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Tag: energy efficiency
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Summit rallies energy efficiency experts
The 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit will take place on October 6, marking the eve of the Federal Budget announcement by drawing together government, global experts, prominent consumer advocates and large industry associations. Summit organisers say the event will facilitate an “economy-wide discussion” on Australia’s opportunities and challenges, and the role of energy efficiency in addressing […]
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Fujitsu fits out McDonald’s
Two Fujitsu General Airstage rooftop packaged units were recently installed on the roof of a 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in Burwood, Victoria. Following Fujitsu General’s assessment of the engineering brief, the installation was managed by Metro Air (Victoria) and included two 66kW Airstage rooftop packaged units (with Economiser and De-Super Heater), anywAiR iO controls, and a […]
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Full details of NCC 2022 revealed
The Australian Building Codes Board has released the second stage preview of the National Construction Code 2022. Although a first-stage preview was released in May this year, it did not include the provisions around energy efficiency and condensation management. These new measures have now been agreed to by building ministers, and have been revealed in […]
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The commercial retrofit workforce of the future
The Energy Efficiency Commission (EEC) is running a Webinar on September 6 to look at the skills required to retrofit Australia’s commercial buildings. The goal is to map the ecosystem of professional and trade roles involved in providing energy and related services to commercial buildings. This includes NABERS Energy ratings, services under state-based energy efficiency […]
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Seven-star minimum confirmed for NCC 2022
Building ministers have agreed to the final changes to the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC), including a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating for new homes. New homes will also have a new annual energy-use budget applicable to major appliances such as space conditioning, hot water, lighting, pool and spa pumps, offset by any […]
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Collective push for higher standards in NCC 2022
More than 100 organisations have signed a joint statement supporting the lifting of energy standards in the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC). The document has been sent to federal and state and territory ministers ahead of a meeting in late August, where it is expected a final decision will be made on raising minimum energy […]
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Bill Gates backs green air conditioning startup
Software billionaire Bill Gates is investing in air conditioning startup Blue Frontier, a company that aims to develop technology that will improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce harmful environmental impacts. Blue Frontier has received a $20 million round of funding, with backers including Bill Gates’ investment fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, among others. According to its […]
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More time required for NCC 2022
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is recommending that the publication date for the National Construction Code 2022 be pushed back from September to October. Building Ministers are scheduled to meet in late August 2022 and still need to make some key decisions about NCC 2022. This includes the final analysis from the ABCB on […]
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Focus on efficiency and electrification in gas roadmap
The Victorian government has released its Gas Substitution Roadmap with the stated aim of helping the state navigate the path to net-zero emissions while providing greater consumer choice and cutting energy bills. The government is touting the plan as Australia’s “first coordinated decarbonisation plan for the gas sector”. And there are good reasons for Victoria […]
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Australia joins global pact for energy efficiency
Amid the mounting power crises locally and globally, Australia has issued a joint statement with 25 other countries stressing the importance of energy efficiency for addressing energy supply issues, rising inflation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The statement was one of the major outcomes of the Global Conference on Energy Efficiency organised by the International Energy […]
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NT weighs up Section J energy efficiency provisions
The Northern Territory government is seeking industry feedback on potential changes to its energy efficiency provisions for buildings. Following a local industry investigation in 2020 into the potential adoption of NCC Section J in the Northern Territory and in response to industry feedback, a cost benefit analysis has been conducted by energy-efficiency specialists DeltaQ. The […]
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Triple-pane windows to gain market traction
A new generation of more affordable thin, triple-pane windows has been proven to reduce energy costs and noise levels. Researchers from the Department of Energy at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have led a series of studies with the aim of creating products with greater availability and lower costs. PNNL says windows typically make up approximately […]
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Open access to ASHRAE-UNEP eLearning modules
Access is now available to three HVAC&R eLearning modules and various other free resources through the ASHRAE-UNEP Portal. The Refrigerants Literacy module offers a basic understanding about refrigerants types, policies, classifications and management practices. It is aimed at non specialists in the field, such as facility managers, policy makers, and other individuals who are involved […]
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Government must lead the way on energy efficiency
A new guide, Best practice for energy management in government operations, provides advice to help governments put in place policies and programs that will drive systematic energy performance improvements in their own operations. The guide has been developed by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), the Green Building Council […]
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AREMA flags concerns over whole-of-home approach
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association (AREMA) has raised concerns about the whole-of-home approach proposed for the 2022 revision of the National Construction Code (NCC). AREMA says it fully supports “sensible energy efficiency policy and legislation”, including incorporating energy efficiency into the NCC and using a whole-of-home calculation that includes heating and cooling […]
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New guide to energy efficient homes
The federal government has published the sixth edition of Your Home, an independent guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home provides advice on designs, materials and appliances that can make homes more comfortable and sustainable when building, buying or renovating. Written by more than 50 experts in building design and construction, it contains the latest […]
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FairAir gets a new look
AIRAH has released a new and improved version of its website FairAir, offering independent advice for residential air conditioning. Already well known within the industry, and referenced by consumer groups such as CHOICE, FairAir has been revamped and updated to support residents and HVAC&R technicians in selecting suitable equipment for residential cooling and heating. AIRAH […]
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Energy Efficiency Expo goes online
The Energy Efficiency Expo Virtual Conference 2021 will held as a series of free-to-attend online sessions from October 19–28. Energy Efficiency Expo is dedicated to the discussion of energy efficiency, energy management and energy productivity in Australia. “Across seven sessions, the virtual conference will bring together over 40 leading experts to help businesses take control […]
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Residential Energy Efficiency CRIS open for comment
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking comment on a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) providing an analysis of proposed amendments to the residential energy efficiency provisions included in stage 2 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft. The CRIS provides an analysis of the cost and benefits of the proposed increases in the […]
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Reality TV to grow the market for sustainable homes
A new home makeover show called Renovate Or Rebuild is coming to 9Life on Monday, October 4, and represents a novel approach to growing the market for sustainable homes. If all goes according to plan, it could represent a key piece of work in Australia’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings. As the title suggests, the […]