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INTRODUCTION
We use energy in nearly all aspects of life, but
the ways we are producing and consuming it are
changing rapidly. Today, coal remains Australia’s
primary source of energy, yet it is the highest emitting
and polluting fossil fuel. Replacing coal with natural
gas presents an opportunity to transition to cleaner
energy, but it may not be as ‘clean’ as initially
thought and there are issues with supply and rising
prices. Green energy options, such as wind and
solar, are showing great potential, but without the
appropriate infrastructure, access is limited.
Architects and designers need to meet current
demands while building in fl exibility for the future
– which is at the moment unknown. Heating and
cooling are among the highest energy users in the
typical Australian home, so the choice in heating
system can have a signifi cant impact on the
effi ciency of the building, the comfort and health of
its occupants, and how easily it can be adapted to
meet changing needs in the future.
When it comes to specifying heating and cooling
systems, different energy sources can be used, from
electricity and gas to renewable energy drawn from
solar panels. Parameters such as budget, noise
and space come into play, but given the uncertainty
of Australia’s energy future, future fl exibility is also
a major concern. Ideally, a heating and cooling
option that provides access to the energy sources
available today needs to be able to utilise energy
improvements into the future.
In this whitepaper, we explore the changing
landscape of energy creation in Australia, and how
these factors impact which home heating system is
best suited to meet current and future needs.