Australian homes underprepared for longer, more frequent heatwaves
As Aussie summer heatwaves become more frequent and extreme, researchers are highlighting the need for improved construction standards and retrofits to withstand extreme weather.
Dr Sarah Robertson, an expert in sustainability and social impacts, can speak about her new study into how Victorian households endure summer heat events.
“Our homes are underprepared for hotter, longer summers and that’s putting our health and quality of life at risk,” she said.
“We need to approach summer the same we do winter; the impacts of extreme heat can be longer term and not only confined to short heatwaves.
“We’re putting air conditioners into draughty and poorly insulated homes, leading to big energy bills and environmental impacts.”
Robertson and her colleagues are calling for a national rating system for homes’ energy efficiency, like energy rating labels for electrical appliances.
“Giving homes a rating for energy efficiency will make it easier for households to see where they stand and what they can do to improve their homes’ resilience to extreme temperatures,” she said.
“Ratings would depend on how well a property is designed to withstand extreme temperatures while still being energy efficient.
“It needs to be comprehensive and independently verified, yet easily understood by households,” she said.
“Along with the disclosure system, elements like cool roofs, green roofs and cooler streets through trees, plants and lighter surfaces can help to reduce heat experienced at home.
“In a climate changed world, short-term practices of keeping cool at home without broader and more holistic governance responses risk more households stuck in unhealthy, unsustainable and maladaptive situations of heat at home.”
These and more findings were discussed in The Conversation today.
Dr Sarah Robertson is an expert on sustainable housing transitions and former editor of Sanctuary: modern green homes magazine.
‘Tracing the ruptures and rhythms of summer heat, energy vulnerability and home’ by Sarah Robertson, Gordon Walker and Ralph Horne is published in Geoforum. DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2024.104095
Interviews: Dr Sarah Robertson: sarah.robertson2@rmit.edu.au.
General media enquires: RMIT External Affairs and Media: +61 439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au.
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