Building for Future

It crosses my mind that our generation may leave problems that are simply too hard for human society in the generations that follow.

Ross Garnaut

We know we are leaving a lot of problems for the future generation, but we are also leaving immediate and potential solutions. In this section, we delve into the latest research on how we can mitigate and adapt to climate change, via futuristic design and policies.

“Worldwide carbon neutrality transition? Energy efficiency, renewable, carbon trading and advanced energy policies”

“Worldwide carbon neutrality transition? Energy efficiency, renewable, carbon trading and advanced energy policies”

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.

“Can future cities grow a carbon storage equal to forests?”

“Can future cities grow a carbon storage equal to forests?”

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.

“Homes of the Future: Unpacking public perceptions to Power the domestic hydrogen transition”

“Homes of the Future: Unpacking public perceptions to Power the domestic hydrogen transition”

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.

“Life cycle costing of diesel, natural gas, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell bus systems: An Australian case study”

“Life cycle costing of diesel, natural gas, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell bus systems: An Australian case study”

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.

Powering up the Future: Strategies to Boost Renewable Energy Financing

Powering up the Future: Strategies to Boost Renewable Energy Financing

Financing has been a significant hurdle in realizing the renewable energy (RE) transition, but targeted incentives and strategies have proven constructive in encouraging the implementation of RE projects. The lack of public awareness about the benefits of RE and misconceptions about its associated costs have contributed to the reluctance of investors and energy consumers to make this shift. With COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns leading to a drop in fossil fuel consumption and prices, it is crucial that necessary actions are taken to ensure the shift to RE is not reversed

“Australian Renewable-Energy Microgrids: A Humble Past, a Turbulent Present, a Propitious Future”

“Australian Renewable-Energy Microgrids: A Humble Past, a Turbulent Present, a Propitious Future”

Interest in microgrid (MG) has grown in Australia in recent years due to concerns about energy security and resilience in the face of bushfires and climatic disruptions, and federal government funding has been provided for 37 pilot projects across the country. The Australian study investigates the current state of microgrid development in the country, explore the constraints to their development, and identify the likely future developments in this field.

A zero-carbon energy system in Australia is not only possible but also affordable and reliable

A zero-carbon energy system in Australia is not only possible but also affordable and reliable

A zero-carbon, reliable, and affordable electrical energy system can be achieved in Australia. A study found that the country’s greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 80% through the use of solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, existing hydropower, and biomass for power generation, while energy storage could be achieved through pumped hydro (off-river) and electric car batteries.

The Sneaky Ways Energy Vulnerability Hides in Plain Sight

The Sneaky Ways Energy Vulnerability Hides in Plain Sight

Hidden energy vulnerability refers to situations where households are at risk of harm from energy deprivation but are not captured by common indicators of energy poverty or do not request help. Through interviews with 32 intermediaries from health, housing and social service organisations, the paper develops six forms of hidden energy vulnerability: underconsumption entailing privation, incidental masking, disguised vulnerability, intentional concealment, failure to recognise the health risks of cold homes and ignored energy vulnerability.