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.
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.
In a study within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), researchers examined the effects of transitioning to energy-efficient electrical appliances. The findings revealed a remarkable decrease in natural gas consumption, up to 50% for priority households switching hot water systems and 42% for non-priority households adopting Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners (RCACs). While grid electricity consumption experienced a moderate increase of approximately 20% for priority and 26% for non-priority households with RCACs, electric hot water system replacements led to an 11% and 13% rise in grid electricity use, respectively. Embracing renewable electricity targets, emissions witnessed a significant reduction, emphasizing the strides Aussie homes are making towards sustainability and a greener future.
An Australian research has provided optimised configurations of solar photovoltaic (SPV) and battery storage system (BSS) setups specifically designed for grid-connected households with electric vehicles (EVs). Through the integration of a 10-kW SPV system with a 10-kWh BSS, significant reductions in electricity costs have been achieved, dropping from 45.03 to 33.48 ¢/kWh under time-of-use pricing. Even households equipped with two EVs have reaped the benefits, enjoying an impressive net present cost (NPC) of $55,904, surpassing the $45,850 NPC attained with only one EV.
Australian policy is more responsive to public discourse and narratives than evidence-based policy or international commitments. The paper argues that Australian policy is often more driven by public discourse and narratives than evidence-based policy or international obligations.
A recent study conducted by Zhang et al. in Australia aimed to identify the explanatory variables that impact the adoption of small-scale solar PV panels. The study found that regions with lower solar development levels are associated with more impacting factors, with household characteristics such as housing amount and solar exposure used as control variables in the regression.
Using a large, nationally representative longitudinal dataset, the study by Bentley et al found that energy poverty has a negative impact on mental health and well-being, and increases the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety.
As energy prices continue to rise in Australia, many residents are struggling to afford basic heating and cooling for their homes, and to keep up with energy bills, which has resulted in a growing number of Australians being pushed into energy poverty.
A recent research delved into the world of social mix in private housing developments, specifically at Melbourne’s Nightingale Village. The findings revealed that “while the social mix is a widely used mechanism for improving access to social housing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each development must be understood in its specific context, and the needs of the cohort should be understood to a far greater degree.