Energy efficiency housing in South Australia: a gap analysis between the expected and actual benefits

Date

2016

Authors

Chan, C.
Ma, T.

Editors

Skibniewski, M.

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Conference paper

Citation

Procedia Engineering, 2016 / Skibniewski, M. (ed./s), vol.164, pp.545-550

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Creative Construction Conference (CCC2016) (25 Jun 2016 - 28 Jun 2016 : Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

In Australia, the trend of being energy efficient within modern multi-storey buildings has been more popular in recent years. However, lack of attention has been given to the residential housing in terms of the perceived benefits and actual performance. The purpose of this research is to investigate the gap between the original expectation and the occupants’ satisfaction in residential energy efficient dwellings. This research also aims to analyze the relationship between the satisfaction level and both the initial as well as the ongoing cost of energy efficient dwellings in South Australia. Finally, it determines whether the initial cost of residential green building is proportional to the financial savings. The research methodology comprised a literature review and data collection through the use of questionnaires. The literature review provides a background of knowledge that has been studied on green buildings. The findings of this research have indicated that South Australians were satisfied with the perceived benefits of the residential energy efficient buildings since occupation. However, the higher up-front cost has brought the households various concerns including their affordability and actual financial savings. The major benefits that are brought by energy efficient housing including reduced in energy cost and consumption, and improved thermal performance. Through the gap analysis, a positive outcome has been found, indicating that actual performance of energy efficient housing is exceeding the users’ expectation. It is suggested that the State Government as a leader of the energy efficient housing promotion needs to provide more financial incentives in order to disseminate the housing option while moving towards a sustainable future. Meanwhile, the local builders need to improve their understandings on energy efficient housing, while providing more energy efficient housing options to the South Australian market.

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Copyright 2016 The Author(s)

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