Mark Vender

August 10, 2020

Unlocking the Mpemba Effect

News

A new research study at Simon Fraser University in Canada may lead the way to exploiting the mysterious Mpemba Effect – the process by which hot water freezes faster than cold water. The Mpemba Effect is named after Tanzanian school student Erasto Bartholomeo Mpemba who, legend has it, was making ice-cream in a food tech […]

August 6, 2020

HVAC&R cleared to work through new restrictions

News

For the past week the HVAC&R and wider building industry has been scrambling to assess the impacts that stricter COVID-19 restrictions will have on businesses and employees. On August 2, the Victorian government declared a state of disaster and imposed new Stage 4 lockdown measures. Rules around workplaces, which extend to construction sites, were further […]

August 6, 2020

New REHVA guidelines focus on airborne COVID-19

News

The European Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has released an updated guide on how to operate HVAC and other building service systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. The revised document puts a greater emphasis on the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19. Accordingly, it proposes an infection […]

August 5, 2020

Next stop for professional registration: WA

Regulations

The Western Australian government has released a consultation paper proposing changes to the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 to allow for the registration of building engineers. Released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the consultation regulation impact statement (CRIS) comes at a time when registration schemes are appearing around the country – […]

August 4, 2020

Green Star – coming to a home near you

Regulations

Green Star ratings are coming to Australian homes, with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) announcing a draft Green Star Homes Standard for consultation. Part of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Future Homes Strategy, the initiative is intended to drive transformation in the residential sector to create a market for healthier, more resilient, […]

August 3, 2020

GBCA webinar: Insights into IEQ

Events and conferences

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is holding a live webinar on Thursday, August 27, to present a range of Green Star case studies and explore the challenges associated with indoor air quality. Designed for industry practitioners, the session will look at some of the most challenging technical indicators and common mistakes. It will […]

July 31, 2020

WELL update with Jack Noonan

Events and conferences

The Indoor Air Quality Association Australia (IAQA) has announed the second in a series of free monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinars. On Tuesday, August 4 at 12 midday AEST (11.30am ACST, 10am AWST) Jack Noonan, Vice President Australia and New Zealand, International WELL Building Institute, will be presenting some key updates on the WELL building […]

July 29, 2020

Hats off to HVAC&R

Business

Next time someone asks for an example of HVAC&R in our lives, you can now point to an Australian icon – the Akubra hat. Akubra recently installed a JetSpray humidification system from Condair to humidify its forming area. This contributes to the finish on the rabbit fur felt during the manufacturing process, and helps ensure […]

July 27, 2020

EnergyTech Hub to accelerate energy transition

News

Energy businesses will be given a helping hand to enter the Australian clean energy market following the launch of the EnergyTech Hub, a new scale program powered by the international startup business accelerator Startupbootcamp. The EnergyTech Hub is designed to accelerate Australia’s energy transition. Its intention is to ensure some of the best new global […]

July 23, 2020

Kirby Apprentice Fund celebrates first birthday

BusinessNews

On World Refrigeration Day in June, the Kirby Apprentice Fund celebrated its first anniversary. The fund accumulated $6,065 in donations with 83 HVAC&R apprentices registered across 63 companies. The fundraising efforts made by Kirby staff, customers and suppliers CPS, Supercool Group, Testo, Fieldpiece, HLP Controls, Danfoss, Emerson, Tesuco, Sauermann, VetoProPak and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have […]