Bigger home designs wipe out energy efficiency

New Australian homes are being designed bigger and so require more energy for heating and cooling, wiping out potential gains in energy efficiency, according to new research co-authored by Associate Professor Emma Heffernan from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The increasing energy demand is inconsistent with global efforts to tackle climate change and suggests Australia's housing energy policy requires a radical rethink. For more than 20 years, Australia's building energy regulations have  focused on  energy efficiency. This reflects policy trends  around the world. In building regulations, energy efficiency is measured as the energy required to heat or cool one square metre of floorspace. Energy efficiency can be improved with features such as good orientation, insulation and double-glazing on windows. Homes designed to a higher energy efficiency standard do indeed  require less energy  for heating and cooling.