Summer 2022-23

A new ASBEC report confirms electrification “unlocks the pathway” to net zero buildings.

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.

There is a growing chorus that now, perhaps more than ever, institutionalised professions need to question conventional practices in response to evolving public need.

HVAC&R specialists have key role to play if Australia is to meet emissions targets and keep building healthy, argues ARBS Chairman Tony Arnel.

Located in the heart of the CBD and overlooking the river, Brisbane Quarter is Brisbane’s first truly integrated, world-class mixed-use precinct. Consisting of three buildings, the project presented the ideal scenario for a district-style heating and cooling scheme. Sean McGowan reports on the design and construction of the HVAC systems serving this $1 billion development.

Fantech has recently moved into a new Group HQ, close to its previous premises in Melbourne’s outer south-east. Ecolibrium chats with Leigh Howard to get the lowdown on the motivation behind the move and what went into creating the new digs.

Perth-based Mark Elliott, M.AIRAH, is a building services engineer for Devlin Engineering & Management, and the 2022 AIRAH Future Leader Award winner.

Some building owners are happy if their edifice performs adequately. For those making decisions about Quay Quarter Tower, the aspirations were considerably higher. Behold the winner of the 2022 AIRAH Award for Excellence in Innovation.

The new Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) at Tufts University is a nifty response to a challenging brief.

The winners of the AIRAH Awards 2022 were announced at a gala dinner on November 24 at Luna Park in Sydney.