KEY FINDINGS 1. Globally, solar photovoltaic (PV) power is surging on the back of scaled-up production and continually falling costs. 70GW (projected) of new solar power capacity was added globally in 2016, breaking last years’ (2015) record of 50GW capacity added. China (34.2GW), the United States (13GW) and Japan (10.5GW) continued to lead with the...

This study is aimed at improving the safety, comfort, productivity and energy efficiency of enterprise buildings in remote communities. Two building types, besser block and steel frame, were investigated in both hot arid and hot humid climate zones of northern Australia.

Houses designed to be energy and water efficient often do not perform as intended. One of the reasons for this is occupant behaviour. Rebound effects and lack of awareness mean that behaviour and practices need to be addressed as part of the strategies to reduce emissions in the residential sector. While the design is important...

Heatwaves across much of the country this summer have revealed a serious problem with our national housing stock. Wendy Miller looks at smarter design and construction, better rating systems and the role of government and industry to overcoming barriers to better housing design.

This research note summarises the methods and results of an analysis of household energy costs for Australia. Energy costs have increased sharply in recent years placing an increasing burden on household living costs. This paper does not attempt to explain the industry drivers of cost increases.