Examining the impact of Australia’s ‘Direct Action’ policy on renewable energy, fossil fuel energy, and foreign direct investment (FDI), researchers have unveiled critical insights into the nation’s environmental landscape.
The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) carbon footprint was dissected, revealing a 2018 total of 34.7 t CO2-eq/cap, with 83% stemming from Scope 3 emissions. Despite this, the ACT proudly achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2020, a testament to ambitious emission reduction targets.
Amidst the urgent climate change and energy shortage concerns, this study tackles the complex challenge of achieving sustainable development goals in the face of uncertain low-carbon building transformation paths and unclear energy/carbon trading strategies. Employing a comprehensive approach, the research reviews integrated techniques for low-carbon building transition, including energy conservation, clean energy adoption, demand response, and smart EV integration. The study also examines energy/carbon flows and trading within building systems and analyzes global decarbonization roadmaps.
Introducing the innovative concept of Carbon Storage (CS)-Factor, the research explores how urban planning can improve carbon neutrality through maintaining or restoring carbon storage in these new areas, with a specific focus on wooden construction. The study examines the carbon storage potential of future residential developments in the Uusimaa region, Finland, between 2022 and 2050.
Discover the roadmap to achieving net zero carbon built environments in Australia. The research paper lays the critical principles, targets, and pathways needed for a sustainable future. Balancing operational and embodied carbon considerations, the proposed approach aims for all new buildings and major renovations to achieve net zero operational carbon by 2030, with a phased reduction in embodied carbon quotas leading to net zero by 2040. The comprehensive strategy includes comparing and combining operational and embodied data, ensuring a holistic understanding of carbon emissions.
midst a disparity between academic theory and practical implementation, benchmarking for embodied CO2e in buildings remains a challenge. Despite lacking formal policies, industry leaders are proactively embracing CO2e assessment, driven by upcoming regulations and potential rating benefits. The study highlights persistent uncertainties, including institutional, economic, technical, and knowledge-related barriers. Precise scenario predictions, comprehensive life cycle stage consideration, and grid decarbonization are underscored as pivotal factors.
Despite global efforts, gaps persist in incentivizing the transition to energy-efficient homes. The study, encompassing policy evaluation and stakeholder feedback, sheds light on the critical hurdles. Notably, stakeholders highlighted the perceived upfront cost barrier, leading to a call for subsidies. Around 70% of surveyed stakeholders advocated for subsidies to overcome this obstacle.
In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, this study offers valuable insights into the realm of affordable housing and embodied energy reduction. By delving into the drivers, barriers, and techniques shaping the industry’s efforts, the research sheds light on the intricate balance between environmental consciousness and practicality.
Understanding public perceptions is crucial for the successful adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative. Public poll data reveals that a significant percentage of the population holds neutral attitudes towards hydrogen technologies, highlighting the need for improved information and awareness campaigns. Socio-political acceptance, including trust in key stakeholders, plays a vital role in shaping public attitudes. Financial considerations and energy justice are also key factors in gaining market acceptance. By addressing these challenges and engaging communities, we can pave the way for a sustainable hydrogen-powered future.
As cities worldwide pursue greener and more sustainable public transportation solutions, the choice of the most economically viable bus technology becomes a pivotal decision for urban planners and policymakers. A recent study conducted in Perth has shed light on the true Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for various bus technologies, including Hybrid, Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFCB), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and conventional Diesel buses.