Multi-climate zone approach to sustainable retrofitting for optimizing energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction in Australian detached houses

Purpose This research proposes an innovative approach to enhancing the energy efficiency of detached houses in Australia by providing retrofit solutions based on the specific energy demands of several cities across various climatic zones. This study investigates the effectiveness of building envelope retrofits for detached houses in achieving energy efficiency and CO 2 emission reduction across different climatic zones within Australia. Design/methodology/approach DesignBuilder and PVSOL® were used to simulate a typical detached house for Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. 12 retrofit scenarios, including thermal wall insulation for the walls and roof and the implementation of photovoltaic panels on the roof, were implemented to analyze their impact on the case study building’s energy consumption and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Findings The results show that the provided retrofitting solutions considerably reduced the energy consumption of the case study by 58% (Canberra), 54% (Brisbane) and 63% (Adelaide), highlighting the substantial benefits of this combined approach. Annual CO 2 emissions are reduced by 28%, 26%, and 30% in Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. Originality/value This research presents the importance of retrofitting detached home envelopes in Australia by considering different climatic zones to achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency and CO 2 emission reduction. This approach contributes by providing a robust and replicable methodology for future energy performance assessments, providing a valuable framework for policymakers, building professionals and researchers seeking to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings under various climate conditions. The scenarios and results provide the foundation to establish evidence-based policies to reduce energy consumption and CO 2 emissions in similar climates.