Useful Documents
AIRAH Industry Summit 2013 meeting report - March 2013
AIRAH convened the 2013 Summit 12 months after the first Summit hosted by AIRAH. At that time the industry appeared to be relatively ill prepared for the introduction of the carbon equivalent levy and was facing structural changes and pressure on a number of fronts. Following the first Summit AIRAH commenced the work of preparing an industry road map with the aim of identifying the most important elements of a critical path, and the resources required to support all sectors of the industry make as rapid a change as possible to a low--‐emissions HVAC&R industry.
The 2013 Summit was convened to update the broader industry on the progress with this work and to get direct responses to a number of issues and on the process that AIRAH had developed to author the roadmap.
The 35 members of the industry and government who attended the day endorsed both the process and the content of the road map so far and on the basis of the positive support for the project AIRAH will continue in developing this strategic plan for change.
Download the AIRAH Industry Summit 2013 meeting report
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AIRAH discussion paper - Transition to low-emission HVAC&R: Issues and solutions - March 2013
This discussion paper is a report on the industry views on low-emission HVAC&R, at least to the extent that AIRAH has been able to define them. The paper has been developed as an open-source document, with extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, including government and end users.
Download the AIRAH discussion paper - Transition to low-emission HVAC&R: Issues and solutions
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Green Building Fund case studies
AIRAH has produced a range of case studies, covering energy-efficiency upgrades on existing buildings completed with the assistance of the Green Building Fund.
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AIRAH's response to the Regulation Impact Statements (RIS) for refrigeration and air conditioning - October 2012
AIRAH submitted a response for the National Licensing Authority on the Regulation Impact Statements (RIS) for refrigeration and air conditioning.
Download AIRAH's response
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Refrigerants and the carbon-equivalent levy - July/August 2012
In July and August 2012, AIRAH, with funding support from the federal government, ran a free national seminar series explaining the impact of the carbon-equivalent levy on refrigerants. The seminars explored how to reduce energy consumption and refrigerant costs and topics included the carbon-equivalent levy and HFCs, managing financial risk associated with the levy, minimising refrigerant leaks, methods for implementing energy savings, and information on low-GWP refrigerants and their application.
The presentations and fact sheets highlight the topics and issues covered throughout the seminars and provide information on how to effectively manage the changes the levy has brought.
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This activity is supported by Enterprise Connect. Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative backed by industry that offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium businesses to help them transform and reach their full potential. Our experienced, independent Business Advisers provide confidential, unbiased business advice at no charge. For more information visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call 131 791.
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AIRAH HVAC&R Industry communiqué to Government - May 2012
The introduction of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future legislative package on July 1, including the carbon-equivalent levy on refrigerant gases1, will present many challenges and opportunities to Australia’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry, and to the hundreds of thousands of people it employs. Our industry is estimated to be responsible for systems and equipment that contribute as much as seven per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. The overwhelming majority of these emissions stem from energy use and only a very small proportion is due to refrigerant leakage. It has become apparent that the introduction of the carbon-equivalent levy on refrigerant gases will result in a number of overlooked and negative outcomes.
Since the introduction of the legislation late last year this has become a serious industry concern. On March 29 2012 the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) convened an industry Summit. This event brought together all industry groups. The Summit focused on formulating a best practice response to the Clean Energy Future legislative package and identified a range of potentially unacceptable effects from the introduction of the carbon-equivalent levy on refrigerant gases.
This communiqué outlines the serious concerns of the industry and proposes a number of urgent actions needed to address and avoid unwanted impacts from the introduction of this legislative package.
Download the AIRAH HVAC&R Industry communiqué to Government
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AIRAH Industry Summit 2012 meeting report and outcomes - April 2012
AIRAH Industry Summit 2012: Transitioning the Australian HVAC&R industry to a low emissions future
In response to the new “carbon tax” and the related carbon-equivalent price (CEP) that will be levied on some HFC refrigerants AIRAH organised and facilitated an industry summit to assist key stakeholders identify the issues, solutions, potential barriers and essential actions that should be associated with this policy implementation.
Some of the major points proposed at the summit include:
- Industry needs help to transition to a low-emission future. It is not sufficient for the government to impose new charges and expect market forces to resolve all the issues. Government and industry need to work together to ensure that the required policy outcomes are achieved.
- Revenues generated by the refrigerant CEP should be directed back to the industry to fund the required governance structures, industry communications, licensing and enforcement programs, training and education programs and end-user initiatives.
- A joint industry-government council should be formed. This council should be given the resources and ability to respond to issues and adapt to changing circumstances caused by the implementation of the carbon tax.
- More robust and proactive licensing and enforcement regimes must be implemented to prevent inappropriate, unsafe, fraudulent or criminal activity.
- Improved communications and trusted technical information urgently needs to be provided to industry to ensure that the policy is implemented correctly and does not give rise to serious safety issues and other perverse outcomes.
- New standards, codes of practice, training and education resources must be developed to underpin the transition to a low-emissions HVAC&R future
This report outlines the detailed discussions and conclusions agreed at the industry summit. It will be used to inform government of the industry issues and to help develop an industry roadmap for the transition period.
Download the AIRAH Industry Summit 2012 meeting report and outcomes
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AIRAH Industry survey report – NABERS rating tools - February 2012
This report summarises the results of an industry survey and technical review of the NABERS scheme and rating tools facilitated by AIRAH on behalf of the NABERS stakeholder advisory committee. It collates all comments made; including specific issues industry practitioners have raised with the NABERS tools and suggested ways to fix the issue. The report also highlights strategic, technical and administrative priority issues for consideration during the NABERS strategic review.
Download the AIRAH Industry survey report - NABERS rating tools
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AIRAH Discussion paper – Revision of AS1668.2 20 - January 2012
This paper summarises the issues surrounding the proposed revision of AS 1668.2-2002 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control (excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke exposure).
Both the Australian Building Codes Board and Standards Australia have committed to resolving the issues surrounding AS 1668.2-2002 and AIRAH has offered to facilitate these discussions. This discussion paper is intended to identify the issues and provide a recommended way forward.
Download the AIRAH Discussion paper – Revision of AS1668.2 20
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AIRAH Submissions
AIRAH response to DCCEE draft building framework - July 2012
AIRAH’S response to DCCEE invitation to comment on the proposed carbon price mechanism and architecture - May 2011
AIRAH’S response to DCCEE invitation to comment on the proposed carbon price mechanism and architecture - May 2011
AIRAH's proposals for Standards Australia development projects - 2010
AIRAH's proposal for revision of AS/NZS 3666 -
Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control
HVAC Industy response to BCA Section J compliance issues - December 2010
AIRAH in conjunction with associated industry bodies facilitated feedback to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) on specific compliance issues the HVAC&R industry encounters with BCA Section J.
In order to identify and understand the specific issues industry was encountering with the BCA 2010 Section J requirements an industry survey was conducted.
The following organisations participated in the research:
- Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
- Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA)
- Engineers Australia (IEAust)
- Fan Manufacturers Association of Australia and New Zealand (FMAANZ)
- Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
- Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)
Download the HVAC Industry response to AIRAH survey on BCA Section J compliance
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Energy Simulation harmonisation work
AIRAH Proposal for change - National Construction Code series - Metabolic rates for specification JV - January 30, 2012
This proposal relates to a modification of the requirements of the existing Specification JV to replace the specified metabolic rate (heat gains from people) figures with a reference to accepted national and international data sources for design metabolic heat rates.
This proposal forms part of a larger project to harmonise the specified default inputs of the three energy modelling protocols in use in Australia.
Download the Proposal for change - National Construction Code series - Metabolic rates for specification JV
Energy modelling harmonisation project - Seeking information on metabolic rates for energy modelling - January 2012
AIRAH has been working with the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE), the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), NABERS and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) on a project to harmonise the default inputs in the energy modelling protocols of NCC JV3, NABERS commitment and Green Star GHG guide.
AIRAH has proposed that the metabolic rates used in the building/system design should be allowed to be used in the energy modelling protocol. AIRAH propose that the current specified metabolic values in specification JV Clause 2 (a) (iii) (A) should be removed in favour of a reference to AIRAH, ASHRAE, ISO, and CIBSE data sets (this is intended to reduce the amount of rework required for energy modelling).
The data sets are:
• AIRAH DA9 (1998) – Load Estimation & Psychrometrics
• ANSI/ASHRAE 55 (2010) – Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
• ISO 8996 (2004) – Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Determination of metabolic rate
• CIBSE Guide A (2006) - Environmental Design
This may be too many references to include in the NCC and there is a further option to reduce these four references to the AIRAH and ASHRAE data sets only. The question to industry is “Which source of metabolic rate data do you use in your designs” (heat load calculations) AIRAH, ASHRAE, ISO, CIBSE or some other source?
Please send your response to vince@airah.org.au or join the discussion on the AIRAH Au Linkedin group.
Discussion paper: Australian Energy Modelling Protocols - Potential for harmonisation and alignment - October 2011
This paper summarises the issues identified when considering the proposed alignment and potential harmonisation of the three energy modelling protocols in current use in the Australian non‐residential building industry namely:
NCC 2011 Volume 1 (Building Code of Australia) - Verification method JV3
Green Star Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator Guide - Public Building PILOT
NABERS Energy - Guide to Building Energy Estimation (for commitment agreements)
This paper is offered by AIRAH as a starting point in the discussions to consider the proposed alignment and potential harmonisation of the three energy protocols.
Download the Discussion paper: Australian Energy Modelling Protocols - Potential for harmonisation and alignment
Workshop outcomes - Non residential energy simulation tool protocol harmonization - November 2011
There has been some discussion to date amongst a number of parties regarding the needs to streamline the building simulation modelling protocols used in Australia to reduce unnecessary rework when models are used for multiple purposes.
The Modelling Protocol Harmonisation Workshop held at IBPSA conference in Sydney in 2011 drew on the expertise of a selected number of participants to develop a number of industry led recommendations in regards to standardizing modelling protocols in Australia.
This report summarised the findings of that workshop, and makes recommendations for the prioritisation of harmonisation work.
Download the Workshop outcomes - Non residential energy simulation tool protocol harmonization
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AIRAH signs MoU with WA Office of Energy - October 2011
AIRAH and the Office of Energy (WA) have been working together towards the common goal of sustainability in the built environment. It is in the interest of closer engagement and pathways to shared goals that both parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which formalises their commitment to a long-term partnership.
Download the Memorandum of Understanding
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In From the Cold - October 2009
This paper provides strategies to increase the energy efficiency of non-domestic refrigeration in Australia and New Zealand
Download In From the Cold
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Cold hard facts - June 2007
Cold Hard Facts is the first detailed report on the economics of the Australian Air Conditioning and Refrigerants industry, jointly funded by the Department of Environment and Water Resources and Refrigerants Australia.
Download the Cold Hard Facts report
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HVAC High Efficiency Systems Strategy (HESS)
HVAC High Efficiency Systems Strategy - Guide to best practice maintenance & operation of HVAC systems for energy efficiency - January 2012
It is hoped that this Guide to Best Practice Maintenance & Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency will be a change accelerator and encourage those working with maintenance & operation of HVAC Systems to have a sharper focus on improving energy and water effi ciency.
The advice in this Guide is relevant to typical Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems that are installed in commercial offi ce type buildings. It is applicable to existing buildings – both old and new, small to large and different grades from premium grade city CBD to rural. The advice given in this Guide may also be applicable to buildings other than commercial offi ce type buildings. The Guide is also applicable to future buildings that are being designed – it addresses important topics to consider during the design and documentation stages of new projects.
This Guide identifies and recognises the importance of existing Australian and International standards and guidelines for maintenance of HVAC Systems and attempts to avoid the repetition of material already published. Existing publications cover factors for consideration when setting up maintenance contracts including statutory requirements for occupational health and safety, maintenance schedules for reliability, occupant comfort and contract administration. For the maintenance of HVAC Systems in Australia, the availability of the AIRAH application manual DA19 – HVAC&R Maintenance is acknowledged. This Guide focuses on energy and water effi ciency aspects of maintenance and operation, complementing the advice and maintenance schedules already published in DA19.
Download the Guide to best practice maintenance & operation of HVAC systems for energy efficiency
HVAC High Efficiency Systems Strategy - Wireless Metering - Review of technology options for sub‑metering and wireless data-logging systems suitable for application to older HVAC systems - January 2012
This report presents the findings from the Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning High Efficiency Systems Strategy (HVAC HESS) Project 5 — Measurement, Monitoring and Metering Project (Phase 1). As administered by DCCEE, the Measurement, Monitoring and Metering Project (Phase 1) is part of a wider energy efficiency program (called the “Cool Efficiency” Program) developed in line with the aims of the National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE).
Download the Review of technology options for sub‑metering and wireless data-logging systems suitable for application to older HVAC systems
The measures - HVAC High Efficiency Systems Strategy - March 2007
Summary
The installed base of non-residential HVAC systems in Australia are estimated to:
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Consume 9% of electricity produced in Australia and produce more than 3.6% of the total Australian greenhouse gas inventory (>21Mt CO2 pa);
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Depending on the building type and use, be responsible for between 40% and 60% of all energy used in non-residential buildings;
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On average create more than 55% of electrical demand recorded in CBD buildings during peak demand periods;
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Involve cooling towers that consume billions of litres of water per annum across Australia;
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Service approximately 120 million m2 of buildings, are part of an industry worth about $7 billion per annum and employing at least 95,000 people.
A ten year strategy designed to improve the energy performance of HVAC systems was commissioned by the Equipment Energy Efficiency committee.
The resulting strategy has received widespread industry and stakeholder endorsement and has a target of improving the energy efficiency of the installed base of systems by 20% over the life of the strategy. If that target is achieved it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4Mt pa and save as much as $350 million in energy costs pa.
The strategy that has been designed addresses many non-technical barriers to efficiency while identifying and promoting highly efficient technical solutions, systems optimisation processes and creating the environment in which energy efficiency gains are valued, measurable and sustainable.
More than 20 separate but complimentary measures are proposed across eight priority areas, grouped under three broad strategic initiatives.
Download the HVAC High Efficiency Systems Strategy - the measures document
Source: Energy rating website
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Air flow measurement in air conditioning systems - June 1973
Over 60 groups representative of air conditioning consulting engineer, contractors, equipment manufacturers and government building authorities have taken more than 500 measurements of air flow at one or more of ten measuring points in a special condition and distribution system set up at OSIRO, Division of Mechanical Engineering.
Results were subsequently analysed and discussed at a symposium attended by the participants.
During the symposium it was agreed that there was a need for an accessible air flow measurement facility where operators could check their own measuring instruments and techniques against known air flows from registers of different types.
Download the Air flow measurement in air conditioning systems article
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