Mark Vender

July 4, 2018

Q&A – Why resilience matters with Nicki Parker

Events and conferencesGeneral

Nicki Parker is Sustainability Manager for Norman Disney & Young and is leading AIRAH’s inaugural Resilience Forum on July 26 in Sydney. We spoke to her about what resilience is and why it matters. Nicki, can you give us a “nutshell” definition of resilience? It’s the ability to bounce back from an extreme event or […]

July 2, 2018

DELWP releases new plumbing regulations

Regulations

The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has released draft Plumbing Regulations and a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for public consultation. The new regulations are the result of the early public consultation phase that occurred in March 2017 and the subsequent targeted consultation process. Key changes proposed include: Additional experience requirements for […]

June 27, 2018

Honeywell announces “breakthrough” non-flammable AC refrigerant

BusinessNews

Honeywell has announced a new non-flammable refrigerant called Solstice N41 for stationary air conditioning systems that it says could replace R410A, and could also potentially be a rival for R32. The HFC phase-down has prompted the search for alternatives to high global warming potential (GWP) gases such as R410A. At present, many original equipment manufacturers […]

June 25, 2018

Free training from Mitsubishi Electric

GeneralNews

Mitsubishi Electric Australia is running free, tailored air conditioning service and installation training courses around the country. Now in its 15th year, the annual series of courses takes a hands-on approach to learning with product simulators, as well as information on new systems and essential regulation updates. The training is available to all industry members. […]

June 20, 2018

IWBI speaks on new WELL standard

News

Last month the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) unveiled an updated version of its building standard. Known as WELL v2, it is being rolled out globally in pilot form. “Since our launch in 2014, we’ve learned a lot from the thousands of WELL users, practitioners and researchers who have embraced WELL as a tool for […]

June 15, 2018

NSW to invest half a billion in school air conditioning

News

The NSW government has announced that it will allocate $500 million in the state budget for air conditioning. The new policy, called Cooler Classrooms, is intended to provide improved learning environments for classrooms and libraries in up to 1,000 schools. “This funding will ensure thousands of classrooms that previously did not have air conditioning will […]

June 15, 2018

Andrew Leach leaves Actrol

FeaturesNews

Andrew Leach is vacating his position as Actrol business development manager, although he has made it clear he is not “retiring” – Leach says he is likely to continue working with the industry in some form. During his 26 years in the sector, Leach has seen a lot of changes and acquired a lot of […]

June 13, 2018

AC Electrical Safety rules changing June 30

Events and conferencesNewsRegulations

Important changes to the registration system for household air conditioning units are set to take effect on June 30. Under the Electrical Equipment Safety System, all units must be declared with the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) and documented to AS/NZS 60335.2.40 with registration before selling. The new rules state that for units that use […]

June 8, 2018

ARC’s free tool for trainees

BusinessNews

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is offering a free digital temperature sensor to trainee licence holders undertaking the first year of a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. The initiative is aimed at supporting the training and development of future HVAC&R technicians. Kevin O’Shea, chair of the ARC RAC Industry Board, said that the idea was […]

June 6, 2018

UNESCO recognises refrigeration pioneer

FeaturesNews

It’s not often that HVAC&R makes the front page, but James Harrison, the founding father of refrigeration, was recently mentioned at ABC online news for his role in helping Geelong earn the status of UNESCO City of Design. Harrison is credited as the inventor of the mechanical refrigeration process for creating ice – he patented […]