Page 140
All posts
-
What to expect from NCC 2019
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has outlined some key changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019. The NCC sets the minimal requirements in the design, construction, performance and livability of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia. AIRAH’s Executive Manager – Government Relations and Technical Services, Phil Wilikinson, F.AIRAH, recommends the […]
-
Boost for bush apprentices
The federal government will invest $60m to trial a wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to engage more apprentices. The Apprentice Wage Subsidy will see up to 1,630 new Australian apprentices in areas of skills needs – including refrigeration and air conditioning. The scheme is open to employers who […]
-
Focus on flammable refrigerants
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 […]
-
Alinta Energy goes geothermal
Alinta Energy has revealed a major commitment to geothermal heating and cooling with the creation of Alinta Energy Geothermal. The new company division was officially launched at the Fairwater housing estate in Sydney, where more than 800 homes will be served by geothermal heating and cooling in NSW’s first 6 star Green Star community. The development […]
-
International green construction code for communities released
The 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) has been released by a consortium of sustainability-minded organisations. The consortium comprises the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the International Code Council, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and ASHRAE. The International Green Construction Code is designed to have wide applicability for incorporating resilient, high-performance green building strategies into […]
-
BBP calls to expand the band
The Better Building Partnership (BBP) has launched the Expand the Band campaign to revise outdated set-points and deadband temperatures in Australian office buildings.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 […]
-
Aussies score silver in Solar Decathlon
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 […]
-
SACA’s high-tech HVAC
A new three-storey sports hub to support grassroots and women’s cricket has been built as part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the South Australian Cricket Association’s (SACA) Park 25 in Adelaide. Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by Kennett Builders, the officially named Karen Rolton Oval has dramatically reduced the footprint of previous buildings while […]
-
Pacific HVAC Engineering welcomes new shareholder
Pacific HVAC Engineering has welcomed a new shareholder to the business: Systemair AB of Sweden. The company’s two major Australian shareholders remain unchanged and continue to operate within the business. Pacific HVAC Engineering says it saw synergies between the international expertise, experience and knowledge of Systemair and itself. The synergies fit with the firms’ future […]
-
Daikin acquires major refrigeration business
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 […]
-
Sydney Fish Market casts $250m green line
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 […]
-
Conex Bänninger strengthens local presence
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 […]
-
Mandatory disclosure for tenants
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 […]
-
Smart Buildings Summit
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 […]
-
AIRAH launches HVAC&R podcast
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 […]
-
New residential AC standard
The installation and design of energy-efficient residential air conditioning is being given a helping hand following the publication of a new standard. AS/NZS5141, Residential heating and cooling systems – Minimum applications and requirements for energy efficiency, performance and comfort criteria will be published on November 26. Publication is the result of the combined effort of […]
-
NABERS calls for Independent Design Review panel members
NABERS has released an Expression of Interest for qualified professionals to become members of the NABERS Independent Design Review (IDR) panel for an initial period of three years. IDR panel members review design documentation and energy models created for NABERS Commitment Agreements. NABERS Commitment Agreements allow buildings that do not yet have existing energy use […]
-
Desert Rose: Open for inspection!
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 […]
-
Mitsubishi Electric celebrates winning month
Mitsubishi Electric Australia has won four industry awards this month for outstanding products and service in 2018. The company’s refrigerators won the Canstar Blue 2018 Award for Customer Satisfaction. These awards commission market research companies to survey Australians on their experiences with products and services. Shoppers rate their satisfaction levels with particular brands, allowing Canstar to select winners in each […]
-
AIRAH Award winners announced
The stand-out projects, people and products of the Australian HVAC&R industry took centre stage at the black-tie AIRAH Awards presentation dinner held at Melbourne’s Central Pier on Thursday, November 15. Recognised as Australia’s premier annual HVAC&R awards ceremony, the AIRAH Awards celebrate the industry’s exemplar projects, high achievers and ground-breaking research. Winners were announced across […]