Energy efficient subdivisionsThis report describes the relationship between subdivisional layout and a dwellings energy efficiency. The objectives of this project were to:
- investigate the barriers to energy-efficient innovation, primarily caused by a disconnect between housing technology and subdivision technology
- assess the performance of a range of subdivisional layouts using a lot-rating tool developed by the Sustainable Development Authority (SEDA)
- assess the energy-efficiency performance of proposed dwellings using AccuRate, a new energy-rating thermal tool designed for tropical and subtropical climates
- identify benchmark dwellings that represent the issues facing developers in South-east Queensland (SEQ)
- examine a range of medium and high rise apartments ahead of new Building Code of Australian (BCA) regulations introduced in 2005
- develop criteria for possible future lot-rating methodologies to improve dwelling energy efficiencies
- recommend future research to fill gaps in existing knowledge and help develop a lot rating methodology for SEQ.
The project examined the performance of 16 contemporary dwellings including:
- detached single storey slab on ground, elevated and prefabricated
- double storey and split level
- attached medium-density multistorey residential (2 or 3 level, walk up)
- high-density multistorey residential (over 4 storeys).
This report is the first part of a multi-stage sustainable subdivisions project theme and focuses on the energy performance of subdivisions.