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Updated energy standards for new NSW projects
NSW has introduced a 7-star energy efficiency rating standard for new homes and renovations costing more than $50,000, as of October 2023. The new measures extend to large commercial developments and state projects too, which will have to submit a “net-zero statement” showing buildings are either all-electric or can convert to 100 per cent renewable […]
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The commercial retrofit workforce of the future
The Energy Efficiency Commission (EEC) is running a Webinar on September 6 to look at the skills required to retrofit Australia’s commercial buildings. The goal is to map the ecosystem of professional and trade roles involved in providing energy and related services to commercial buildings. This includes NABERS Energy ratings, services under state-based energy efficiency […]
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New IAQ scorecard system
IAQ Ventilation has developed a self-assessment tool to rate the indoor air quality (IAQ) measures in place for a building – known as the Healthy Buildings Scorecard. The tool allows users to see where IAQ measures are succeeding and where improvements can be made. IAQ says its benchmark ratings – including Exceptional, Superior, Excellent and […]
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Four years of wins for Mitsubishi Heavy
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioner Australia (MHIAA) was awarded Canstar Blue 2022 Most Satisfied Customer Award for the fourth year in a row. Consumer review and comparison site Canstar Blue runs yearly independent surveys on Australian consumers across 300 different goods and services. As part of the 2022 review, more than 1,000 consumers were asked […]
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simPRO opens new global offices
Trade business management software company simPRO has opened two new office spaces in Singapore and the Netherlands. The two new offices employ six local team members in sales, business development and implementation consultant positions. simPRO also has locations in Brisbane, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Broomfield, CO; and St. Ives, UK. “Our new office locations in […]
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Seven-star minimum confirmed for NCC 2022
Building ministers have agreed to the final changes to the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC), including a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating for new homes. New homes will also have a new annual energy-use budget applicable to major appliances such as space conditioning, hot water, lighting, pool and spa pumps, offset by any […]
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Tests reveal huge energy penalties of common faults
A government-led study to quantify the benefits of HVAC&R maintenance is set to reveal the most common equipment faults – and their significant impacts on energy use. Attendees at the ARBS 2022 Seminar Program last week were afforded a sneak peek at the results, presented by Deepthi Worthing from the Ozone and Climate Protection, Department […]
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Dwyer adds options to transmitter
Dwyer Instruments has announced that its Series MSX Magnesense Differential Pressure Transmitter now has optional BACnet and Modbus communications, available immediately for use in building control applications. This option is selectable for the MSX under the optional feature designated as -COM. The option allows the MSX to communicate via selectable Modbus or BACnet communication. Dwyer says […]
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Propane AC could help avoid global temperature rises
A report published at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has highlighted the emissions that could be avoided by switching to propane as a refrigerant in split-system air conditioners. The research team estimates that such a transition could avoid a 0.09°C increase in global temperature by the end of the century. Global […]
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Australian fridgie to compete at Chillventa
Australian refrigeration and air conditioning technician Tom Clancy is set to travel to Germany in October, where he will compete in the WorldSkills international competition at the giant Chillventa exhibition. The scheduling of the competition came as welcome news for Clancy and the other international competitors, who were due to battle it out in Shanghai […]
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National registration roll-out gathers pace
Western Australia and the ACT have both taken the next steps towards implementing registration schemes for professional engineers. The moves add momentum to a nationwide trend towards registration schemes in response to the recommendations of the Building Confidence Report, which highlighted the need for registration as a mechanism for providing public accountability. WA and the […]
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Geothermal energy innovation on Metro Tunnel project
A project using geothermal energy has been selected as a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in sustainability across the state. Rail Projects Victoria was nominated for its world-first pilot trial using geothermal technology to convert existing infrastructure foundations into renewable thermal energy. Rail Projects Victoria worked in partnership with the […]
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Roadmap for addressing engineering skills crisis
Engineers Australia has developed a new report that it describes as a roadmap to address Australia’s engineering skills shortage in the short, medium and long term. Strengthening the Engineering Workforce identifies five factors influencing the profession’s supply of engineers and provides an inventory of tangible initiatives which could lessen current and future shortages. Supply factors […]
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National Skills Week highlights jobs of the future
It’s National Skills Week again, and this year the event created to raise awareness of VET pathways comes at a time when Australia needs vocational education and training more than ever. National Skills Week’s Chairman Brian Wexham notes that a severe shortage of skilled construction workers is slowing delivery and increasing the cost of home […]
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ARBS 2022 finishes on a high
ARBS 2022 has closed after three days in Melbourne that saw more than 7,000 people pass through the HVAC&R and building services exhibition. Visitors explored the largest show of its kind in Australia, with more than 220 stands displaying the latest equipment and other products. Walking the extensive show floor, visitors were able to connect […]
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ARBS 2022 Industry Awards winners announced
The winners of the ARBS 2022 Industry Awards were announced at a gala event held on Thursday, August 17 at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. The ARBS Industry Awards are held every two years in association with the ARBS Exhibition, and attract nominees from across all sectors. A panel of industry experts evaluated the nominations […]
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Fake city shows heatwave weaknesses
Washington Post writers have constructed a hypothetical city to demonstrate the disastrous effects of extreme heat on infrastructure – building a cautionary tale in “Meltsville”. The project draws international inspiration from true examples of built environments that weren’t designed to endure extreme temperatures. Meltsville, through its article and accompanying dynamic graphics, illustrates that much of […]
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Building equality in gender policies
Governments around Australia are pushing the building and construction industry to take action on gender equality policies. Earlier this year the Victorian government revealed the Building Equality Policy (BEP), aimed at creating training and employment opportunities for women through government procurement on building, infrastructure, civil engineering and any other capital works projects. Under the gender […]
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Gill named to senior role at The Carbon Trust
Steve Gill, the head of the World Refrigeration Day secretariat, has been appointed head of sustainable cooling at The Carbon Trust. In this new role, Gill will lead global initiatives to address critical climate change challenges. He’ll also be charged with developing new propositions to address gaps and opportunities globally where The Carbon Trust can […]
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Renewable reset for Australian energy policy
A meeting of Australia’s energy ministers on Friday has been hailed as a vital step towards net zero, with the environment to be included as part of the National Energy Objectives. Ministers agreed the vision, principles and key initial priority areas for a new National Energy Transformation Partnership. They described this as “a fundamental reset […]