Sustainable construction using building information modelling
31 January, 2011 byAs building growth intersects with environmental concerns and the rising cost of energy, architects and building engineers are turning to the Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach to building design. BIM enables architects and engineers to explore a project’s key physical and functional characteristics digitally before it is built, helping to deliver projects faster and more economically, while minimising environmental impact.
Lighting the way for Queensland Rail with LEDs
31 January, 2011 byPower usage is a major cost to business and lighting can be a surprisingly high contributor, especially for commercial or industrial sectors. However, new lighting technology innovation is bringing to market products and solutions that help customers meet pressing environmental challenges and increase energy efficiency.
Green energy from chicken waste
24 January, 2011 byFood processing and other organic waste streams are often high in energy potential and produced in significant quantities. Trade waste is an expense and green credentials are gaining importance in the eyes of the consumer.
Mueller Accu-Therm plate heat exchanger
24 January, 2011 byMueller plate heat exchangers can be assembled to suit user requirements. Each exchanger is selected using software to match the specific performance requirements of individual applications. The units also incorporate an expandable design enabling an increase of heat transfer surface area without any changes to the unit footprint.
Lighting upgrade at distribution centre
24 January, 20113M recently commissioned The Energy Efficient Lighting Company (EELCO) to replace the standard power-hungry high bay lights used throughout its Pemulwuy medical goods distribution centre.
Art gallery proving energy efficient
17 January, 2011Christchurch Art Gallery has been reducing its energy costs and becoming more energy efficent, following the introduction of a steam humidifier and landfill gas, electricity and chilled water pipelines from the civic offices. From early 2011, chilled water and electrical power will be transported from the tri-generator on the roof of the civic building on Hereford Street directly to the art gallery.
Industry input sought on extending NABERS rating scale
25 November, 2010Australian buildings are becoming so much more energy efficient; the NABERS program has opened up a discussion on extending its traditional five-star rating scale.
Combining technologies to solve organic waste problem
16 November, 2010Consulting engineer and environmental solutions company SEMF is to provide the engineering and project management capability for the development of a processing plant capable of producing high-quality biological soil conditioner and renewable energy from abattoir waste.
Baseload power station opened in Queensland
10 November, 2010Origin Energy (Origin) and the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have opened the new Darling Downs Power Station which will play an important role in assisting Queensland maintain a secure, efficient and reliable electricity supply, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
New Green Star material calculators drive best practice
22 October, 2010Three new material calculators will ensure the Green Star environmental rating tools remain at the leading edge of best practice, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
Boosting energy and resource efficiency in the manufacture of PET bottles
30 September, 2010How can the efficiency of energy and resources be increased, in the long term, in the manufacture of PET bottles? As part of a project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, and run by the Research Center of Karlsruhe*, experts have been investigating just this in the stretch blow-mould process chain. The project started in 2009 and should be completed by 2011. The first results have now been published.
Environmental win for Alcoa
30 September, 2010 byReductions in carbon dioxide emissions and energy use, thanks to innovative technology, have secured Alcoa a win at the 2010 WA Engineering Excellence Awards.
Flowmeters recover lost revenues
30 September, 2010ABB flowmeters have enabled a US university to cut steam losses in its generation plant and recover more than $1.25 million a year in lost revenues. The solution has also created a campus-wide awareness of the need for energy efficiency.
Natural ventilation and cooling
30 September, 2010Ormiston Road Senior College in Auckland, due for completion in October 2010, was recently awarded a 5 Star Green Star rating by the independent Green Building Council of New Zealand. A total of 68 points were achieved overall, six points shy of a 6 Star rating. The use of Windcatchers allowed the college to secure one point for Green Star Innovation.
Food manufacturer saves energy
30 September, 2010Mars Petcare Australia has implemented a customised compressed-air system from Champion Compressors, optimising production, reliability and energy efficiency.
