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Tag: energy efficiency
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Focus on efficiency and electrification in gas roadmap
The Victorian government has released its Gas Substitution Roadmap with the stated aim of helping the state navigate the path to net-zero emissions while providing greater consumer choice and cutting energy bills. The government is touting the plan as Australia’s “first coordinated decarbonisation plan for the gas sector”. And there are good reasons for Victoria […]
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Australia joins global pact for energy efficiency
Amid the mounting power crises locally and globally, Australia has issued a joint statement with 25 other countries stressing the importance of energy efficiency for addressing energy supply issues, rising inflation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The statement was one of the major outcomes of the Global Conference on Energy Efficiency organised by the International Energy […]
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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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Triple-pane windows to gain market traction
A new generation of more affordable thin, triple-pane windows has been proven to reduce energy costs and noise levels. Researchers from the Department of Energy at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have led a series of studies with the aim of creating products with greater availability and lower costs. PNNL says windows typically make up approximately […]
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Open access to ASHRAE-UNEP eLearning modules
Access is now available to three HVAC&R eLearning modules and various other free resources through the ASHRAE-UNEP Portal. The Refrigerants Literacy module offers a basic understanding about refrigerants types, policies, classifications and management practices. It is aimed at non specialists in the field, such as facility managers, policy makers, and other individuals who are involved […]
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Government must lead the way on energy efficiency
A new guide, Best practice for energy management in government operations, provides advice to help governments put in place policies and programs that will drive systematic energy performance improvements in their own operations. The guide has been developed by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), the Green Building Council […]
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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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New guide to energy efficient homes
The federal government has published the sixth edition of Your Home, an independent guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home provides advice on designs, materials and appliances that can make homes more comfortable and sustainable when building, buying or renovating. Written by more than 50 experts in building design and construction, it contains the latest […]
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FairAir gets a new look
AIRAH has released a new and improved version of its website FairAir, offering independent advice for residential air conditioning. Already well known within the industry, and referenced by consumer groups such as CHOICE, FairAir has been revamped and updated to support residents and HVAC&R technicians in selecting suitable equipment for residential cooling and heating. AIRAH […]
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Energy Efficiency Expo goes online
The Energy Efficiency Expo Virtual Conference 2021 will held as a series of free-to-attend online sessions from October 19–28. Energy Efficiency Expo is dedicated to the discussion of energy efficiency, energy management and energy productivity in Australia. “Across seven sessions, the virtual conference will bring together over 40 leading experts to help businesses take control […]
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Residential Energy Efficiency CRIS open for comment
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking comment on a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) providing an analysis of proposed amendments to the residential energy efficiency provisions included in stage 2 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft. The CRIS provides an analysis of the cost and benefits of the proposed increases in the […]
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Reality TV to grow the market for sustainable homes
A new home makeover show called Renovate Or Rebuild is coming to 9Life on Monday, October 4, and represents a novel approach to growing the market for sustainable homes. If all goes according to plan, it could represent a key piece of work in Australia’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings. As the title suggests, the […]
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ASBEC applauds energy-efficiency ‘step change’ in NCC 2022
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has welcomed the release of the NCC 2022 public consultation draft as an important step change towards more healthy and comfortable homes for Australian families. ASBEC notes that minimum energy efficiency standards for housing haven’t shifted substantially for more than a decade. The proposed update is to ensure […]
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Draft NCC 2022 energy efficiency and condensation provisions
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking comment on proposed amendments to energy efficiency and condensation technical provisions, for possible inclusion in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. Some of the more significant amendments proposed in this second and final stage of the public comment draft include: A stringency increase in the thermal performance […]
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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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Updates to incentives for refrigerated cabinets
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is updating the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for refrigerated cabinets. Refrigerated cabinets are designed to store and display chilled and/or frozen food items, and are typically used in retail stores such as supermarkets, petrol stations, liquor outlets and smaller food and beverage vendors. The VEU […]
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Small businesses score $5m energy saver bonus
The Victorian government has launched the Small Business Energy Saver Program through Sustainability Victoria. The initiative will offer $5 million in bonuses to small businesses across the state to support their transition to a low-cost, energy-efficient business model. Victorian small businesses with 19 full-time employees or fewer can receive up to $2,000 to install energy-efficient […]
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Forecasting energy efficiency
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is seeking expressions of interest to attend a workshop about forecasting energy efficiency on Wednesday, March 24. The workshop is open to stakeholders with knowledge on energy efficiency policies, experience in designing and managing energy efficiency measures, and experience in modelling and quantifying energy efficiency impacts. AEMO is focused […]
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Carel releases white paper on natural refrigerants
HVAC&R control and humidification specialist Carel has released a white paper that examines natural refrigerants and the technologies available to optimise energy savings. As countries around the world move to phase down HFCs in support of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, natural refrigerants including CO2, ammonia and hydrocarbons are increasingly being looked at […]
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Northern Territory to finally adopt Section J?
The Northern Territory government is considering adopting Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC), which will set out new energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings. The National Construction Code prescribes the minimum standard for buildings in Australia. Although it is a national code, each state and territory may decide whether or not to adopt […]