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Category: News
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World leaders commit to stopping climate change
Government and private sector leaders have announced significant and concrete new steps to combat the climate crisis at the Climate Action Summit. The event brought together countries, governments, businesses and civil society to address climate change issues. Some of the commitments included: A number of countries agreeing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero […]
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RAC roundtable highlights industry issues
A refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) contractors roundtable held in Adelaide recently highlighted a number of key issues currently facing the industry. The meeting followed on from a similar event in Sydney. The Chair of the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Michael Bennett says the sessions are a great opportunity to connect with the broader industry […]
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NABERS marches on
NABERS’ 2018–2019 annual report shows that it continues to gain momentum as a force for sustainable transformation of Australia’s built environment. The report provides updates on the many initiatives under the NABERS banner, with positive news all round. One of the highlights has been the uptake of the scheme in shopping centres around the country. […]
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NSW takes first step towards registration
The NSW government has released draft regulations to introduce registration for building and development certifiers. The move comes one month after Victoria passed legislation for compulsory registration of engineers, and follows the recommendations of the Building Confidence implementation plan. Engineers Australia has criticised what it perceives as the excessively narrow focus of the regulation. “The […]
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Finalists named for 2019 AIRAH Awards
After considerable deliberation from the judging panel, the finalists of the AIRAH Awards 2019 have been selected. The high standard of nominations presented the judges with the difficult task of selecting the best of the best – the finalists – for the AIRAH Awards 2019. “The projects and individuals selected as finalists for the AIRAH […]
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Daikin launches R32 chillers
Daikin has introduced a new generation of air-cooled scroll chillers with R32 refrigerant to the Australian market. The new EWAT-B units offer a path away from R410A in the chiller market. In Australia, where the HFC phase-down is well under way, R32 has already become the de facto replacement for R410A in the split-system market […]
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Time to talk about embodied emissions
A new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has called for a bold new vision to transform the buildings and construction sector from a major cause of the climate emergency into a major solution. Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront shows that buildings are responsible for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. Reducing the […]
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Slashing on-farm energy use
The NSW government is urging primary producers to put their best ideas forward to cut costs and reduce on-farm energy use, and is offering up to $2.25 million in grants. “In the midst of the worst drought on record, it’s more important than ever that farmers are efficient, and get the best bang for their […]
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A breakthrough for cool roofs?
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have designed a new system that could help keep roofs cool by radiating heat into outer space, without consuming electricity. The system consists of a polymer/aluminium film installed inside a box at the bottom of a specially designed solar shelter. The film cools its surroundings by absorbing heat from […]
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AMCA celebrates industry achievements
The Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) has held its Annual Training Achievement Awards in Melbourne. The awards recognise apprentices and trainees who have achieved excellence in the early stages of their career with AMCA member companies. The awards were hosted by former Olympian, Nicole Livingstone. She introduced the individual winners in three categories: […]
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Evans to lead Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia has announced Dr Bronwyn Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer. Evans arrives at Engineers Australia with extensive experience in corporate and not-for-profit leadership roles, here and abroad. These include CEO of Standards Australia, senior executive roles at Cochlear Ltd and GE Healthcare, as well as non-executive board experience in the construction, medical […]
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Wilkinson moves on from AIRAH
After almost 18 years with AIRAH, Phil Wilkinson, F.AIRAH, has resigned his position with the Institute to seek new opportunities in more people-oriented roles. During his tenure Wilkinson has held several key positions including Technical Manager, Business Development Manager, CEO, and most recently as the Executive General Manager – Technical Services and Government Relations. “Throughout […]
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O’Connell confirmed as Standards Australia CEO
Standards Australia has announced the appointment of Adrian O’Connell as its new Chief Executive Officer. O’Connell has been Standards Australia’s acting CEO from March 2019 and was formerly Deputy CEO and General Manager International and Corporate Services since 2014. “The board is delighted to confirm Adrian as our Chief Executive Officer,” says chairman Richard Brooks. […]
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The Chill Challenge
Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB-USA) is launching the Affordable Off-Grid Refrigeration Challenge this month. Refrigeration is acknowledged as a key in social and economic development. But up to two billion people worldwide do not have access to reliable refrigeration. EWB-USA notes that refrigeration is a particular challenge because some people acquire electricity through “mini-grids” or […]
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Professional registration bill passed
The Victorian parliament has passed legislation to introduce compulsory registration of engineers. The move is in line with the recommendations of the Building Confidence implementation plan, which seeks to restore the public’s trust in Australia’s building industry. Top priority in the plan is a consistent national approach to the registration of those involved in the […]
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Petition to ban open supermarket fridges
Concerned shoppers in the UK are supporting a petition to ban the use of open fridges and freezers in supermarkets and other retail outlets. “Retailers in the United Kingdom unnecessarily waste huge amounts of energy on open fridges and freezers,” reads the petition text. “Climate change threatens our planet. If all supermarkets had doors on […]
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Brennan wins bronze at WorldSkills Kazan
Refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Patrick Brennan has claimed a Bronze medal at the 45th WorldSkills International Championships in Kazan, Russia. Russian champion Akeksandr Leushin shared the gold with Korea’s JuHwan, the pair scoring 747 and 745 respectively, ahead of Brennan on 739. In total there were 28 competitors in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning […]
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Sean Treweek named CEO of Meinhardt Australia
Prominent HVAC industry identity Sean Treweek, F. AIRAH, has been named CEO of Meinhardt Australia. A former national president of AIRAH, Treweek boasts considerable experience acquired over two decades in roles with WSP Lincolne Scott, NDY and others. “Sean brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the property, construction and infrastructure engineering sectors and […]
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Crackdown on refrigerant offences
The Department of the Environment and Energy has issued a number of fines for offences under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. A New South Wales-based refrigeration mechanic has been fined $2,520 for discharging R410A while installing an air conditioning system. According to the Department, the offender holds a permit issued […]
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New era for Fantech
Fantech has announced the launch of Fantech Capital HVAC as a new business under its overall structure. The move will see the air movement and ventilation specialist offering a new portfolio of products such as chillers, cooling towers, AHUs and FCUs. Brands will include Clint, Mesan USA, Euroclima, Komfovent, SmartAir, Smartech, Airatherm, Liberty, Barcol-Air and […]