The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) has released a new Guidance Note, a guide to refrigeration selection. The guide aims to provide an overview of the critical points that should be considered in selecting refrigerants. The IOR says the guide, which it refers to as Guidance Note 37, will be of particular interest to equipment owners, […]
Tag: Featured
Draft guidance on reducing GHG emissions
The Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has released a new draft guideline for managing greenhouse gas emissions. Under Victoria’s Environment Protection Act 2017, which came into effect on July 1, 2021, people conducting activities that pose risks of harm to human health or the environment from pollution and waste must understand those risks and take […]
Steps to improve fire safety in NSW
The NSW government has released a report that provides recommendations on how to improve fire safety in new and existing buildings. The project was commissioned by the Office of the Building Commissioner to draw upon specialist industry expertise to identify practical measures the NSW government could take to help improve fire safety in class 2 […]
NSW proposes increase to BASIX standards
The NSW government is proposing increases to BASIX thermal performance and energy standards, beginning in late 2022. The government says the work is being done “to build more comfortable homes, cut energy costs and contribute to the state’s target of net zero homes by 2050”. This aligns with the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, the […]
WELL booming in Asia-Pacific region
As the pandemic heads into its third year, the Asia-Pacific region has increasingly adopted WELL programs. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently highlighted the exponential growth as it crossed the 300 million square metre mark of spaces enrolled in WELL programs. IWBI reports that nearly 80 million square metres of real estate are applying […]
Penrith Council shares strategies for urban heat
Penrith Council in Sydney has developed an issues paper to advocate for changes to be made to the state planning system. The aim is to ensure that all new developments across Western Sydney are designed to be adaptive to urban heat in both current and future climates. The council began developing the issues paper after […]
National review of engineering education
The Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) has released the results of a recent study as part of the Engineering 2035 Project, a national review of engineering education. The Engineering 2035 Project explores the practices and methods used for educating professional engineering students, and makes recommendations on how educators and universities can move forward. Approximately […]
Overcoming regulatory barriers for prefab homes
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has released a consultation paper that explores the regulatory barriers limiting the uptake of modular and prefabricated home construction. “Builders, trades and homeowners are looking at innovative ways to build – for speed, accuracy and finish,” says HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy Kristin Brookfield. “However, our current building codes, standards, […]
Technology Investment Roadmap under review
The federal government is calling for submissions to inform development of the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2022. The Low Emissions Technology Statement (LETS) is an annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap – the Australian government’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions. It is the cornerstone of Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which the government says […]
ARBS calls for speakers and award nominations
ARBS 2022 is calling for speakers to participate in the ARBS Seminar Series, and nominations for the ARBS Industry Awards. Slated for August 16–18, 2022 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), ARBS 2022 will showcase new products and technologies, with a focus on new and developing trends and technologies. These will include smart […]