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Whitest ever paint promises cooling benefits
A team of engineers at Purdue University has created the whitest paint in history and says that using it on buildings may help cool them down, reducing the need for air conditioning. The research team created an ultra-white paint last year, but have since improved the formula. Purdue professor of mechanical engineering, Xiulin Ruan, told […]
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China and US commit to Kigali Amendment
China and the US have affirmed their joint commitment to phasing down HFCs in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The announcement came after two days of talks between US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua. Chinese president Xi Jinping had earlier […]
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IIR partners with World Bank to set up Bangladesh cold chain
In partnership with British and Bangladeshi universities, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has inked a pact with the World Bank to develop a sustainable cold chain in Bangladesh. Named “Technical Assistance on Clean and Energy-Efficient cooling solutions for Livestock Supply Chain,” the project will provide the analytical underpinning to inform the Livestock and Dairy […]
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Victoria’s largest mass timber project reaches completion
Construction on one of Victoria’s largest mass timber projects has been completed, as La Trobe University unveils the new student accommodation at its Bundoora campus. Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects and constructed by Multiplex, the accommodation utilises cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams and columns. The project has achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design rating and is […]
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Quarantine restart: What have we learnt?
This week, international travellers began arriving in Melbourne again, and are re-entering Victoria’s revised hotel quarantine facilities. Numbers have been capped at 800 per week and will increase to 1,120 per week on April 15 provided that key recommendations are addressed – including many relating to ventilation. Focus on airborne transmission It has been almost […]
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ASHRAE issues ‘unequivocal’ COVID advice
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has released an updated, unequivocal statement on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in buildings. “Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is significant and should be controlled,” says the statement. “Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.” […]
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Program announced for Refrigeration 2021
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has released the program for its Refrigeration 2021 Conference, scheduled from May 17–18 in Melbourne. Keynotes Thomas Lund of Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration, Bruce Nelson, M.AIRAH, of Colmac Coil Manufacturing, and Thomas Frank of Refolution will headline a list of more than 20 speakers and four […]
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AHRI releases A2L report for firefighters
The US-based Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has released a test report that examines fire safety issues related to A2L (lower flammability) refrigerants. The fire service requested that data be developed to identify hazards to fire service personnel when responding to fire events in occupancies with the new refrigerants. Undertaken in cooperation with […]
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AIRAH names Paul Jackson as incoming president
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has held its board elections for the 2021–2023 term and voted in Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH, as the new president. He will succeed Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH, whose term ends in May. Also appointed to the AIRAH board were Bryon Price, F.AIRAH, and Liza Taylor, M.AIRAH, both […]
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Discussion begins on building manuals
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has developed a discussion paper about the potential for building manuals to address long-standing problems with inaccurate and incomplete building information. Issues with building documentation were highlighted in the Building Confidence Report, published in 2018. It recommended that each state and territory require a comprehensive building manual to be […]
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James Harrison exhibition opens in Geelong
Geelong Design Week is hosting an exhibition about James Harrison at Barwon Grange from Saturday, March 20 until Sunday, March 28. The exhibition is titled James Harrison’s Momentous Achievements – models, medals, memorabilia and explores Harrison’s life from 1816–1893. He was the first to create ice via mechanical means, and the founder of the Geelong […]
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Small fixes for big emissions reductions
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has applauded a new report that highlights common faults in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment – and the considerable potential benefits of addressing them. HVAC&R has a huge impact on Australia’s energy use and greenhouse emissions. HVAC&R uses more than 24 per […]
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Next step for national licensing system
The Australian government has introduced the Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021 to the House of Representatives. If it passes through parliament, it will see a new system for automatic mutual recognition (AMR) of occupational registration beginning on July 1, 2021. The legislation will allow workers with occupational licences who are registered for an occupation in […]
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Biden sued over executive environmental order
Twelve American states have filed a federal lawsuit against President Joe Biden for his executive climate change order, alleging that he lacks the statutory and constitutional authority to dictate specific values for the “social costs” of greenhouse gases for regulatory programs administered by the federal government. Biden signed executive order 13990 on his first day […]
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Chemours pledges to reduce HFC-23 emissions
Global chemistry company and refrigerant producer Chemours has announced a project to significantly reduce emissions of HFC-23 at its Louisville, Kentucky (US) manufacturing site. HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential (GWP) of 12,400 – many times greater than most refrigerants used today. It is a by-product of producing R22, […]
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NSW invests $750 million in industrial net zero program
NSW has announced a $750 million program to promote low-emission industries and drive the state towards its 2050 net zero target. Energy Minister Matt Kean says the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program is about co-investing with industry to reduce carbon emissions and develop low-emissions technologies for the future. “NSW was one of the first […]
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What is the most common RAC fault?
A new report prepared by the Expert Group for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment lists the most common faults identified in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It also gauges the impacts of these faults and highlights how routine maintenance could significantly reduce electricity use, refrigerant leaks and emissions. The […]
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New report on potential health impacts of HFOs
A new report has highlighted the possible environmental and human health risks posed by some HFOs – the newest generation of synthetic refrigerants – breaking down in the atmosphere. Report and statement of the downsides of HFO refrigerant usage has been produced by Refolution Industriekälte GmbH, a European refrigeration company that specialises in low-temperature systems […]
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Safe Work releases guidance on workplace ventilation
A new COVID-19 fact sheet on improving ventilation in indoor workplaces has been developed by Safe Work Australia. The fact sheet highlights practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and improve ventilation in indoor workplaces. The advice covers three main points. Ensuring HVAC systems are operating properly. This includes checking that systems […]
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HVAC&R is helping NASA find life on Mars
Those in HVAC&R often talk about the impacts this industry has had in supporting our modern way of life. Now another achievement can be added to the list: interplanetary exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed one its largest and most advanced rovers, named Perseverance, on Mars on February 18, 2021. The aim […]