The Building Reform Expert Panel is inviting feedback on the Framework for Reform and possible improvements to Victoria’s building system. A group established by the Victorian government to lead its review of the building legislative and regulatory system, the Panel is accepting feedback until May 19. The Panel has been asked to advise on changes […]
Author: Laura Timberlake
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 […]
Organic material holds promise for HVAC technology
A new study by researchers at Texas A&M University has found an organic material called polyimide that could bring down the cost of cooling air. Traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use a large amount of energy, and cost thousands of dollars to run – particularly in commercial buildings. However, the researchers believe […]
New HVAC&R Technical Handbook released
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has released the sixth edition of its Technical Handbook. The Technical Handbook was first published in May 1989, and has a long history as a “go-to resource” for those working in the HVAC&R industry. Over the years, AIRAH members have helped develop, review, and curate […]
Solar Decathlon launches 2022 and 2023 editions
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon has announced the launch of the 2022 Design Challenge and 2023 Build Challenge. The Solar Decathlon is a collegiate competition that challenges student teams to design and build highly efficient and innovative buildings powered by renewable energy. The Design Challenge is a one or two semester, design-only competition; while the Build Challenge is […]
What to expect from a user-friendly NCC
The Australian Building Codes Board’s (ABCB) announced late last year that they would be releasing the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) as a digital product, to make it more accessible and to improve its usability. The ABCB is running a webinar about the changes to the NCC’s structure and format on Tuesday, April 20, to […]
Pro Clima offers Passive House scholarships
Pro Clima is offering three scholarships to building professionals to support the practice of Passive House in Australia. The scholarships include Passive House Introduction, Passive House Designer and Passive House Tradesperson. Each scholarship is open to people in the building sector – including builders, architects, building designers, consultants, roofers and more. To be eligible for […]
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 […]
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 […]
Forecasting energy efficiency
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is seeking expressions of interest to attend a workshop about forecasting energy efficiency on Wednesday, March 24. The workshop is open to stakeholders with knowledge on energy efficiency policies, experience in designing and managing energy efficiency measures, and experience in modelling and quantifying energy efficiency impacts. AEMO is focused […]