Rip and replace or invest in tuning existing systems? The temptation can be to assume that newer is better and that a major upgrade is needed to maximise building performance. Certainly with major systems such as HVAC, there can be a fairly straightforward return on investment calculation - current running costs against the capital cost of replacement and operating costs of a more efficient system. But the decision on other systems, such as control systems at the building or plant level, is less clear-cut. [ + ]

There are two main reasons for testing power cables: to determine the condition of the cable and to locate a fault on the cable. This article provides an overview of a systematic approach for each of these cases and then goes on to discuss fault classification. [ + ]

There is no doubt that the next 10 years will bring further exciting developments to the increasingly vital telecommunications industry. The foundations for change are well in motion and the continuing deployment of high-speed broadband and 4G technology will provide the infrastructure to ignite the new innovations and revolutions of the future. [ + ]

Data centres struggle with airflow obstructions inside cabinets, underfloor and overhead due to outdated cabling and high-density situations. Add to this the problem of not being able to clean properly under the floor and you have a big dusty, nasty, underperforming mess. This article looks at the cooling and cabling problems from the ground up. [ + ]

The federal government's review of the Renewable Energy Target is well underway. Some have welcomed the decision, others are worried. [ + ]

In an effort to increase profits, Lattouf International Hair Salons recently embarked on a strategy to improve efficiencies across the business. [ + ]

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has received reports of several incidents of electric shocks through contact with the metallic panels and frames of some solar PV systems due to electrical leakage. [ + ]

Mid-tier accounting firm RSM Bird is advising business owners to review their tax liabilities before 30 June to maximise tax opportunities. [ + ]

Lighting Council Australia, electrical contractor representative bodies and fire industry representative bodies, amongst others, have expressed concern over the recent introduction of photoluminescent (PL) 'glow in the dark' exit signs to the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC). [ + ]

It's been almost two years since the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) amended the regulatory requirements to install specialised telecommunications cabling (structured cabling such as Cat 5/6, optical fibre or coax) within customer premises. [ + ]

Security surveillance at the State of Liberty and Liberty Island has been upgraded to an IP-based, digital video system to improve safety, security and operations for millions of annual visitors. [ + ]

Aurecon was significantly involved in developing the $200 million South Australian Health and Medical Institute. The 'intelligent' building will house up to 675 of the world's foremost scientists. [ + ]

Effective lighting has always been a key component of store design. Abercrombie & Fitch might have made its A+F and Hollister stores stand out by turning down the lights to create a nightclub vibe, but the arrival of LED technology creates more opportunities. [ + ]

Four years after agreeing to develop a national licensing system, the Council of Australian Government recently decided to abandon the reform. Most states identified a number of concerns with the model and a decision was made to investigate other approaches that would increase labour mobility and deliver net benefits for businesses and governments. [ + ]

A number of Australian companies provide electrical product safety, environmental, EMC and calibration services. While most of these laboratories are accredited, some have no accreditations or expertise required. Some of these non-accredited testing facilities attempt to exploit buyers' lack of knowledge by providing non-accredited testing - often failing to disclose their reports lack the endorsement of NATA, A2LA, IANZ, CNAS or other accreditation bodies. [ + ]