Mark Vender
Articles by Mark Vender | Page 98
ASHRAE releases reopening guide for schools
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on the operation of HVAC systems to help mitigate the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) as US schools prepare to reopen for a new academic year. ASHRAE’s position is that “transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure […]
A big data lens on COVID-19
As building owners and facilities managers grapple with the task of keeping occupants safe in a post-COVID-19 world, one discipline that may provide answers is big data and analytics. Amber Keogh is Manager of Transformational Projects at Hendry, a leading built-form advisory firm, and also the keynote speaker at AIRAH’s Big Data and Analytics Forum, […]
HVAC&R is the key to averting climate crisis
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) has flagged the huge potential of the HVAC&R sector to reduce global emissions. The Cooling Emissions and Policy Synthesis Report notes that over the next four decades, international action on energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling could avoid as much as 460 […]
Apprentices and trainees receive $2.5bn boost
The federal government has announced a new $2.5bn package to support training and job creation, and to help the economy recover from the impact of COVID-19. The bulk of the funding will go towards extending and expanding the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees (SAT) wage subsidy. This program pays 50 per cent of an apprentice’s wages, […]
Comments open on national registration framework
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a draft National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners for public comment. This follows up on the Building Confidence report, which signalled the need for the registration of building practitioners involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. Accordingly, the ABCB has released a discussion paper that puts forward […]
Grosvenor launches natural refrigerant service
Technical services company Grosvenor Engineering Group has introduced a dedicated natural refrigerant technology service for HVAC&R systems. Through the service, the company hopes to help the Australian commercial office market reduce its carbon footprint by providing a green alternative. “The opportunity for the use of natural refrigerants is broad within the commercial market,” says Grosvenor […]
Concerns over non-compliant pipework
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has raised concerns about refrigeration contractors not complying with piping changes in NCC 2019. In NCC 2016, the code required (from Spec J5.2c, 2.(a)): (ii) For heated or chilled water piping, having a material R-Value not less than that specified in Table 2a; and (iii) For refrigerant, steam or […]
New rules for AC with flammable refrigerant
As of July 1, 2020, new rules govern the sale of air conditioners with flammable refrigerants in New South Wales. The rules apply to air conditioners with Class 2 and Class 3 refrigerants, for example hydrocarbons, but not Class 2L refrigerants, such as R32. Air conditioners with these refrigerants are now considered “declared articles” and […]
Opinion: Mario Balen on national licensing
HyChill General Manager Mario Balen, Affil.AIRAH, shares his views on national HVAC&R licensing in Australia. The HVAC&R trade is widely regarded to be under-recognised, poorly regulated and, on average, inadequately trained. Attempts have been made for many years to address some, if not all, of those shortcomings, with little success so far. The end result […]
Woolworths launches 2020 apprenticeship program
Woolworths has announced new refrigeration apprenticeships in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The selected apprentice refrigeration technicians will join Woolworths’ Format Development team in a four-year apprenticeship program. Benefits include: Exposure to the latest refrigeration technologies, ongoing support and training Joining one of Australia’s largest refrigeration employers, with a focus on safety and customers […]
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