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RAC apprentice wins tradeswoman of the year award
TAFE Queensland refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Natasha Kirchner has been chosen as the Construction Skills Queensland Tradeswoman of the Year at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards in Brisbane. Held annually, the NAWIC Awards showcase the achievements and industry advancements of women, men and organisations in the construction industry. A third-year […]
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New program to build diversity of STEM workforce
The STEMAZING Inspiration Academy in conjunction with World Refrigeration Day is opening up spaces for women from the Asia-Pacific region to participate in its program. The STEMAZING initiative is aimed at building the diversity of the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce. “To tackle our current and future global challenges we need a bigger, […]
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COVID-19 ventilation optimisation guide for schools
AIRAH has released a guide to COVID-19 ventilation optimisation aimed at primary and secondary schools. Authored by Brad Prezant, Affil.AIRAH, the guide offers readers a better understanding of airborne transmission and building ventilation systems found in schools in Australia. It also provides advice about building a strategy for different facilities. It is intended as a […]
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AREMA flags concerns over whole-of-home approach
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association (AREMA) has raised concerns about the whole-of-home approach proposed for the 2022 revision of the National Construction Code (NCC). AREMA says it fully supports “sensible energy efficiency policy and legislation”, including incorporating energy efficiency into the NCC and using a whole-of-home calculation that includes heating and cooling […]
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UOW seeks contractors for mid-tier research
A team from the University of Wollongong (UOW) is conducting research to understand more about the career journeys of HVAC contractors, including their education and training, workplace experiences and perceptions of the future of the sector. Specifically, the researchers are interested in talking to contractors who work in the mid-tier commercial building sector. They are hoping […]
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Panasonic unveils Z Series split systems
Panasonic Australia has launched a new range of air conditioners with wi-fi and air purification features. The reverse-cycle, wall-mounted split systems have been designed to deliver comfort and peace of mind by integrating the company’s latest air conditioning technology. “The premium Z Series Reverse Cycle R32 Wall Split Systems seamlessly integrate ‘smart home’ features in […]
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Standards Australia gives support to solar
Standards Australia has revised the standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays to support the growing solar panel industry. According to Standards Australia, almost four million solar photo-voltaic (PV) panel systems have been installed across Australia in the past 20 years, which has seen a dramatic reduction in overall costs. Solar […]
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TRANSFORM returns in 2022
Along with celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is hosting the fourth iteration of its TRANSFORM conference from March 23–24, 2022. TRANSFORM 2022 will address how the built environment must change in order to keep up with climate change. Key influencers from the industry – including CEOs, thought leaders and […]
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Planning solar neighbourhoods
On November 25, the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) Programme is presenting a free webinar on planning solar neighbourhoods. Representatives of IEA SHC Task 63 on Solar Neighbourhood Planning will discuss solar planning strategies for energy production, daylighting, and thermal comfort. The webinar will highlight the role of tools as a support for the […]
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Safe Work Australia updates ventilation advice
Safe Work Australia has updated its guidance on improving ventilation in indoor workspaces to minimise the risks of COVID-19, including information about modifying HVAC systems. The information is a key resource for employers, who have a duty under the model Work Health and Safety laws to minimise the risks of COVID-19 in the workplace so […]
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Linear compressor could slash HVAC&R energy use
European tech company Magtor has developed a linear compressor that could cut energy use by 30 per cent and eliminate power spikes on start-up, making it a candidate to replace traditional rotary-based technology. Identified as a key sustainable solution by the Solar Impulse Foundation, and presented as one of the “investment ready” cleantech ventures at […]
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Harrison claims WorldSkills gold for Queensland
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and a surprise call-up to the competition, Cameron Harrison has brought home another gold medal for Queensland in the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. Harrison was halfway through his final block of TAFE in his Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration when lead lecturer Carl Balke tapped him on the shoulder. The […]
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Panasonic launches Air-e ceiling-mounted air purifier
Panasonic has released its air-purification solution for the Australian market: the Air-e ceiling-mounted nanoeX Generator (FV-15CSD1). “The compact and hidden device delivers comfort and peace of mind for operators and users of indoor spaces, with Panasonic’s unique air-purification technology,” the firm says. “Daily activities in indoor public spaces often generate various odours, which can impact […]
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Institute of Refrigeration proposes path to net zero
The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) is calling for consultation on two policy papers that address key aspects to support users of HVAC&R technologies in the pathway to net zero emissions. The papers are published by Beyond Refrigeration, an initiative of the IoR that addresses climate change issues and provides a framework for technical leadership. The two […]
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Where do we go after COP26?
ClimateWorks Australia is holding a webinar on Tuesday, November 23 about how infrastructure can help deliver net zero after COP26. ClimateWorks Australia says infrastructure influences around 70 per cent of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. With pressure mounting from the private sector and public stakeholders to fulfil the net zero ambition, how can Australia adapt […]
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Hot water solutions from Oventrop
Potable hot water solutions from Oventrop are now available in Australia. “The most hygienic, commercially economical potable hot water plants that the HVAC market can easily understand, install and maintain,” Oventrop says of the products. “Our Watermarked Regumaq and Regudis station technology provide scalable instantaneous hot water from two to 500 litres per minute via […]
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How do you solve a problem like construction?
One of Australia’s newest Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Building 4.0 CRC is looking to boost innovation in a sector that has traditionally been slow to change: the construction industry. According to Building 4.0 CRC’s website, for decades building has been plagued by rising costs, stagnant productivity, high waste and low margins. These problems are compounded […]
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Building simulation conference calling for abstracts
AIRAH and the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) Australasia are hosting the Australasian Building Simulation Conference in Brisbane, Australia from July 20–21, 2022. AIRAH and IBPSA Australasia are looking for technical papers that share and build the knowledge of industry on how simulation contributes to carbon- and climate-responsive outcomes both at a building and […]
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ASHRAE makes presence felt at COP26
US HVAC&R engineering body ASHRAE was represented at the COP26 conference recently held in in Glasgow, Scotland, formally participating as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). It was also an official COP observer. Along with more than 60 influential firms and organisations operating within the built environment, ASHRAE was one of the signatories of the 1.5°C COP26 […]
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Could HVAC systems be used to detect COVID-19?
Researchers at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine have been attempting to detect SARS-CoV-2 in a building by testing the air passing through the HVAC systems. The team hopes this could lead to earlier detection of the virus, improved quarantine protocols, reduced transmission, and fewer outbreaks. Researchers collected samples from two large student dormitories […]