An increasing resistance to increasing resistivity

Ever since energy efficiency provisions were introduced into the National Construction Code in 2003, there have been increased requirements for energy-efficient measures with each iteration of the code, particularly around insulation. This is based on the often-repeated objective of reducing Austral...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Architectural science review 2023-03, Vol.66 (2), p.108-121
Main Author: Law, Tim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
climate change
Energy efficiency
insulation
NatHERS
natural ventilation
resilience
thermal comfort
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Summary:Ever since energy efficiency provisions were introduced into the National Construction Code in 2003, there have been increased requirements for energy-efficient measures with each iteration of the code, particularly around insulation. This is based on the often-repeated objective of reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in the light of climate change. However, there is limited evidence whether the code achieved its stated objectives and whether these will continue to be suited to a changing climate. In fact, there is evidence that the intended and achieved goals are substantially different. This paper is a critical essay, set in the context of the Australian Building Codes Board's scoping study into "Energy efficient measures for 2022 and beyond", and makes the case that current insulation requirements are already excessive against considerations that should be made, as a higher priority, for fire safety, thermal bridging, condensation, heat stress resilience and thermal comfort.
ISSN:0003-8628
1758-9622
DOI:10.1080/00038628.2021.1916428