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Windows that control heat with the flick of a switch
Engineers at Duke University in North Carolina, USA have developed a window-like technology that can alternate between absorbing heating and cooling with the flick of a switch. The material is made from electrochromic technology, a material that can change colour and opacity through conducting electricity. Assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke, […]
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Concrete steps to manage embodied carbon
As scrutiny of embodied carbon increases, the NSW government has announced that it will fund the investigation and development of a world-leading framework for measuring, benchmarking and certifying emissions from construction and building materials. Carbon emissions from materials used in construction, such as steel and cement, are expected to become the largest source of carbon […]
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Seeking clarity on professional registration
As professional registration schemes commence across Australia, practitioners in the refrigeration sector are looking for a clear statement from government on which parts of their work will fall under the new regulations – and calling for alternative qualification pathways. On July 1, 2021, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 came into effect in New […]
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COVID-19 considerations for operating theatres
The AIRAH Infection Control and Operating Theatre Practices Special Technical Group (STG) has produced a document that looks at the advantages, disadvantages and risks of common COVID-19 practices in operating theatres. The document provides considerations related to various measures that may be employed in operating rooms to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes negative […]
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Countries must go hard and early to avoid 2.7°C rise
The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) latest Emissions Program Gap Report has found that countries’ climate promises for 2030 fall far short of Paris Achievement goals, leaving the world on track for a global temperature rise of at least 2.7°C this century. The report, now in its 12th year, finds that countries will need to go […]
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Built environment offers open paths to net zero
As the federal government promotes its five-point technology-driven plan to reach net zero by 2050, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has released a policy platform highlighting five ways the built environment can help Australia transition to a net zero future. The paper comes in the lead-up to COP26 in Glasgow from October 31–November […]
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Technology will take us to net zero, promises PM
The federal government has released Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which it says will achieve net zero by 2050. A joint media release from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor says that Australia will act in a “practical, responsible way” to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 […]
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World Bank launches sustainable cooling program
The World Bank has announced new program to accelerate the uptake of sustainable cooling solutions, including air conditioning, refrigeration and cold chain, in developing countries. The program will provide technical assistance to ensure that efficient cooling is included in new World Bank Group investment projects and will mobilise further financing. Cooling collaboration The Efficient Clean […]
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New tech taps heat from underground carparks
A renewable energy source company has developed a technology that could see heat from underground parking lots used to warm the buildings above them. Enerdrape, a cleantech spin-off of the Swiss Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL), creates renewable energy sources that can be used in new and existing building structures. The technology the company […]
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Paul Bannister awarded James Harrison Medal
AIRAH has named Paul Bannister, F.AIRAH, as the 2021 winner of the James Harrison Medal for notable achievements in the Australian HVAC&R industry. Over his career, Bannister has focused on improving energy efficiency in buildings, especially energy related to HVAC. Bannister was heavily involved in the development of the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating System, which […]
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Home heating and cooling program ramps up
Victoria’s Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades (HHCU) program is expanding to include landlords and renters, and is looking for suppliers to join the program. The program offers rebates to replace gas, electric and wood heaters with reverse-cycle split systems in low-income and vulnerable households. It plans to reach 250,000 households over the next three years, […]
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NSW Health issues Legionella warning as state reopens
NSW Health is reminding building owners, occupiers, and the water treatment industry of their responsibility to ensure that cooling water systems are maintained effectively in accordance with the Public Health Regulation 2012. “Businesses reopening their premises during the easing of COVID-19 restrictions should pay particular attention to ensuring their cooling water system servicing regimen is […]
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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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Global pressures force up refrigerant prices
A perfect storm of international forces may cause significant rises in the price of refrigerants in Australia. The first of these pressures is the US HFC phase-down, set to begin on January 1, 2022. As occurred in other markets around the world, importers and users are stocking up before restrictions begin, leading to increased demand. […]
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New WHO air quality guidelines could save millions of lives
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines for air quality in recognition of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health, at even lower concentrations than previously understood. The guidelines set maximum levels for a range of pollutants: particulate matter (as PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. They […]
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US set to cut HFCs
The Biden administration has announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will release a new rule to reduce the emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85 per cent over 15 years. The move, signalled earlier this year, will bring the USA in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which has now been ratified by […]
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Peak bodies call for government-endorsed guidance
A coalition of nine industry peak bodies has called for the development of credible, government-endorsed, public information regarding the airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the importance of indoor air quality. A letter addressed to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, has been signed by the Association of Consulting Architects, the Australian Institute […]
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APER opens new road to professional registration
The Queensland government has approved the AIRAH Professional Engineer Register (APER) program under its Professional Engineers Act 2002. This opens a dedicated pathway for engineers working in HVAC&R and building services to be assessed and secure Registered Professional Engineer Qld (RPEQ) status. The announcement comes as states and territories roll out professional registration schemes in […]
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Finalists announced for AIRAH Awards 2021
AIRAH has announced the finalists for the 2021 AIRAH Awards, highlighting the leaders of the HVAC&R and building services industry across 12 categories. Due to the uncertainty around ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, AIRAH made the decision to reschedule the Awards Gala to Thursday, February 17, 2022 (to be held at Doltone House, Pyrmont Point, NSW). In […]
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Refrigeration to help halve Australia’s food waste
A new feasibility study analyses Australia’s goal of halving food waste by 2030, and lays out the initiatives and investments that will be required to achieve the goal, including improvements to the cold food chain. Internationally, food waste is a huge issue. According to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, food waste produces […]