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In order to raise the standard of operational hospital buildings, a holistic approach must be taken, writes Cundall’s Amin Azarmi.

Building automation control products that can only be serviced by one contractor can present significant risk. Open protocols make much more sense, writes Jason Duncan.

Ventilation units within vehicle tunnels play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and optimal air quality for occupants. These units are used to assist with propelling air from one end to the opposite end of the tunnel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has emerged as an invaluable design tool for engineers and stakeholders, offering simulated insights and data to optimise safety and efficiency in tunnel projects. This paper emphasises the advantages of CFD for road tunnel ventilation design, showcases a case study involving impulse fans, and highlights the positive effects on project costs and overall tunnel ventilation performance.

It’s like a jungle sometimes, but is the grass always greener for buildings that boast green walls and roofs? Laura Timberlake explores.

The adoption of a prefabrication strategy in the design and construction of mechanical services systems at the new Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton solved numerous challenges associated with the build and project timelines. As Sean McGowan reports, the approach is a precursor to future healthcare projects.

Perth-based Evan Pratt, Affil.AIRAH, is residential HVAC project engineer and estimator for Consolidated Energy.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) has announced the launch of its innovative Ciara compact wall-mounted split system, complete with built in wi-fi control.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser 6 Charles Street, or C6, has been and is being developed by Grange Development. It primarily consists of residential apartments, although the plans also include a 500m2 edible rooftop garden and dining and entertainment spaces. Residents will also have access to a car-share scheme that includes 80 Tesla electric vehicles.

Company values go beyond mere words on a page, writes Professor Gayle Avery.

As I reflect on my personal journey with AIRAH over the past seven years, it’s clear that the past six months have been transformative.

Grimshaw announces the appointment of  David Ritter as Sustainability Lead – Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing the practice’s global net zero carbon and regenerative design commitments.

As a result of the increased contribution of renewable energy for electricity generation and rising gas prices, there has been a shift from natural gas to electric-based heating in recent times. Commonly used electric heating technologies in the built environment include electric resistance, and air- or water-source heat pumps (hereafter known as “conventional heat pumps”). However, a key concern in the industry has been the use of refrigerants that have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and other refrigerants that are flammable and/or toxic.  

Employers that care about the wellbeing of their staff, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders do better in the long run, writes Professor Gayle Avery.

Almost everyone who works on HVAC in Australia would be familiar with the AS 1668 series. Right now, AS 1668.2 and AS 1668.4 – which between them cover mechanical and natural ventilation in buildings – are open for public comment.

The owners of a Passivhaus residential development in Melbourne’s inner suburbs have adopted a pragmatic approach to design, ensuring the best possible outcome on a site overshadowed by neighbouring buildings. Sean McGowan reports.

One test of an award program’s veracity is how well the decision to bestow plaudits is viewed through the lens of time.

Recent professional opinions on the use of AI in real–world building applications have raised some concerns with Alan Obrart, L.AIRAH.

So, we are almost at the end of 2023 – where does the time go? Here’s the thing: we are focused on net zero and carbon neutrality, but what has been done in the past 12 months to reach our targets, and where will we be at the end of the next 12 months, I wonder?  

Adelaide-based Nathan Budarick, M.AIRAH, is a research and development technician/engineer for Seeley.

Camfil has launched a corrosion control monitor called the AirImage-COR that monitors corrosion in real time. The technology uses electrical resistance (ER) sensors to help mitigate the risk of corrosion.