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Tag: Slider
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New controls proposed for HFCs and HFOs
Five European countries have proposed new legislation that could see HFCs and HFOs classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – and covered by tighter regulations. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that are very persistent in the environment and the human body. They do not break down, and can accumulate over time. They […]
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COVID-19 restrictions clarified for HVAC&R workers
Since new COVID-19 restrictions came into force in New South Wales, those employed in the HVAC&R industry have been seeking clarity on whether they can continue working. Although considered by many as an essential service, HVAC&R is not explicitly referred to in the rules. The NSW government guidance for critical repairs, maintenance and cleaning states […]
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Clear breakthrough for radiative cooling technology
A research team in Korea has created a transparent radiative cooler that can transmit, reflect and emit different types of light. The team was led by Professor Junsuk Rho, Minkyung Kim, and Dr Dasol Lee from POSTECH‘s departments of mechanical engineering and chemical engineering, alongside Professor Heon Lee and Soomin of the Department of Materials […]
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HVAC&R in Europe’s new climate pledge
The European Commission has unveiled a package of proposals aimed at making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and making the European Green Deal a reality. The initiative has been named “Fit for 55”, in reference to the goal: to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, […]
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New beginning for AMCA Australia
AMCA has officially switched from its previous state-based structure to operate as a single national industry association under the name AMCA Australia. The move comes following a comprehensive, three-year review of all association activities, upon which the organisation decided the time was right for AMCA state-based entities to formally join forces. “Over recent years, members […]
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The biggest challenge for smart buildings?
While smart building technology develops offers greater access to information, it also poses a growing challenge: how to organise the data. Buildings contain a vast range of hardware and software, much of it proprietary. Ideally, smart building technology allows data from all of these systems to be captured and analysed to afford better management. Sometimes […]
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New phase-changing composites found to regulate temperatures
A study by researchers at Texas A&M University has discovered that 3D printable phase-change material (PCM) composites can regulate building temperatures. The composites can be added to building materials such as paint or incorporated as decorative accents, making it a cost-effective manufacturing process. Associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the […]
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New report exposes scale of illegal HFC trade
A new report from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has exposed the alarming extent to which HFC refrigerants are illegally bought and sold in Europe. It suggests that the illegal trade represents as much as 30 per cent of the legal trade – or as much as 30 million tonnes of CO2e. Titled Europe’s Most […]
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AIRAH backs further action on high-GWP refrigerants
AIRAH has backed a federal government proposal to ban the import and manufacture of small air conditioners with high-GWP refrigerants – and called for similar actions in other classes of equipment. The ban on small air conditioners with high-GWP refrigerants would complete the transition – already well under way – from R410A to R32 and […]
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Modest start for red-tape-reducing licence system
On July 1, the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme took effect. The new system has been hailed as a way of cutting red tape and allowing Australians to work across borders without having to apply and pay for additional occupational licences, if they are already licenced for the work in their home state or territory. […]
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Is this the HVAC system of the future?
A research collaboration between architecture firm BVN and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has created a 3D-printed air-diffusion system that has the potential to slash embodied carbon and installation costs – and disrupt the status quo of mechanical services. The Systems Reef 2 (SR2) is an alternative to traditional ductwork that is 3D printed […]
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Roll-out of professional registration begins in NSW and Victoria
July 1, 2021, marks a major step in the national professional registration era, with the NSW and Victorian governments beginning to phase in registration schemes for engineers working in these states. New South Wales has introduced the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation. Although this applies only to multi-storey (and mixed use) residential buildings initially, the […]
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Keynote named for Big Data and Analytics Forum 2021
The keynote speaker has been named for AIRAH’s Big Data and Analytics Forum 2021, which will be delivered online. Originally scheduled to take place as a face-to-face event in Melbourne, due to COVID-19 precautions this year’s event will be live-streamed on July 22. “AIRAH’s Big Data and Analytics Forum 2021 will now be a live-streamed […]
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Government eyes ban on high-GWP air conditioners
The Ozone and Climate Protection Section of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is seeking industry input on a proposal to limit the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The approach would ban the import and manufacture of small air conditioning units using […]
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How will you celebrate World Refrigeration Day?
World Refrigeration Day, celebrated on June 26, is an international awareness campaign established to raise the profile of HVAC&R. It focuses attention on the significant role that the industry and its technology play in modern life and society. It also draws attention to engineering and science that is all around us every day. As the […]
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Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day
Taking place annually on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an international awareness campaign celebrating the work and achievements of women engineers. The day provides an opportunity to raise the profile of women engineers and highlight the career opportunities available. Launched initially in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) as […]
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World Refrigeration Day webinars
ASHRAE and The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) are hosting two webinars to mark World Refrigeration Day 2021. The theme for 2021 is “Cooling Champions: Cool Careers for a Better World”, and 16 webinars will be taking place this week and next to explore the career paths available to students and practitioners in the HVAC&R industry. […]
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Researchers sound further warnings about HFOs
A new report from the German Environment Agency, and research from the University of New South Wales have raised more concerns about the environmental impacts of HFO refrigerants. When hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were identified as greenhouse gases, and targeted for phase-down under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) were put forward as an […]
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AIRAH calls for industry to unite at Census time
As part of its World Refrigeration Day 2021 celebrations on June 26, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is calling on those involved in HVAC&R to highlight this vital sector in their response to the 2021 Census of Australia. The Census takes place Tuesday, August 10. AIRAH is rallying its members […]
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Queensland will adopt licensing reforms when “fully ready”
The Queensland government has indicated it will be working with the Commonwealth to resolve issues around automatic mutual recognition before adopting the reforms, due to take effect on July 1 around Australia. “The Queensland government is supportive of improving occupational mobility to support economic recovery, but not at any cost,” says the government. “It is […]