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ABCB offers new fire protection courses
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released two courses on fire safety systems and passive fire protection, with discounted registration for a limited time. The ABCB notes that effective fire protection in buildings can save lives, and a good and up-to-date understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC) plays a critical role in this […]
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University to use food waste for heating
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh), USA, is planning to install a biogas-powered hot water boiler to generate heat in the coming winter. The university already has a biodigester that generates approximately 8 per cent of the campus’s electricity through capturing methane campus food waste and grass clippings. The school submitted an application last autumn […]
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Purdue calls for papers
Purdue University’s Herrick Conferences deadline for paper submissions has been extended to April 18, 2022. Herrick Labs has hosted international conferences on compressor engineering, refrigeration, air conditioning, and high-performance buildings since 1972. These include the International Compressor Engineering Conference, the International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference and the International High Performance Buildings Conference. The conferences […]
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AIRAH Awards 2022 aim to inspire industry
Nominations are open for the leading accolades of the HVAC&R building services industry: the AIRAH Awards 2022. Across 13 categories, the awards celebrate the projects, people and products that have raised the bar for the built environment. AIRAH Chief Executive Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, says the awards play a vital role in reminding us that we […]
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Breakthrough material for heat storage
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the University of Leipzig have developed a new heat storage material that could improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material can both store heat and send it back into the environment as needed. While similar materials exist, this new one is more stable, made from non-harmful substances, […]
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ABC celebrates ‘forgotten’ godfather of refrigeration
Australian refrigeration pioneer James Harrison has featured in an episode of ABC rural affairs program Landline. Ahead of the Scotland-born innovator’s birthday on April 17, the program charted Harrison’s exploits in creating an ice machine in his adopted Victorian home of Geelong in the mid-1800s. Landline also explored reasons for Harrison’s lack of renown given […]
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National Energy Efficiency Conference 2022
The Energy Efficiency Council is partnering with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to host the National Energy Efficiency Conference 2022 in Melbourne on May 26 and 27. The conference will focus on the critical role of energy management as our energy system transitions to net zero, with the major theme […]
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GBCA releases guide to an all-electric future
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has published a guide that presents a compelling case for moving away from gas in new buildings – and lays out a straightforward method for doing so. Launched at the GBCA’s recent TRANSFORM conference, A Practical Guide to Electrification outlines the steps involved in delivering an all-electric new […]
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NT weighs up Section J energy efficiency provisions
The Northern Territory government is seeking industry feedback on potential changes to its energy efficiency provisions for buildings. Following a local industry investigation in 2020 into the potential adoption of NCC Section J in the Northern Territory and in response to industry feedback, a cost benefit analysis has been conducted by energy-efficiency specialists DeltaQ. The […]
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Now or never for emissions reduction, says IPCC
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that immediate and deep emissions reductions are required across all sectors to limit global warming to the levels set out in the Paris Agreement. The report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, provides an updated global snapshot of actions and pledges to […]
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Beijer Ref continues expansion in Australia
Beijer Ref has announced the acquisition of two Australian businesses: GMR Supplies and Mackay Air Supplies. GMR Supplies is a refrigeration wholesaler based in Perth, Western Australia. According to Beijer Ref, the company distributes high-quality refrigeration products and provides HVAC&R spare parts to metropolitan and country clients throughout Western Australia. Mackay Air Supplies is an […]
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Feedback sought on smoke control training materials
As part of the electrotechnology training package, new materials have been developed for assessing and reporting on smoke control features, and the Technical Advisory Committee is seeking feedback. The unit, Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems, has been updated to address the skills and knowledge requirements for assessment […]
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Budget provides a short-term boost, says AIRAH
AIRAH has welcomed the immediate support provided for industry in the Federal Budget 2022–23, and says the HVAC&R building services industry stands ready to help develop a clear and sustainable long-term vision for Australia. A dominant theme in this year’s Budget has been the need for a stronger workforce. The government has announced a raft […]
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Heat pumps show promise in industrial applications
As heat pump technology grows in popularity across Europe, Australia has also turned its eye towards renewable energy in industrial settings. Commercial businesses such as brewers, pet food producers and food processors are exploring whether thermal storage and heat pumps could help reduce the use of natural gases. ARENA supplied $460,500 in funding to the Australian […]
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Going from Great to Good – call for speakers
CIBSE is calling for speaker and paper submissions for its webinar series running in August and September, titled “Going from Great to Good”. The series will cover how sustainable building design needs to be considered across current and future builds. The main themes will include: Beginning with the end in mind – moving to a […]
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Government to extend apprentice wage subsidy
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has targeted trades as a key area for investment ahead of the Federal Budget, by announcing an extension to the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements and Completing Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidies. The end date for the program will now be extended to June 30, 2022. Through the subsidy, businesses that engage an Australian […]
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Dwyer releases Series PMI particulate matter transmitter
Amid greater general interest in measuring indoor air quality, Dwyer Instruments has launched its Series PMI particulate matter transmitter. The transmitter is designed to measure indoor air quality by detecting particulate matter in an office environment or HVAC duct. According to Dwyer, the Series PMI uses laser scattering technology to measure particles as small as […]
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Fujitsu strengthens dealer and commercial teams
Fujitsu General Australia has appointed John Bourke (left) and Alex Turner (right) to national roles that the company says will be instrumental in directing its dealer and commercial channel activity Australia-wide. Bourke has been appointed to the position of National Commercial Manager. Turner is the newly appointed National Dealer Manager. “Fujitsu General is eager to […]
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Compliance crunch coming for fire dampers?
A small note to the schedule of referenced documents in the National Construction Code that is set to activate on May 1 could cause big non-compliance risks with fire dampers, according to some industry sources. The issue relates to the testing standard AS 1530.4 for fire dampers called up in the National Construction Code (NCC). […]
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Daikin launches R32 Altherma system
Daikin Australia has launched its new R32 Altherma Mono-Bloc system, which it describes as “a highly flexible, energy-efficient home heating and cooling system that creates consistent, controllable comfort for homes”. Daikin’s Altherma range of hydronic heating and cooling systems are designed to provide energy-efficient, even, radiant and draught-free heat. As well as using a lower-GWP […]