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Tag: Featured
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OzHelp builds on mental health and wellbeing
The OzHelp Foundation has announced the launch of a new program aimed at preventing suicide and supporting mental health in the building and construction industry: the Health in Trades program (HiT). According to OzHelp, nine Australians, on average, die by suicide every day. Of all these deaths, 75 per cent are men, and construction workers […]
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AC based on air-cooled photovoltaic-thermal system
Scientists in China claim to have developed a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air conditioning system that uses an air-cooled condenser and a PV/T condenser combined in series. The research was published recently in Applied Thermal Energy, a technical journal. Researchers from Hebei University of Technology say they have designed the photovoltaic-thermal air conditioning system, whose novelty arises from using […]
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A.G. Coombs releases advisory note about net zero for FMs
Integrated building services provider A. G. Coombs has issued another in its series of informative guidance communiques or advisory notes. Aimed at facility managers, the latest is an exploration of net zero buildings. “The concept of ‘net zero’ is pivotal to any discussion regarding sustainability in the built environment,” the note says. “Despite its widespread […]
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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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Daikin to expand Australian manufacturing operations
Daikin Australia has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations as part of a continued focus on local manufacturing, research and development. The project, due for completion by June 2024, will see the construction of a new 7,500m2 factory to complement the existing factory at Daikin’s Australian headquarters on Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW. […]
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Fast-track pathogen mitigation standard under development
ASHRAE has convened a project committee to develop an indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard. The goal is to finalise the consensus-based, code-enforceable standard within six months. “The health and wellbeing of building occupants are crucial factors that must be considered during the design, construction and operation phases of the building process,” says ASHRAE […]
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Modular construction and prefabrication conference
The sixth Modular Construction and Pre-Fabrication ANZ conference, to be held as a virtual summit from March 27–29, will showcase the latest techniques and technology in modularisation and prefabrication. According to the organisers, modular construction now accounts for $4.5 billion of Australia’s $150 billion construction industry. The conference will highlight best practices from modular builders […]
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Online HVAC&R resource for Southeast Queensland
A new local resource site for the Southeast Queensland HVAC&R community has been launched: the HVACR Noticeboard. Founded by local mechanical engineer Wes Mergard, the HVACR Noticeboard has two purposes. First, it provides a central online meeting place for Southeast Queensland to support and showcase the work of local HVAC&R industry leaders, in the forms […]
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Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 comes to Melbourne
Melbourne will host the Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 on March 22. The Showcase is a mix of demonstrations, presentations and exhibitions. “The Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase profiles some of our current and completed projects,” say the organisers. “It’s an opportunity for partners and researchers to interact with one another, build relationships, see […]
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Electrical control of passive radiative cooling
Researchers in Sweden have shown that electrical tuning of passive radiative cooling can be used to control the temperature of a material at ambient temperatures and air pressure. Passive radiative cooling occurs when thermal energy leaves an object in the form of infrared radiation. The amount they emit depends on its ability to absorb infrared […]
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APCO seeks views on problematic packaging
Leading up to the 2025 deadline for Australia’s national packaging targets, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is seeking information on problematic packaging. The targets, to be achieved by December 31, 2025, are: 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging 70 per cent of plastic packaging being recycled or composted 50 per cent of […]
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AC disruptor secures further funding
US air conditioning company Gradient has secured US$18 million (AU$26 million) funding to advance its innovative heat pump solutions. The Series A funding is co-led by Sustainable Future Ventures and Ajax Strategies, with participation by Safar Partners, Climate Tech Circle, Shared Future Fund, At One, Impact Science, and others. Gradient CEO Vince Romanin says the […]
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RAC apprentices eligible for new ‘clean energy’ payment
Refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices are now eligible for additional financial support thanks to the trade’s reclassification as a “clean energy” job in the updated Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. The priority list identifies occupations for the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System, which provides support payments for both apprentices and their employers. The latest priority list also […]
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Data Driven Smart Buildings Symposium calls for speakers
The Data-Driven Smart Buildings Symposium 2023 is calling for expressions of interest to present on topics relating to data-driven smart buildings, with a focus on building operation. Slated to take place Wednesday, May 24 at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, the Symposium will be hosted in collaboration with the International Energy Agency’s Annex […]
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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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Expert guide to achieving net zero by 2040
UNSW experts have produced a guide to help the construction industry achieve net zero in the built environment by 2040, contemplating not only operational emissions, but also embodied carbon and the entire life-cycle of building materials. Race to Net Zero Carbon: A Climate Emergency Guide for New and Existing Buildings in Australia details information about […]
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MECLA shines spotlight on embodied carbon
The Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) is hosting a Spotlight event on measuring embodied carbon, featuring industry speakers and panellists discussing present and future challenges and opportunities. Awareness about the importance of embodied carbon has been increasing in recent times, but one of the central questions remains how to measure it accurately. MECLA […]
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New material adapts heat emission for energy savings
Chicago University researchers have designed a building material that adjusts its emission of infrared colour and heat according to outdoor temperatures, which could provide low-energy temperature regulation for buildings. In a recent paper published in Nature Sustainability, researchers explained that their non-flammable electrochromic building material contains a layer that can reversibly shift between solid […]
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NSW strengthens fire safety regulations
The NSW government has made important changes to its fire safety regime to address shortcomings of the system. The Fire Safety Regulation 2022, published in December 2022, requires engineers to seek comment from the Fire Commissioner when developing performance solutions for Class 2–9 buildings, ensuring that the NSW fire authority is more engaged in the […]
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Updated guide on condensation management
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released an updated condensation management guide that explains the new provisions in the 2022 version of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). NCC 2022 will be adopted by states and territories on May 1, 2023, with some requirements – including those relating to condensation management – commencing on […]