This report identifies emerging trends across sectors – including health technology, disability advocacy, construction, HVAC, and digital and energy technologies – likely to impact the future energy system and residential sector. Drawing on a review of 93 reports, interviews with 20 experts, and ethnographic qualitative research, it has a particular focus on implications for residential...

Australia’s sustainability transition is being reshaped by global uncertainty, heightened climate impacts and rapid economic transformation. In this environment, the challenge is not only setting ambition, but creating the conditions that enable confidence, consistency and momentum. This paper examines how standards are supporting this shift from policy intent to real‑world outcomes.

This research assesses the impact of the Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) on housing supply. It examines how Victoria has maintained its position as a leader in housing construction while implementing minimum accessibility standards. The findings offers lessons for policymakers navigating the tension between housing quantity and housing quality.

This study examines how apartments designed for people with disability and complex needs support daily life. It identifies four key design factors – space, accessibility, usable technology and sensory management – and finds that good design strengthens independence. Residents also emphasise the need for clearer pre‑move information, better integrated technology and strong support to help...

This submission supports the adoption of Livable Housing Design Standards by the New South Wales Government with reasonable time-limited exemptions. This will align the state with the rest of the nation in delivering mandatory accessibility standards in all new builds.