UniSA’s energy analysis for new buildings
THE School of Natural and Built Environments at the University of South Australia is gearing up to introduce AccuRate and Energy Express into its Construction Management and Economics degree program.
This year federal regulations governing energy efficiency of new houses were upgraded and new assessment methods have been adopted.
To date the only software program in Australia to comply with the new regulations for modelling energy efficiency of residential buildings is AccuRate.
By using AccuRate and Energy Express during building design, industry can create more energy efficient buildings and thus reduce the impact of Australia's built environment on its natural environment.
The School of Natural and Built Environments at the University of South Australia is the first to adopt this new technology for introduction into its program.
Since 2004 the school has been recognised nationally and internationally for creative and effective teaching and research in sustainability, whilst continuing to provide excellent professional and industry focused education in various disciplines.
By being the first University in Australia to purchase AccuRate and Energy Express for use by students and staff the University of South Australia has demonstrated its leadership in construction science education in Australia.
The Construction Management and Economics program from the School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, will use AccuRate and Energy Express to provide teaching, learning and research opportunities in construction science, building regulations and research projects. Spin-offs in research with related disciplines within the school such as urban planning and geographical information systems are also anticipated.
The School of Natural and Built Environments also provides local and trans-national course work programs and undertakes research to support improved environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
AccuRate was developed at CSIRO in consultation with the Australian Greenhouse Office and Hearne Scientific Software .
To ensure all bugs were eliminated from the software prior to going on sale, hundreds of building designers and builders around Australia, including members of Master Builders Australia, the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Building Designers Association of Australia, participated in a real-world trial.
AccuRate was also tested using the International Energy Agency BESTEST protocol, a powerful tool for revealing program bugs or deficiencies.
7-Aug-2006