AIRAH is currently developing an online HVAC rating tool that aims to reduce energy use in HVAC systems.
AIRAH CEO Phil Wilkinson said the Calculating Cool Online HVAC Rating Tool will have a profound impact on the reduction of energy use in Australian HVAC systems.
"It captures both quantitative and qualitative data – to rate, reward and encourage best- practice HVAC systems in buildings," he said adding that the tool is still in development.
“HVAC systems typically account for around 40–75 per cent of the energy usage in buildings, and usually represent far more than 50 per cent of the potential energy-efficiency improvements that could be made.
"Calculating Cool will bring particular focus and importance to the performance of a building’s HVAC system.”
Managed by Sustainability Victoria, the Calculating Cool project will develop an online calculator to coordinate operation and maintenance practices, including data collection, long-term monitoring and comparative analysis.
“We believe Calculating Cool is a world-leading initiative," he said.
"Despite the need being almost universally recognised, there is not another system like this anywhere else.”
Part of AIRAH’s work to progress the federal government’s HVAC High Efficiency System Strategy (HVAC HESS), Calculating Cool will be used to rank different HVAC systems, and drive improvements.
“Because it’s designed to be incorporated into NABERS and the Green Star Design – As Built and Performance – suite of rating tools, Calculating Cool will have a substantial effect on the design, installation commissioning, operation and maintenance of HVAC systems,” Wilkinson said.
The Calculating Cool project is now in the development stage, with trials and public review set for later this year.
Anyone interested in being part of the trial process should email phil@airah.org.au
