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 […]
After more than 50 years with German multinational Bitzer, stalwart Hermann Renz has worked his last day for the Rottenburg-based Teutonic titan. “In five decades and beyond … Hermann Renz has characterised the way in which Bitzer provides technical support and information to its customers,” Bitzer says. “During the years as Director Application Engineering and […]
The Property Council of Australia has a new president: Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO, David Harrison. Harrison takes the reins of the industry association from JLL CEO Australia and New Zealand Stephen Conry AM, who has concluded his two-year term. GPT Group CEO Bob Johnston and Brookfield’s Sophie Fallman have both been elected […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and natural refrigerants advocate shecco have teamed up to produce a consumer guide titled Pathway to Net-Zero: Cooling Product List. The EIA says the guide is aimed at helping companies cut their collective carbon footprint by providing a selection of products across all major cooling sectors, with a focus on […]
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.” […]
Question: What do Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr have in common? Both are investing in Turntide Technologies, a Silicon Valley start-up that is developing an energy-efficient electric motor. Turntide Technologies says it has completed an US$80m (A$105m) funding round that was led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, the clean-tech fund […]
The NSW government has announced it will add trade licences to the digital wallet within the Service NSW app. According to a NSW Fair Trading spokesperson, the general construction induction “White Card” is the first category to go live as a Digital Trade Licence, followed by a range of other categories including Home Building contractors, […]
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 […]