The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) – a court that interprets the European Convention on Human Rights as part of the Council of Europe – has found weak government policies in Switzerland have put older women at greater risk of death from heatwaves. A group of 2,400 women over the age of 70 called the KlimaSeniorinnen told the court elderly women are more likely to die in extreme heat and that Switzerland was not doing enough to cut emissions. In a seven-year campaign, the women argued that the failure to implement emissions reductions was affecting their living conditions and health. In ..read more

RectorSeal Australia has released a dust-free surface sanitiser for split systems designed to improve indoor air quality. Specifically designed for mini-split systems, the compact Dust Free Duality UV Light uses dual-spectrum UV technology to sanitise surfaces effectively. With the added bonus of a VOC filter, it offers protection against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants. Easy to install and maintain, the Dust Free Duality UV Light complements HVAC systems designed to enhance indoor air quality and ensure a healthier environment for occupants. Read RectorSeal’s profile on HVAC ..read more

The considerable embodied energy in building services was bought into the spotlight at a MECLA event held earlier this month. The Materials and Embodied Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) dedicated a hybrid event to building services, which are sometimes neglected compared to building materials with more obvious environmental costs such as concrete and steel. “Building services is an often under-appreciated aspect of the embodied carbon conversation,” MECLA says. “HVAC, refrigeration, fire safety, escalators, lifts, and lighting account for significant upfront embodied carbon in a building, and an even ..read more

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 requirements for new livable housing and updated energy efficiency and condensation management will come into effect on May 1, 2024. From this date, practitioners must comply with the new requirements, unless exempted under section 10 of the Building Act 1993. More information about the application of section 10 is available in the updated Minister’s Guideline MG-13. Livable housing The new provisions will improve the suitability of new Australian homes for people with reduced mobility. The Livable Housing Design Standard is a significant imp ..read more

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024 with a special offering at ARBS. “This year, MHIAA will once again be putting their best foot forward with their largest stand to date and many exciting new products and experiences planned for all attendees at ARBS,” the firm says. As MHIAA showcases its range of wall-mounted split system and ducted systems, attendees will be able to get up close and experience the latest technological advancements and changes to the product line-up. “Along with this, MHIAA will also be significantly sho ..read more

The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) is holding the Green Building Day annual roadshow across Australia in May and June. Designed to equip sustainability practitioners with the latest knowledge they need to drive success in the built environment; the events will explore decarbonisation, nature and biodiversity, responsible products and sustainable finance. Dates and locations include: Date Location More information May 22, 2024 Perth Click here May 29, 2024 Brisbane Click here June 6, 2024 Melbourne Click here June 13, 2024 Adelaide Click here June 20, 2024 Sydney Click her ..read more

Building controls manufacturer Reliable Controls has welcomed Oztech Intelligent Systems to its global network. Based in Sydney and Melbourne, Oztech has been designing and installing building automation systems for 30 years. Oztech has a deep commitment to customer service and provides complete building controls system design, implementation, and support for facilities of all sizes. Reliable Controls sales manager for the Australasia region, Jason Duncan, Affil.AIRAH, says Reliable Controls is committed to providing innovative solutions and fostering relationships built on trust and reliabili ..read more

The renewal period is now open for professional engineers in Queensland with Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) status. Registration is for a period of 12 months and expires on June 30. RPEQs must renew their registration every year by making and submitting their registration renewal application during the renewal period. To renew registration, RPEQs must meet continuing registration requirements demonstrating that they have maintained competency in the area of engineering for which they are registered. The renewal period ends on Friday, May 31, 2024. To renew, visit the BPE ..read more

AIRAH’s Indoor Air Quality Conference 2024 (IAQ24) will take place on July 15–16 in the River Room at Crown Melbourne. Leading researchers, innovators, and decision-makers will converge on Melbourne to discuss one of the most important aspects of HVAC&R: indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ24 will feature two days of engaging presentations on IAQ topics ranging from infectious disease control and air quality monitoring to bushfire smoke and humidity control. The major theme of the conference is exploring new and emerging technologies to better understand the science of IAQ. Awareness of ..read more

On this day in 1816, a truly remarkable man was born in Bonhill, Scotland. James Harrison, widely regarded as the father of mechanical refrigeration, was not only a brilliant engineer, but also a successful businessman, a journalist, and a politician. After moving to Australia in 1837, Harrison wasted little time in purchasing a printing press and founding The Geelong Advertiser, of which he became the sole owner in 1942. Harrison would later go on to edit another famous Victorian daily newspaper: The Age. In the 1850s, Harrison served as a politician, representing Geelong initially on the Vic ..read more