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New software from Nexus Digital Technologies
Nexus Digital Technologies has added QR coding capability to its cloud-based Nexus Service Manager. “Choosing the correct software to improve efficiency is an important decision in any business,” says the company. “Not only is effective software essential to provide the necessary functionality for a business to operate, but it also needs to be simple to […]
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future:gas roadshow returns to talk refrigerants
Tickets are now on sale for 17 industry-supported refrigerant education events aimed at those working in the stationary HVAC&R sector: the future:gas roadshow. “A lot of change has emerged in the world of refrigerants since the highly successful future:gas refrigerant seminar roadshows of 2016a and 2017,” say the organisers. “So it’s time for another. “Refrigerants […]
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Choosing the right parameter for humidity
AIRAH is holding a Streamline webinar about humidity control in HVAC on Thursday, March 23. The session will detail the basics of humidity theory and the factors influencing which humidity parameter is the best choice in HVAC Control. Mansour Nevon, an application engineer from Vaisala, will present the session. Nevon says humidity control is important […]
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OzHelp builds on mental health and wellbeing
The OzHelp Foundation has announced the launch of a new program aimed at preventing suicide and supporting mental health in the building and construction industry: the Health in Trades program (HiT). According to OzHelp, nine Australians, on average, die by suicide every day. Of all these deaths, 75 per cent are men, and construction workers […]
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Holyoake by Price announces new factory – and solutions
Holyoake by Price has announced the opening of its new factory in Sydney in 2023. According to the company the new, state-of-the-art facility will manufacture the Price Critical Environments range of products, allowing the company to deliver innovative, world-class products specifically for the Australian market. “With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we […]
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AC based on air-cooled photovoltaic-thermal system
Scientists in China claim to have developed a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air conditioning system that uses an air-cooled condenser and a PV/T condenser combined in series. The research was published recently in Applied Thermal Energy, a technical journal. Researchers from Hebei University of Technology say they have designed the photovoltaic-thermal air conditioning system, whose novelty arises from using […]
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A.G. Coombs releases advisory note about net zero for FMs
Integrated building services provider A. G. Coombs has issued another in its series of informative guidance communiques or advisory notes. Aimed at facility managers, the latest is an exploration of net zero buildings. “The concept of ‘net zero’ is pivotal to any discussion regarding sustainability in the built environment,” the note says. “Despite its widespread […]
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Federal government launches energy-efficiency grants
Small and medium businesses across Australia can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and bring down emissions. The grants can be used for a wide range of activities, such as upgrading or replacing existing air conditioners with high-efficiency units, or replacing gas heating boilers with […]
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Europe votes to move away from fluorinated refrigerants
The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) has agreed to amendments to the F-gas regulation that will see bans on fluorinated gases in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment over the next five years. It signals a major move away from synthetic gases and towards natural alternatives. “We are making […]
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Daikin to expand Australian manufacturing operations
Daikin Australia has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations as part of a continued focus on local manufacturing, research and development. The project, due for completion by June 2024, will see the construction of a new 7,500m2 factory to complement the existing factory at Daikin’s Australian headquarters on Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW. […]
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Fast-track pathogen mitigation standard under development
ASHRAE has convened a project committee to develop an indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard. The goal is to finalise the consensus-based, code-enforceable standard within six months. “The health and wellbeing of building occupants are crucial factors that must be considered during the design, construction and operation phases of the building process,” says ASHRAE […]
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Modular construction and prefabrication conference
The sixth Modular Construction and Pre-Fabrication ANZ conference, to be held as a virtual summit from March 27–29, will showcase the latest techniques and technology in modularisation and prefabrication. According to the organisers, modular construction now accounts for $4.5 billion of Australia’s $150 billion construction industry. The conference will highlight best practices from modular builders […]
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Employers’ gender pay gaps to be disclosed
Under a new federal government bill aimed at improving gender equity, the gender pay gaps for employers of 100 workers or more will be publicly disclosed. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), Australia’s national gender pay gap is 14.1 per cent. From May 2022, women in Australia earned $263.90 less than men each […]
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Online HVAC&R resource for Southeast Queensland
A new local resource site for the Southeast Queensland HVAC&R community has been launched: the HVACR Noticeboard. Founded by local mechanical engineer Wes Mergard, the HVACR Noticeboard has two purposes. First, it provides a central online meeting place for Southeast Queensland to support and showcase the work of local HVAC&R industry leaders, in the forms […]
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Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 comes to Melbourne
Melbourne will host the Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 on March 22. The Showcase is a mix of demonstrations, presentations and exhibitions. “The Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase profiles some of our current and completed projects,” say the organisers. “It’s an opportunity for partners and researchers to interact with one another, build relationships, see […]
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Harnessing heat pumps could deliver huge savings
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) and the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) have released a report that reveals the huge potential energy and emissions savings offered by heat pumps in Australia. Harnessing heat pumps for net zero: The role of heat pumps in saving energy and cutting emissions spotlights the critical role of heat […]