Page 64
All posts
-
Hydrogen not the future for home heating
A review of independent studies on the use of hydrogen for heating has delivered a damning verdict for the idea that we may one day replace our existing gas network with a hydrogen network. The evidence review, undertaken by energy influencer Dr Jan Rosenow, looked at 32 independent studies. These were conducted at international, regional, […]
-
Research reveals huge health benefits of humble retrofits
A comprehensive study conducted through the Victorian Healthy Homes Program has measured the impact of an energy efficiency and thermal comfort home upgrade on temperature, energy use, health and quality of life. It found that for every dollar saved in energy, more than $10 is saved in health. Over three years (2018–20), Sustainability Victoria oversaw […]
-
NT to adopt NCC 2019 energy-efficiency provisions
The Northern Territory has confirmed it will introduce energy-efficiency provisions for non-residential buildings, as specified in Section J of Volume One of NCC 2019. The decision was made after a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis was undertaken by energy-efficiency specialists DeltaQ. This examined the impact of the potential adoption of either the energy efficiency provisions in the […]
-
NCC 2022 now available online
The 2022 version of the National Construction Code (NCC) is now available online. The major changes are the lifting of the minimum energy efficiency requirements for new homes from 6 to 7 NatHERS stars, and a new annual energy-use budget applicable to major appliances such as space conditioning, hot water, lighting, pool and spa pumps, […]
-
National campaign to promote careers in HVAC&R
A new campaign promoting careers in HVAC&R is being rolled out by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), targeting students at almost 3,000 secondary schools across Australia. Each school’s careers adviser will receive a package explaining the careers the HVAC&R industry can offer, and how students can make a difference. ARC chairman Michael Bennett says the […]
-
Fujitsu General celebrates dealer loyalty
Fujitsu General Australia held its Fujitsu General dealer loyalty program (DLP) event on Hamilton Island recently, for the first time since 2019. For the almost 200 delegates, Fujitsu’s DLP event was the first chance to reconnect since pandemic restrictions began. Over six nights of activities, attendees enjoyed culinary experiences and entertainment, including musical performances by […]
-
New guide to electrifying existing buildings
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released A Practical Guide to Electrification for Existing Buildings. Developed in partnership with Cundall and with funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and NSW government, the guide provides a step-by-step outline of how to retrofit an existing building to be all-electric. It covers the types […]
-
GJ Walker announces new industrial fan division
GJ Walker Air Handling Systems has announced its new industrial fan division, Walker Industrial Systems (WIS), as part of the company’s new focus on the industrial ventilation market. The GJ Walker Group says WIS will add a range of industrial fans and blowers to its portfolio of products, bringing a new market with different ventilation […]
-
US commits to HFC phase-down
The US Senate has ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, joining the 137 other countries that have already ratified the treaty. The Kigali Amendment calls for a gradual reduction in the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. Many of these are used as refrigerants in HVAC&R systems. “The […]
-
Launch event: NABERS for Warehouses and Cold Stores
NABERS is launching a new energy rating tool, NABERS Energy for Warehouses and Cold Stores. The ratings tool was developed with input from organisations involved in the industrial and supply chain economy. NABERS consulted with providers, peak bodies and experienced consultants, gathering data from more than 150 facilities. NABERS says its expansion into warehouses and cold stores […]
-
Honeywell releases smoke and IAQ detector
Honeywell has released a new smoke detector that incorporates indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, in what the company says is a first-of-its-kind solution designed to create safer and healthier buildings. The VESDA Air combines a five-in-one IAQ sensor within a single box. According to the company, the technology actively samples air – rather than passively […]
-
High-def signal extender for control rooms
Vertiv has released its Avocent HMX 3080/4080 series, an IP-based signal extender that allows users to remotely transmit digital visual interface (DVI) video, audio, USB and RS232 signals over a Gigabit network. The Vertiv Avocent HMX 3080/4080 series joins the company’s IP-based Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) portfolio. According to Vertiv, it improves from the Avocent HMX 1080/2080 […]
-
Sweeping building reforms on the way in NSW
The NSW government is seeking industry and community input on proposed changes to building sector laws, as well as specific changes to compliance and fire-safety laws. The government says these changes are aimed at better protecting consumers and supporting businesses and workers, to improve confidence in the NSW building and construction industry. Compliance and fire […]
-
The world’s largest cooling project?
New research suggests that refreezing the Earth’s poles by reducing incoming sunlight would be a feasible and cheap approach to addressing melting ice and rising sea levels. In what might be the world’s largest cooling effort, scientists proposed spraying microscopic aerosol particles into the atmosphere above the poles via high-flying jets. According to new research […]
-
The gamechangers to boost Australia’s race to zero
The Climate Council has named 10 actions Australian governments can immediately begin to fast-track emissions reductions, tackle the energy and cost-of-living crises, and create new jobs. The Power Up: 10 Climate Gamechangers report is designed to provide a roadmap for the federal government to speed up its climate action in the 2020s, to ensure Australia […]
-
IBM pushes limits of low-temperature refrigeration
As part of its ongoing work in quantum computing, IBM has built the world’s largest dilution refrigerator. Dubbed Project Goldeneye, the super-fridge contains 1.7m3 of experimental volume and uses two helium isotopes to run at -273.15°C – about a hundredth of a degree above absolute zero. Quantum computing is an emerging technology that harnesses the […]
-
In-depth IAQ seminar set for Sydney
An indoor air quality (IAQ) seminar boasting prominent international speakers will take place over October 17–18 in Sydney. Titled Assessing and Reducing Exposure Risk From Airborne Pathogens, the special IAQ seminar is hosted by AIRAH and IBEC. It will feature international speakers Kenneth F Martinez (Idaho National Laboratory) and Dr Claire Bird (Litmas). Covered across […]
-
Testo launches 316 series of leak detectors
Testo has launched the 316 series of leak detectors, which the firm says incorporates “an absolute world first”. Key to this claim is the two-in-one sensor in the Testo 316-EX-2, for combined gas and refrigerant detection. “Additional time savings are provided by the sensor’s self-test and automatic zeroing,” says Testo, “as well as the PPM […]
-
Summit rallies energy efficiency experts
The 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit will take place on October 6, marking the eve of the Federal Budget announcement by drawing together government, global experts, prominent consumer advocates and large industry associations. Summit organisers say the event will facilitate an “economy-wide discussion” on Australia’s opportunities and challenges, and the role of energy efficiency in addressing […]
-
NSW heeds calls to defer licence deadline
After an intense series of meetings with stakeholders from the HVAC&R industry, the NSW government is set to push the implementation of the new mechanical services licence back from October 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023. The exception to this will be the medical gas licence, which will go ahead as planned at the end […]