Summer 2024-25

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 complex systems work in practice.

The winners of the 2024 AIRAH Awards have been announced at a black-tie gala dinner held at Crown Aviary Melbourne on Thursday, November 21.

Sonia Holzheimer, M.AIRAH, shares her reflections from the 21st Women in HVACR Conference in Dallas.

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.

On my first morning in Yogyakarta a few weeks ago, I took the Indonesian equivalent of an Uber to what the guidebooks describe as a “water castle”. I like water and I love castles, so I didn’t need any convincing.

It’s hard to believe 2024 is already coming to a close! My first six months as AIRAH president have been both an honour and a whirlwind. It feels like just yesterday that I was introduced as the new president at the AIRAH AGM, but in reality so much has happened since then.

We know that looking after our buildings make sense, but in a world where new technology and innovation grab the headlines, how do we make it a priority?

Researchers at Binghamton University are developing bacteria-powered biobatteries into artificial indoor plants that can produce oxygen and generate power.

Researchers at RMIT University have developed an innovative technique that can make concrete 30 per cent stronger by turning waste coffee grounds into biochar. Laura Timberlake explores how the researchers are applying the innovation in the real world.

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.

Lifecycle refrigerant management was the theme of the recent 36th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP36) in Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

As someone who manages major national events for a living, AIRAH Conference and Events Manager Marie Karekla knows that even the best-laid plans are subject to change.

Anastasia Alexandrova, M.AIRAH, was recently awarded her 10-year membership plaque at the 2024 AIRAH WA Members Lunch. We asked her to tell us a bit more about herself and what makes her tick.

AIRAH is sad to inform members that former president and James Harrison Medallist Alan Obrart, L.AIRAH, has passed away aged 83.

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.

Dan Hadley examines what’s required to meet the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 14001:2015 – environmental management systems in construction, using Watson Fitzgerald & Associates as a case study.

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

AIRAH has recognised the decades-long contributions of several active and engaged members at its NSW President’s Shout event.