New technologies could make the switch to solar more affordable for renters and apartment dwellers.
- Associate Professor in Housing, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University
New plans to get Victoria off gas are less ambitious. But they will still cut energy bills and accelerate the shift away from gas.
People now see spaces like hobby rooms or ‘man-caves’ as integral to their home life, and buy or build houses with this in mind.
Before buying or renting your next home, take a closer look at how it will cope with the heat. Try this expert 12-point guide to avoiding ‘hot boxes’.
Victoria is leading the way in ensuring poor-quality rental housing is upgraded to be safe, comfortable and energy-efficient.
People who switch from gas to reverse-cycle air conditioning to heat their homes still want to feel comfortable. Some don’t. Home electrification programs must tackle the causes of the problem.
Thinking about getting your home off gas, but don’t know where to begin? Here’s a few handy tips to get you on your way.
Mould is a health hazard and renters are most at risk. Here experts in health, law, building and construction examine the problem of mould in homes and offer guidance for both renters and landlords.
Energy poverty puts people’s health and wellbeing at risk, but many vulnerable households go undetected. Trusted intermediaries, such as doctors and community workers, can help solve this problem.
Past claims about the costs of 5-star and then 6-star home energy ratings were overblown. We are hearing similar claims about the new 7-star standard, but good design makes it a good deal for owners.
A suite of proposed changes to energy efficiency section of the National Construction Code are a good step forward. However, a lot more can be done.
A long-term housing stimulus package that focuses on retrofitting to cut energy demand would also help households repay the debts being accumulated during this crisis.
Energy justice is a social issue, and by leaving it up to vulnerable people to sort it out for themselves, we as a society risk making it even worse.
While new buildings may be the glamorous eco-home pinups, retrofitting existing homes is the main game when it comes to creating energy-efficient, comfortable housing stock for all Australians.
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