Energy self-sufficient housing
With the increasing costs of conventional energy and raised public
awareness of environmental consequences of energy use, the need for a zero
net energy housing has become a realistic goal. The sub-theme aims to
achieve this through a number of projects which will reduce the energy
requirements of individual homes and generate the required energy locally
from renewable resources. The house will be connected to the electricity
grid but will be able to be a zero conventional energy user.
Whilst the demonstration of the viability of an energy self sufficient home
is the ultimate aim of this sub-theme, many of the project outcomes will
contribute to the reduction of conventional energy use in housing in the
short term. Energy use and associated greenhouse gas emission are considered
the most significant environmental issues in the housing sector. Other
factors which require consideration in the development of a sustainability
index include water use, material use in buildings and waste management. SEC
is currently involved with a number of industry/Government organisations in
carrying out some elements of the projects proposed for this sub-theme and
developing research plans for other projects.
Projects:
- Environmentally sustainable demonstration building design
- Development of energy efficient and environmentally sustainable appliances
- Development of roofing products incorporating electricity and heat generation and energy storage
- Methodologies for evaluating and regulating energy use and developing a sustainability index for housing
Collaborators:
Origin Energy, BHP Steel, Delfin, A V Jennings, Land Management Corporation, SA Housing Trust, Capital City Project, Planning SA, Energy SA
Research Team:
Wasim Saman, Frank Bruno, Martin Belusko, Edward Halawa, John Boland, Steve Pullen