The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is contacting organisations within the HVAC&R sector to discuss responsibilities regarding packaging waste in Australia. As industry, government and consumers strive to improve waste avoidance and the recovery of waste through recycling, there is significant focus on implementing a circular economy for packaging to benefit businesses, society and the […]
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has published the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Cold room) Regulations 2021 and the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Specifications 2018 Version 10.0. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program sets state-wide targets to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer businesses and households access to discounted energy-efficient products […]
Queensland workers needing an occupational licence for air conditioning and refrigeration work can now apply using an alternate qualification pathway. The new pathway allows an applicant who may not have the required qualifications to use their experience instead. Employees who perform mechanical services work for a licensed contractor, including refrigeration and air conditioning, have until […]
The New South Wales government has responded to requests to clarify the rules for HVAC&R workers in the state. Although some information has already been shared, restrictions continue to change. The update below was received by AIRAH on Monday, August 2 from the NSW Treasury Taskforce. These directions are subject to amendment at any time. […]
Although the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code is still at draft stage, one of the biggest changes is already confirmed: a new look with improved useability. This will apply across all three volumes of the NCC: Volume 1 (Class 2 to 9 buildings); Volume 2 (Class 1 and 10 buildings); and Volume 3 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
The government is charging towards a July 1, 2021 implementation date for its new Automatic Mutual Recognition legislation after the bill was passed by the Senate. The reform will enable licensed workers such as HVAC&R technicians to operate across jurisdictions, without having to apply, pay for and wait for a further licence to perform the […]