The rating of buildings using thermal models represents a contrasting regulatory approach to prescriptive measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This paper investigates the relationship between measured household energy use for thermal comfort purposes and the modelled thermal energy calculated under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which is used for the regulation of minimum energy performance standards for new housing in Australia.

This paper investigates the use of actual monitored household energy as an indicator of the thermal efficiency of a dwelling and subsequently rating of the building thermal performance. The paper reviews evaluation methods used internationally for both building thermal efficiency and building energy labelling and presents results from two discrete studies in South Australia on monitoring actual household energy consumption.

Climate change is leading to an increased frequency and severity of heat waves. Spells of several consecutive days of unusually high temperatures have led to increased mortality rates for the more vulnerable in the community. The problem is compounded by the escalating energy costs and increasing peak electrical demand as people become more reliant on air conditioning. Domestic air conditioning is the primary determinant of peak power demand which has been a major driver of higher electricity costs.