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Gradient CEO reveals details of new AC
In recent years, especially in Australia, split systems have become the default appliance for home air conditioning, displacing the once ubiquitous “window rattlers”. Now, US company Gradient has reinvented the classic design and is offering a sleeker and more sustainable solution. Gradient hopes its new system – created by thermal scientists, engineers and executives from […]
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Kingspan Insulation acquires Thermakraft
Kingspan Insulation has announced the acquisition of New Zealand’s Thermakraft Ltd, positioning itself to provide a broader range of solutions to its customers both in Australia and New Zealand. “We are delighted to welcome Thermakraft into the Kingspan family,” says Kingspan Insultation APAC Managing Director Scott Gibson. “It is a terrific business and market leader […]
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When refrigeration meets quantum physics
An international team of researchers has created a new cooling concept by combining thermodynamics with quantum theory. The team – consisting of researchers from TU Wien, in collaboration with FU Berlin, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the University of Lisbon – have discovered quantum effects can be used to cool a cloud of ultra-cold […]
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Emerson launches new scroll compressor solution
Emerson has launched its new Copeland 110cc variable speed scroll compressor solution, manufactured in China and available for global distribution. The new product is designed to save energy and provide environmentally friendly improvements for a broad range of commercial air conditioning applications including chillers, data centres and package air conditioners. According to Emerson, the new […]
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Australia’s first zero emissions leisure and aquatic centre announced
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated up to $1.53 million in funding for Brimbank City Council’s mooted zero emissions indoor leisure and aquatic centre. To be located in Melbourne’s west and making use of an $8.1 million integrated energy system, the facility will be an Australian first. The aquatic centre is part of […]
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ABCB launches new website
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has launched a new website. It forms part of a larger effort to develop a more user-friendly online NCC, and provides access to a refreshed suite of digital products that the ABCB says delivers “a tailored and more engaging experience”. The site design was informed by stakeholder consultation. It […]
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ARBS 2022 Industry Awards open for nominations
Nominations have opened for the ARBS 2022 Industry Awards, recognising excellence and outstanding contributions within Australia’s HVAC&R and building services industry. The awards form part of ARBS 2022, slated for April 27–29, 2022, and include the following categories: ARBS Young Achiever Award 2022 ARBS Product Excellence (HVAC) Award 2022 ARBS Product Excellence (Refrigeration) Award 2022 […]
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Update on COVID-19 restrictions for NSW workers
The New South Wales government has responded to requests to clarify the rules for HVAC&R workers in the state. Although some information has already been shared, restrictions continue to change. The update below was received by AIRAH on Monday, August 2 from the NSW Treasury Taskforce. These directions are subject to amendment at any time. […]
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netStripes announces free Futurise webinars
Digital specialist netStripes has announce a new line-up of Futurise webinars for the months of August and September. The free sessions are aimed mainly at providing digital knowledge and insights to small and medium businesses in Australia. 5 Reasons Why your Digital Marketing is Not Delivering Results Time: 4–5pm (AEST) | 3.30–4.30pm (ACST) | 2–3pm […]
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Winding road ahead for mobile air conditioning
While the HVAC&R sector tends to focus on the built environment, mobile air conditioning represents a significant portion of Australia’s refrigerant bank – and poses serious challenges as we look to phase down HFCs. The most recent Cold Hard Facts report indicates that mobile air conditioning comprises more than 20 per cent of Australia’s total […]
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500 Collins Street achieves Platinum WELL certification
The Melbourne CBD office tower at 500 Collins Street has become the first existing building in Australia to earn WELL Certification at the Platinum level, the International WELL Building Institute’s highest rating. Completed in 1973, 500 Collins Street is a 26-storey tower featuring approximately 26,000m2 of net lettable area comprising an office tower with a […]
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The most significant change in NCC 2022?
Although the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code is still at draft stage, one of the biggest changes is already confirmed: a new look with improved useability. This will apply across all three volumes of the NCC: Volume 1 (Class 2 to 9 buildings); Volume 2 (Class 1 and 10 buildings); and Volume 3 […]
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New guide offers insight on moisture management
Pro Clima has released a book that explores a variety of construction systems, to help inform and guide simulations of the combined heat and moisture transport of residential and commercial façades. It also takes into account natural environmental impacts on the building envelope. The Blue Book is authored by Pro Clima’s building science manager Jesse […]
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Kirby Apprentice Fund celebrates second birthday
The Kirby Apprentice Fund is celebrating its second anniversary with the announcement of training scholarships to promote the use of natural refrigerants. The Naturals Training Scholarships will be available to fourth-year apprentices registered in the Kirby Apprentice Fund who want to further their trade knowledge with an understanding of natural refrigerants. The scholarship will facilitate […]
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New design guide supports building reform in NSW
To support the recent NSW Building Confidence reforms, Consult Australia, Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Architects have developed the Guide for Design Practitioners and Engineers. The guide is designed to be a practical resource that highlights key issues relevant to contracts and professional indemnity (PI) insurance relating to the recent legislative and regulatory […]
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Dwyer releases new photohelic pressure switch/gauge
Dwyer Instruments has released the Series AT-A3000, an ATEX/IECEx-approved photohelic pressure switch/gauge. “The flameproof-approved Series AT-A3000 ATEX/IECEx-approved photohelic pressure switch/gauge functions as versatile, highly repeatable pressure switch combined with a precise pressure gauge employing the time-proven Magnehelic gauge design,” says Dwyer. The device measures and controls positive, negative or differential pressures of air and compatible […]
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Commercial building design in the post-pandemic world
The Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA) is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, August 19, where four experts will discuss commercial building design in the post-pandemic world. More than a year into the pandemic, new themes and trends are emerging in the design of commercial work spaces. The presenters include: Julia McPhersonMcPherson is a strategist and […]
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Autonomous drones to sniff out refrigerant leaks
Researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have developed a swarm of tiny drones that can autonomously detect and localise gas sources in cluttered indoor environments. One of the key challenges the researchers faced was the minimal processing capacity of the drones. They overcame this by using bio-inspired navigation and search strategies. […]
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New controls proposed for HFCs and HFOs
Five European countries have proposed new legislation that could see HFCs and HFOs classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – and covered by tighter regulations. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and the human body. They do not break down, and can accumulate over time. They […]
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COVID-19 restrictions clarified for HVAC&R workers
Since new COVID-19 restrictions came into force in New South Wales, those employed in the HVAC&R industry have been seeking clarity on whether they can continue working. Although considered by many as an essential service, HVAC&R is not explicitly referred to in the rules. The NSW government guidance for critical repairs, maintenance and cleaning states […]