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Tag: Featured
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NSW proposes increase to BASIX standards
The NSW government is proposing increases to BASIX thermal performance and energy standards, beginning in late 2022. The government says the work is being done “to build more comfortable homes, cut energy costs and contribute to the state’s target of net zero homes by 2050”. This aligns with the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, the […]
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WELL booming in Asia-Pacific region
As the pandemic heads into its third year, the Asia-Pacific region has increasingly adopted WELL programs. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently highlighted the exponential growth as it crossed the 300 million square metre mark of spaces enrolled in WELL programs. IWBI reports that nearly 80 million square metres of real estate are applying […]
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Penrith Council shares strategies for urban heat
Penrith Council in Sydney has developed an issues paper to advocate for changes to be made to the state planning system. The aim is to ensure that all new developments across Western Sydney are designed to be adaptive to urban heat in both current and future climates. The council began developing the issues paper after […]
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National review of engineering education
The Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) has released the results of a recent study as part of the Engineering 2035 Project, a national review of engineering education. The Engineering 2035 Project explores the practices and methods used for educating professional engineering students, and makes recommendations on how educators and universities can move forward. Approximately […]
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Overcoming regulatory barriers for prefab homes
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has released a consultation paper that explores the regulatory barriers limiting the uptake of modular and prefabricated home construction. “Builders, trades and homeowners are looking at innovative ways to build – for speed, accuracy and finish,” says HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy Kristin Brookfield. “However, our current building codes, standards, […]
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Technology Investment Roadmap under review
The federal government is calling for submissions to inform development of the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2022. The Low Emissions Technology Statement (LETS) is an annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap – the Australian government’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions. It is the cornerstone of Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which the government says […]
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ARBS calls for speakers and award nominations
ARBS 2022 is calling for speakers to participate in the ARBS Seminar Series, and nominations for the ARBS Industry Awards. Slated for August 16–18, 2022 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), ARBS 2022 will showcase new products and technologies, with a focus on new and developing trends and technologies. These will include smart […]
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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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IEA seeks case studies in resilient cooling
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is collating case studies as part of its Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) program. The specific project, Annex 80, focuses on the resilient cooling of buildings. “The world is facing a rapid increase of air conditioning of buildings,” says the IEA “This is driven by multiple factors, such as […]
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Green walls reduce heat loss by more than 30%
A study conducted at the University of Plymouth, UK, has revealed retrofitting existing building walls with a living wall could reduce heat loss by more than 30 per cent. The researchers retrofitted a green wall at the university on a pre-1970s building, and monitored the differences in heat lost between the retrofitted wall and a normal […]
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Energy and electrotechnology skills webinar
Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is hosting a webinar on Thursday, December 9 about energy and electrotechnology industry skills. New skills and technologies are having an impact on sectors such as electricity generation, transmission, distribution and rail, and electrotechnology – including HVAC&R. They are also affecting the growth of renewable systems. The relevant industry reference committees […]
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RAC apprentice wins tradeswoman of the year award
TAFE Queensland refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Natasha Kirchner has been chosen as the Construction Skills Queensland Tradeswoman of the Year at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards in Brisbane. Held annually, the NAWIC Awards showcase the achievements and industry advancements of women, men and organisations in the construction industry. A third-year […]
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New program to build diversity of STEM workforce
The STEMAZING Inspiration Academy in conjunction with World Refrigeration Day is opening up spaces for women from the Asia-Pacific region to participate in its program. The STEMAZING initiative is aimed at building the diversity of the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce. “To tackle our current and future global challenges we need a bigger, […]
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Standards Australia gives support to solar
Standards Australia has revised the standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays to support the growing solar panel industry. According to Standards Australia, almost four million solar photo-voltaic (PV) panel systems have been installed across Australia in the past 20 years, which has seen a dramatic reduction in overall costs. Solar […]
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TRANSFORM returns in 2022
Along with celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is hosting the fourth iteration of its TRANSFORM conference from March 23–24, 2022. TRANSFORM 2022 will address how the built environment must change in order to keep up with climate change. Key influencers from the industry – including CEOs, thought leaders and […]
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Planning solar neighbourhoods
On November 25, the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) Programme is presenting a free webinar on planning solar neighbourhoods. Representatives of IEA SHC Task 63 on Solar Neighbourhood Planning will discuss solar planning strategies for energy production, daylighting, and thermal comfort. The webinar will highlight the role of tools as a support for the […]
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Harrison claims WorldSkills gold for Queensland
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and a surprise call-up to the competition, Cameron Harrison has brought home another gold medal for Queensland in the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. Harrison was halfway through his final block of TAFE in his Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration when lead lecturer Carl Balke tapped him on the shoulder. The […]
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Where do we go after COP26?
ClimateWorks Australia is holding a webinar on Tuesday, November 23 about how infrastructure can help deliver net zero after COP26. ClimateWorks Australia says infrastructure influences around 70 per cent of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. With pressure mounting from the private sector and public stakeholders to fulfil the net zero ambition, how can Australia adapt […]
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How do you solve a problem like construction?
One of Australia’s newest Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Building 4.0 CRC is looking to boost innovation in a sector that has traditionally been slow to change: the construction industry. According to Building 4.0 CRC’s website, for decades building has been plagued by rising costs, stagnant productivity, high waste and low margins. These problems are compounded […]
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Building simulation conference calling for abstracts
AIRAH and the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) Australasia are hosting the Australasian Building Simulation Conference in Brisbane, Australia from July 20–21, 2022. AIRAH and IBPSA Australasia are looking for technical papers that share and build the knowledge of industry on how simulation contributes to carbon- and climate-responsive outcomes both at a building and […]