15 Apr 2019
A new data portal from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO will track residential energy efficiency progress to support the next wave of sustainable homes.
Through the Australian Housing Data (AHD) Portal, CSIRO is centralising a vast amount of energy efficiency data that will underpin key decision making, training and awareness.
Around 11.4 per cent Australia's emissions can be attributed to households, and with construction continuing at a steady pace, the AHD Portal can pinpoint where energy efficiency efforts are on track, and where they may need increased focus.
The AHD Portal will be an important tool in tracking and supporting the progress of the national plan agreed by COAG Energy Ministers that sets a trajectory towards zero energy (and carbon) homes in Australia.
Key findings drawn from the data (based on apartments and houses) includes:
Data is chiefly sourced from the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), a measurement and compliance system for energy efficiency administered by the Australian Government.
CSIRO Grids and Energy Efficiency Research Director Dr Stephen White said the data shows steady progress in residential sustainability efforts.
"In order to meet national challenges of sustainable energy and resilient cities, it's vital that we track progress. As an independent research agency driving innovation in energy, particularly residential energy rating, CSIRO is well placed to do this," Dr White said.
"Tracking these changes is an important step to ensure emissions goals are met, while seeing where more attention is needed across the industry."
The portal contains data across states and climate zones and can be further broken down by design (e.g. dwelling class and floor area), construction (e.g. type of walls and roofing) and fixtures and appliances (e.g. solar PV and heating/cooling systems).
The construction of homes varies somewhat from state to state, reflecting the flexibility of the NatHERS software to meet both the variations in climate and product availability in each jurisdiction.
CSIRO will update dashboards within the AHD Portal monthly, ensuring it is a relevant and accessible tool for the benefit of residential energy efficiency stakeholders, nationally.
Visit the Australian Housing Data portal.Want to hear our news as it happens, and be the first to see our most exciting stories? Subscribing to our news releases and newsletters including Snapshot will give you the latest info.
CSIRO part of international study that finds low carb diets can reverse type 2 diabetes
Expert commentary the UK COVID-19 strain and vaccines in Australia
Beached sunfish samples added to CSIRO’s Australian National Fish Collection
New CSIRO weight loss tool set to motivate Australians to achieve their new year’s resolutions