ABSTRACT

Ever since energy efficiency provisions were introduced into the National Construction Code in 2003, there have been increased requirements for energy-efficient measures with each iteration of the code, particularly around insulation. This is based on the often-repeated objective of reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in the light of climate change. However, there is limited evidence whether the code achieved its stated objectives and whether these will continue to be suited to a changing climate. In fact, there is evidence that the intended and achieved goals are substantially different. This paper is a critical essay, set in the context of the Australian Building Codes Board's scoping study into "Energy efficient measures for 2022 and beyond", and makes the case that current insulation requirements are already excessive against considerations that should be made, as a higher priority, for fire safety, thermal bridging, condensation, heat stress resilience and thermal comfort.

摘要

自从 2003 年将能效条款引入国家建筑规范以来，规范的每次迭代都对节能措施提出了更高的要求，尤其是在绝缘方面。这是基于经常重复的目标，即根据气候变化减少澳大利亚的温室气体排放。然而，有限的证据表明该守则是否实现了既定目标，以及这些目标是否会继续适应不断变化的气候。事实上，有证据表明预期目标和实现目标有很大不同。本文是一篇批判性文章，背景是澳大利亚建筑规范委员会对“2022 年及以后的节能措施”的范围界定研究，