The public comment period for the flammable refrigerants Code of Practice is closing on 15 April. [ + ]

FWBC has released a guidance note for industry on sham contracting. The guidance note gives the building and construction industry information about how FWBC interprets the laws it enforces. [ + ]

More than two million Australians are now getting cheaper power and saving some half a billion dollars a year on their electricity bills, because of their switch to solar energy, according to the Clean Energy Council. The number of Australian homes with solar power systems has passed the one million mark, according to figures from the Clean Energy Regulator that confirm the milestone was reached in March. [ + ]

A Curtin University researcher who has improved the reliability of wind-generated energy entering the grid was recently awarded the prestigious John Madsen Medal by Engineers Australia. [ + ]

Stanford University students are building the Start.Home, a solar-powered, net-zero emissions house that they say could transform green home construction. [ + ]

To demonstrate a commitment to transparency and openness, Fair Work Building & Construction will publish its Dashboard report online. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia has called for a review of unfair dismissal laws in the wake of statistics showing that only 6% of all claims are found to be genuine. [ + ]

ABB has been awarded a $10m project for the electrical balance of plant (eBoP) of a new ammonium nitrate processing plant in the Burrup peninsula in Australia. [ + ]

Performances in Byron Bay Bluesfest’s exclusive VIP area, the Lotus Palace, were powered solely by the sun, thanks to SCU’s new green initiative, a solar-powered sound system. [ + ]

The third annual Australian Clean Technologies Competition has already helped more than 50 companies commercialise their ideas and access new customer markets. [ + ]

Solar Inception has announced that experienced sales and business development professional Paul Scerri has been named National Sales Manager, effective 25 March. Based in Melbourne, Scerri will lead Solar Inception sales throughout Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and other international markets. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has urged all Australians to check their safety switches. Chief executive Malcolm Richards said homeowners nationwide should take the extra time to ensure safety switches are in good working order. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has announced Heatcraft Australia Pty Ltd as exclusive distributor of its HVAC field devices across Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

The Newman government’s recently released construction code guidelines have been welcomed by Master Electricians Australia. [ + ]

Michael D’Ascenzo AO will join the Clean Energy Regulator from 2 April 2013, replacing Jennie Granger, who has relocated to the UK. [ + ]