Joint PhD project – Evaluating cutting-edge passive cooling technologies to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency in Darwin homes

The need for energy-efficient and thermally comfortable homes in the Northern Territory (NT) is becoming increasingly urgent to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, reduce heat stress risks and improve equity outcomes. Improving the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of residential buildings is an important component of meeting NT greenhouse gas emission targets and adapting to a future climate.
The NT is the only jurisdiction in Australia that has not fully implemented and mandated the Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC) in designing the buildings. Starting 1 October 2023, the Section J Energy Efficiency provisions in NCC 2019 Volume One will be applicable to non-residential buildings.
To support the transition to energy efficient and thermally comfortable homes in the NT, CDU and CSIRO propose that increased understanding of the life cycle costs and benefits across a range of social, environmental and economic objectives, including the potential to improve outcomes for First Nations communities, would assist to policy makers to identify viable pathways for change.
This research aims to assess and quantify life cycle costs of implementing energy efficiency and thermal comfort approaches in homes across the NT, both in high population zones in Greater Darwin and within lower population remote areas. The approach will apply the recently developed trial version of CSIRO’s AccuRate home energy rating software which includes a ‘comfort module’ that produces Comfort Rating Certificates and related energy efficiency performance data for houses and apartments. This project will integrate social factors concerning remote communities into the model and the provided suggestions.

The research outcomes of this project will be as follows:
1. Quantifying the life cycle costs associated with implementing energy efficiency and thermal comfort approaches in residential buildings in Darwin and remote areas. This includes an analysis of initial investment, maintenance costs, and energy savings over the buildings' lifespans.
2. Rating the thermal comfort of different residential buildings in both Darwin and remote by utilizing CSIRO's AccuRate.
3. Tailored models to meet the needs and cultural sensitivities of remote and vulnerable communities, including First Nations communities. This ensures that energy-efficient housing designs are socially acceptable and compatible with cultural practices.
4. Identification of various social factors that may impact the appropriateness of energy efficiency designs in First Nations communities. Understanding these factors helps in overcoming potential barriers and ensures that the proposed solutions align with the communities' unique needs and preferences.
5. Understanding the economic and environmental implications of implementing energy efficiency and thermal comfort measures by conducting the financial analysis, life cycle assessment, and carbon footprint analysis.
6. Mitigating energy poverty and heat-related health risks by promoting thermal comfort even without excessive reliance on air conditioning. This is particularly significant in adapting to climate change impacts and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events like tropical cyclones.
7. Development of recommendations for policymakers, building designers, and developers on how to improve energy efficiency in buildings in the NT while considering social, economic, and environmental factors.
8. Dissemination of the research findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and other relevant channels to reach a wider audience.
9. Engagement with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and First Nations communities to share the results of the study and seek feedback.