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QSEIDG actively initiates and encourages the implementation of energy related applied research projects. A number of intersting applied research projects were explored in 2007.
Kelvin Grove Urban Village (KGUV)
Kelvin Grove Urban Village is a demographically diverse, mixed-use, medium density urban development in inner city Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) that was designed to incorporate a range of sustainability features. In 2005 QSEIDG undertook preliminary research and modelling to predict how the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy techbnologies and practices in KGUV would impact on the region's infrastructure and greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of the 2007 project was to quantify and verify actual post-occupancy energy-use to determine to what extent KGUV energy consumption has been reduced (compared with typical south-east Queensland apartments). Download the final report and the industry forum presentation here.
KGUV 2007 Final Report
KGUV 2007 Industry Forum
Same Latitude New Attitude: thermal comfort project
In Brisbane's 2006 summer (December 2006 - April 2007), a multi-disciplinary team of QUT staff conducted a pilot project to explore how commercial offices (in this case university offices and facilities) could reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the adjustment of thermostat settings.
The project was initiated by QSEIDG and the Centre for Subtropical Design (CSD) in collaboration with the Centre for Social Change Research. This research was also supported by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Division of Facilities Management, QUT.
The aim of the project was to investigate the social, environmental, economic and human comfort implications associated with adjusting commercial office air-conditioning temperatures to levels appropriate for a relatively benign subtropical climate.
This research also aimed at identifying the value of a different approach to thermal comfort, facilities management and climate appropriate clothing in a corporate culture.
Three main questions were identified for which answers would be sought:
1. Would an increase in indoor air temperature by raising the thermostat setting result in reduced energy consumption which in turn could reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE)?
2. To what extent would this action affect the provision of safe and healthy work / study environments?
3. What other associated benefits can be identified with this research?
The final report will be available shortly.
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