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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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Updated energy standards for new NSW projects
NSW has introduced a 7-star energy efficiency rating standard for new homes and renovations costing more than $50,000, as of October 2023. The new measures extend to large commercial developments and state projects too, which will have to submit a “net-zero statement” showing buildings are either all-electric or can convert to 100 per cent renewable […]
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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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Tests reveal huge energy penalties of common faults
A government-led study to quantify the benefits of HVAC&R maintenance is set to reveal the most common equipment faults – and their significant impacts on energy use. Attendees at the ARBS 2022 Seminar Program last week were afforded a sneak peek at the results, presented by Deepthi Worthing from the Ozone and Climate Protection, Department […]
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Geothermal energy innovation on Metro Tunnel project
A project using geothermal energy has been selected as a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in sustainability across the state. Rail Projects Victoria was nominated for its world-first pilot trial using geothermal technology to convert existing infrastructure foundations into renewable thermal energy. Rail Projects Victoria worked in partnership with the […]
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National Skills Week highlights jobs of the future
It’s National Skills Week again, and this year the event created to raise awareness of VET pathways comes at a time when Australia needs vocational education and training more than ever. National Skills Week’s Chairman Brian Wexham notes that a severe shortage of skilled construction workers is slowing delivery and increasing the cost of home […]
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ARBS 2022 Industry Awards winners announced
The winners of the ARBS 2022 Industry Awards were announced at a gala event held on Thursday, August 17 at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. The ARBS Industry Awards are held every two years in association with the ARBS Exhibition, and attract nominees from across all sectors. A panel of industry experts evaluated the nominations […]
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Renewable reset for Australian energy policy
A meeting of Australia’s energy ministers on Friday has been hailed as a vital step towards net zero, with the environment to be included as part of the National Energy Objectives. Ministers agreed the vision, principles and key initial priority areas for a new National Energy Transformation Partnership. They described this as “a fundamental reset […]
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Geothermal solution for sustainable poultry farming
A new hybrid geothermal and solar energy system promises to dramatically reduce emissions and energy costs for many Australian poultry farms. The University of Melbourne is teaming up with geothermal companies Ground Source Systems and Fourth Element Energy to create a hybrid geothermal and solar HVAC system specifically for the poultry industry. The project, funded […]
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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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Landmark Australian ventilation study
A recent City of Melbourne research project has found that simple changes to ventilation systems can significantly decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and reduce energy consumption in office buildings. The City of Melbourne BREATH pilot tested and evaluated three different ventilation systems in a vacant CBD building over three months: displacement ventilation air conditioning, in-ceiling […]
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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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Quick wins for energy-efficiency upgrades
A team from UNSW Sydney supported by the federal government has released a series of case studies that highlight the biggest opportunities for energy efficiency savings in existing commercial buildings. The project originated with the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (now DCCEEW), which sought to develop case studies showcasing the top low-cost options […]
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Marine life inspires dynamic buildings
Researchers from the University of Toronto have created a new, low-cost “optofluidic” system that could help buildings save energy by dynamically changing the appearance of their exteriors. The research is inspired by marine life such as krill, shrimp and crabs. Master’s student in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, Raphael Kay, compares the new technology […]
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Australian research project to focus on IAQ
The Australian Research Council has confirmed $5 million in funding for a new training centre to reduce airborne infections through improved indoor air quality for better public health in new building systems. The project, backed by various universities and industry partners – including many from the HVAC&R sector – will be led by QUT Distinguished […]
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US report makes compelling case for heat pumps
A new report focusing on heating and cooling in US homes argues that transitioning from the existing heating systems and one-way air conditioners to two-way heat pumps could slash emissions CO2 emissions by 67Mt and cut national heating costs by US$13.6 billion. The report, Combating High Fuel Prices with Hybrid Heating, advocates for households to […]
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Cooler buildings with rooftop wrapping
Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new method of cooling buildings by wrapping rooftops in “cooling paper”. They believe the material could lower carbon emissions, electricity bills and reduce the need for air conditioning. College of Engineering professor Yi Zheng and PhD researcher Andrew Caratenuto started a company called Planck Energies to test the cooling paper in […]
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Countdown to ARBS 2022
With just one month before ARBS 2022 in Melbourne on August 16–18, the organisers are urging visitors to register. ARBS is the largest air conditioning, refrigeration and building services trade exhibition in Australia. After the 2020 event did not take place due to the pandemic, ARBS 2022 is shaping up to be a welcome return […]
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New mech services licensing coming to NSW
The NSW government is preparing to implement a new licensing system for mechanical services in October 2022. The changes were prompted by the need for medical gases licensing, but also include provisions that impact mechanical services workers across refrigeration, air conditioning and plumbing. The Building Amendment (Mechanical Services and Medical Gas Work) Bill 2020 amends […]
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Thermal storage system based on sand
The world’s first commercial sand-based thermal energy storage system has been developed to back up a heating network in Finland. Technology company Polar Night Energy and utility organisation Vatajankoski joined forces to create the system, which is adjacent to a power plant. It has 100kW heating power and 8MWh capacity, and can heat the sand […]