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Tag: energy efficiency
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Big investors Google and Sol Systems back small fixes
Google and clean-energy developer Sol Systems have unveiled a new approach to energy efficiency by pairing clean energy with community investment in two less prosperous US states. The two giant corporates are providing seed funding to three electricity co-operatives and a non-profit, all US-based outfits. The idea is to spend money upfront to make homes […]
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Federal government launches energy-efficiency grants
Small and medium businesses across Australia can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and bring down emissions. The grants can be used for a wide range of activities, such as upgrading or replacing existing air conditioners with high-efficiency units, or replacing gas heating boilers with […]
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National conference to confront energy crisis
Returning to Sydney for the first time in five years, the National Energy Efficiency Conference 2023 (NEEC23) will take place over May 24–25. “NEEC23 will bring Australia’s foremost energy efficiency experts, forward-thinking policy makers, innovative energy users, political leaders and industry trailblazers together to network, debate and create action around reducing energy bills and cutting […]
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Aeroseal underused Down Under, says Clean-Air
HVAC hygiene experts Clean-Air are promoting the benefits of Aeroseal Duct Sealing technology, including the important role it can play in making buildings more energy efficient. Aeroseal is designed to reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of HVAC fans and by eliminating excess ventilation loads. “Sixty per cent of a building’s HVAC energy goes […]
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A clearer view of Australia’s commercial building stock
A new national report on energy consumption of buildings has revealed that Australia’s commercial building stock is almost double what was previously thought – and offers important signposts for the journey towards net zero. The 2022 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Baseline Study, published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), […]
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ABCB seeking refrigeration case studies
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a request for tender for case studies and analysis of energy efficiency for refrigerated spaces. This work will help determine whether such spaces will become regulated through the National Construction Code (NCC). The case studies will be site-specific, providing illustrative examples across the range of types of […]
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Government seeks input on improving energy performance
Consultation is now open on the National Energy Performance Strategy, which the federal government says will focus on easing pressure on energy bills, improving energy reliability and reducing emissions. The government has acknowledged there is much work to be done in this area – an assessment confirmed by international reviews. Australia was declared a “loser” […]
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Sound advice on building tuning
A.G. Coombs has published an advisory note on the advantages of building tuning, and how to implement it effectively. The publication outlines why effective building tuning is important, as well as how to address instability within a control system and its causes, and some of the common pitfalls in tuning strategies. According to A.G. Coombs, […]
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Study stirs ambition for efficient and healthy homes
The authors of a new study hope their work will act as a catalyst for industry change as Australia moves to net-zero-carbon housing. As well as providing in-depth technical information on moisture management and airtightness, it recommends how construction practices need to change to achieve highly energy-efficient, durable and healthy buildings. An Australian Based Study […]
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Plan to make Australia an energy-efficiency winner
The Australian federal government has kicked off work to develop a National Energy Performance Strategy. The announcement was made by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister at the 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit in Sydney. “For too long, Australia’s efforts at reducing emissions and cutting energy costs have lacked a national plan that […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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Fujitsu fits out McDonald’s
Two Fujitsu General Airstage rooftop packaged units were recently installed on the roof of a 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in Burwood, Victoria. Following Fujitsu General’s assessment of the engineering brief, the installation was managed by Metro Air (Victoria) and included two 66kW Airstage rooftop packaged units (with Economiser and De-Super Heater), anywAiR iO controls, and a […]
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Full details of NCC 2022 revealed
The Australian Building Codes Board has released the second stage preview of the National Construction Code 2022. Although a first-stage preview was released in May this year, it did not include the provisions around energy efficiency and condensation management. These new measures have now been agreed to by building ministers, and have been revealed in […]
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The commercial retrofit workforce of the future
The Energy Efficiency Commission (EEC) is running a Webinar on September 6 to look at the skills required to retrofit Australia’s commercial buildings. The goal is to map the ecosystem of professional and trade roles involved in providing energy and related services to commercial buildings. This includes NABERS Energy ratings, services under state-based energy efficiency […]
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Seven-star minimum confirmed for NCC 2022
Building ministers have agreed to the final changes to the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC), including a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating for new homes. New homes will also have a new annual energy-use budget applicable to major appliances such as space conditioning, hot water, lighting, pool and spa pumps, offset by any […]
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Collective push for higher standards in NCC 2022
More than 100 organisations have signed a joint statement supporting the lifting of energy standards in the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC). The document has been sent to federal and state and territory ministers ahead of a meeting in late August, where it is expected a final decision will be made on raising minimum energy […]
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Bill Gates backs green air conditioning startup
Software billionaire Bill Gates is investing in air conditioning startup Blue Frontier, a company that aims to develop technology that will improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce harmful environmental impacts. Blue Frontier has received a $20 million round of funding, with backers including Bill Gates’ investment fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, among others. According to its […]
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More time required for NCC 2022
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is recommending that the publication date for the National Construction Code 2022 be pushed back from September to October. Building Ministers are scheduled to meet in late August 2022 and still need to make some key decisions about NCC 2022. This includes the final analysis from the ABCB on […]