UNSW Impact@BE Talk Series #4: Future Proofing Residential Development in Western Sydney

The study demonstrated that the impact of climate change is not adequately considered in building design and therefore houses designed and built now may not be energy efficient or heat resilient in future. This research highlighted the systematic issue of using outdated climate files in the NatHERS tools. The study recommends concerned authorities utilise future climate files to demonstrate building energy efficiency over its likely lifecycle and deliver thermally safe dwellings during extreme climate events such as heat waves. The findings of this study will be useful for the Australian Building Code Board, NSW Government, local councils and building designer.