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Tag: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment
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Days of R404A are numbered
High-GWP refrigerants may soon be in short supply and rising in price as stockpiles dwindle, international pressures hit our shores, and the HFC phase-down quotas start to bite. And according to experts at AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2022 conference this week, that means it’s time for contractors to urgently switch away from R404A. When the HFC phase-down […]
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E-waste program could include HVAC&R equipment
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is running a work program to better understand e-waste in Australia and identify potential e-stewardship opportunities. Although electronic waste is generally thought of as electronic goods such as televisions, phones and computers, the program is contemplating a wider definition. Add to this the increasing digitisation of appliances, […]
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Australian authorities seize refrigeration equipment worth more than $200,000
A joint operation by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) has led to the seizure of more than $200,000 worth of refrigeration equipment imported without a licence. ABF officers seized 100 packages in Melbourne in May 2021 after a tip-off that the Victorian-based importer did not […]
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Government eyes ban on high-GWP air conditioners
The Ozone and Climate Protection Section of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is seeking industry input on a proposal to limit the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The approach would ban the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using […]
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Small fixes for big emissions reductions
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has applauded a new report that highlights common faults in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment – and the considerable potential benefits of addressing them. HVAC&R has a huge impact on Australia’s energy use and greenhouse emissions. HVAC&R uses more than 24 per […]
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What is the most common RAC fault?
A new report prepared by the Expert Group for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment lists the most common faults identified in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It also gauges the impacts of these faults and highlights how routine maintenance could significantly reduce electricity use, refrigerant leaks and emissions. The […]
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ARC releases free ‘tech packs’ for R32
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment have created free “tech-packs” on R32 refrigerant for licensed technicians and authorised businesses. The packs contain information on refrigerant characteristics and properties, equipment requirements, safety, relationship to R410A, and more. They also include refrigerant safety stickers to help technicians identify the […]
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Company fined $500,000 for unlawfully importing HFCs
The largest fine ever issued under Australia’s ozone protection laws has been handed down to a Victorian-based fire protection company for the unlawful importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Following a civil prosecution from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, this week the Federal Court of Australia found the company formerly known as Fire Protection Technologies […]
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AC importer fined for R22 infringements
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has fined a Victorian-based importer and manufacturer of air conditioning equipment $12,600 for importing bulk hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) without a controlled substances licence. Importing HCFC without a licence is an offence under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, which is in place to protect […]
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Tender for maintenance and leak prevention program
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is developing an education program to encourage refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owners and facilities managers to improve their level of preventive maintenance. The program aims to reduce refrigerant and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and at the same time reduce consumer costs by having their equipment operate […]