Air conditioning as a social phenomena

Over time air conditioning has become a much more pervasive part of our culture: “Three out of every four of Australian households now have a refrigerated air conditioner or an evaporative cooler, which is almost double the rate of ownership back in the late 1990s.” (The conversation 2014). What are the social drivers of this trend?

Retrofitting Low Carbon Microgrids

Creating low carbon energy infrastructures in existing urban environments: the case for using transitions management to maximise the carbon efficiency of a microgrid implementation in the Broadway Precinct in the City of Sydney

Abstract

Microgrids are a relatively new energy infrastructure approach that can create greater technical, financial and environmental control over energy assets at a more localised scale than the traditional grid. They offer tremendous potential to deliver carbon reduction benefits within the context of high density urban environments however to date there have been no successful retrofits of Microgrid infrastructure in these environments.

While there are many technical challenges to implementation of microgrids, this article proposes that the technical challenges are only one part of a much broader set of issues which are constraining this promising innovation. The research reviews whether transition management theory provides a viable approach to unlocking this opportunity and aims to provide a foundation for a wider research program as part of a CRC for low carbon futures which is focusing on Low Carbon retrofitting in high density urban environments.

Who speaks for the environment in your urban precinct?

Microgrids may deliver significant environmental benefits to urban precincts. In determining the best possible microgrid   infrastructure, there are two potential paths. One is to assess the environmental and economic benefit  of existing technological options.   Another approach is to create coalitions of precinct participants united by a shared vision of an ideal sustainable precinct, and then backcasting to find pathways to achieve this goal.  So what is the best approach and how can a microgrid create the environmental voice for an urban precinct?

Low Carbon Urban Precincts - From Mythology to Reality

Low Carbon Urban Precincts emote visions of local renewable energy generation, vertical farming and energy efficient business and residents using efficient appliances and driving electric vehicles. So do we find the establishment of these precincts elusive? How do we encourage them? How do we measure them?

The Future of Electricity

The current paradigm of electrical energy production and distribution is coming to an end. As the old energy world order debates how the future should look, the future is pushing through with nothing but contempt for tradition. The day is certainty  fast approaching when changes such as smart grids, renewable energy and storage technologies will become firmly embedded as the investment of choice as well as being an environmental necessity. What does this mean for the industry?

Technology Assessment of Torrefaction

Torrefaction for large scale biomass production is a promising technology that has emerged in the last few years as a way to enhance bioenergy supply chains. This article presents a technology analysis of the torrefaction process. 

Evaluation of Cap and Trade programs

In many countries Cap and Trade policies are seen as revolutionary. These types of programs have actually been in existence for decades in different forms and we can learn much from the outcomes.