Category: Technical Paper Feature

Streamlining electrification in support of decarbonisation

Our industry has increasingly focused on the electrification of building utilities coupled with low-carbon electricity to support the global decarbonization effort. Examples include the University of California’s system-wide ban on the use of on-site fossil fuel combustion in new construction and major renovations, and the City of Seattle’s recently passed measure to prohibit the use of natural gas for space heating in new construction and major replacements of heating systems in commercial buildings, as well as for water heating in new hotels and
large apartment buildings. This column presents an approach to integrating the production of domestic hot water with an electric heat-recovery chiller plant as a streamlined solution.

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Feasibility study of wastewater energy transfer for an existing campus building cluster

The HVAC-related energy usage of a group of three existing buildings on a Canadian university campus (the “Cluster”) was simulated. Two scenarios were compared: (1) an ambient loop paired with conventional HVAC equipment (boiler plant and cooling tower), and (2) an ambient loop using wastewater energy transfer (“WET”). The study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing WET as a heating and cooling method for cold-climate institutional buildings, as well as to measure the effects of WET implementation on energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy costs

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A nationwide NCC freeze?

A nationwide NCC freeze?

The Coalition has followed in the footsteps of the South Australian government, which earlier this year announced that it would not update the National Construction Code (NCC) for a decade.Opposition leader Peter Dutton has unveiled a suite of policies aimed at...

Transparency in the built environment  

Transparency in the built environment  

Standards Australia and the International Code Council have partnered to develop a new protocol that will enhance climate data transparency and operability internationally across the built environment.The two organisations joined forces at the 29th annual United...

Making air safe 

Making air safe 

A report launched at Parliament House in November has highlighted the human impact of poor indoor air quality, framing it as an access and inclusion issue. In November, the Safer Air Project brought together leaders from engineering, public health, facilities...

It’s time to talk about the F-word

It’s time to talk about the F-word

Fluorinated “forever chemicals” such as PFAS and TFA are at the centre of global health concerns. Laura Timberlake investigates the HVAC&R industry’s role in addressing the issue.  Concerns have been growing globally as reports come in of high quantities of...

Fighting the invisible enemy 

Fighting the invisible enemy 

When Ashak Nathwani arrived in Australia from Uganda in 1972 with 20 cents to his name, little did he imagine how much he would achieve in his life. Laura Timberlake reviews his recently released book and explores his astonishing career. As Australia struggles to meet...

Hidden hero: the importance of BMS 

Hidden hero: the importance of BMS 

Building management systems are vital for HVAC performance and efficiency, but if they’re poorly designed or maintained, they can cause serious problems. Chris Stamatis, M.AIRAH, and Trevor Smith, Affil.AIRAH, showed Nick Johns-Wickberg and Mark Vender how these...

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