Mark Vender

December 6, 2018

Focus on flammable refrigerants

News

The HFC phase-down has seen increasing use of refrigerants with lower GWP but higher flammability such as R290 (propane) and R32. In turn, this has raised major concerns about the safe use of these gases. According to the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA), recent workplace fire incidents involving flammable refrigerant gases have “directly contributed […]

December 3, 2018

BBP calls to expand the band

News

The Better Building Partnership (BBP) has launched the Expand the Band campaign to revise outdated set-points and deadband temperatures in Australian office buildings. The campaign offers building owners a simple and extremely low-cost way of reducing energy costs and emissions. Currently, most commercial leases specify a set-point temperature of 22°C. This is based on 1950s […]

November 30, 2018

Aussies score silver in Solar Decathlon

News

Team Desert Rose from the University of Wollongong has finished second in the Solar Decathlon Middle East. The competition saw 15 teams and 600 students from around the world battling for top honours at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, said to be the largest single-site solar project in the world. The challenge […]

November 28, 2018

Daikin acquires major refrigeration business

News

Daikin has confirmed plans to purchase AHT Cooling Systems – a European manufacturer of plug-in refrigerator and freezer systems – for €881m (Au$1.38bn). AHT has its headquarters in Austria, as well as major facilities in China, the US and Brazil. It sells its products to 115 countries worldwide, and boasts a client list that includes […]

November 26, 2018

Sydney Fish Market casts $250m green line

News

The Sydney Fish Market has announced plans for a $250m development with ambitions to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Located in close proximity to the CBD at the head of Blackwattle Bay, the renowned market and tourist attraction hopes to revitalise the area while prioritising […]

November 23, 2018

Conex Bänninger strengthens local presence

Business

Conex Bänninger has appointed Nick Ryan, Affil.AIRAH, as Specification Manager for Australia and the South Pacific. Ryan has extensive experience within the HVAC&R sector, having worked for Conex Bänninger’s partner, the Reece Group, where he held positions in field marketing supporting key brands, business development and branch management. “I’m delighted to be joining the Australia […]

November 23, 2018

Mandatory disclosure for tenants

News

A new report produced by Energy Action and EnergyConsult for the City of Sydney has highlighted the benefits of expanding the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program to include tenancies. The CBD program is a national initiative that requires energy efficiency information to be provided when commercial office spaces of 1,000m2 or more are sold or […]

November 22, 2018

Smart Buildings Summit

Events and conferences

The Smart Buildings Summit is being held in Sydney from November 28–30. The event will examine smart buildings from the developer, tenant and user perspectives. More than 30 speakers will explore the latest trends, strategies and technologies that are transforming the use of space and workplace productivity. Developers will also discuss their latest smart building […]

November 22, 2018

AIRAH launches HVAC&R podcast

News

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has released the first episode of a new podcast that will explore key issues in HVAC&R and the built environment, and their impact on the wider world. AIRAH on Air is a monthly podcast hosted by regular Climactic podcaster Mark Spencer with commentary from industry […]

November 17, 2018

Desert Rose: Open for inspection!

News

After a frantic 15-day build stage, the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 competition has moved into its final stage, with competing teams opening their houses for public tours. The Solar Decathlon is the world’s largest international engineering and architectural competition for collegiate institutions, held once every two years. It challenges teams to design, construct and […]