Special Technical Committees
Electrification of the Built Environment
The future of the built environment is electric!
That is the view of industry and government, who are rapidly moving to phase out gas and electrify the built environment. The Electrification STG explores the challenges and opportunities this presents for those working in HVAC&R building services.
About this topic
Australia is committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Policy-makers have responded, and in some jurisdictions the transition away from fossil fuels has been announced to be completed as early as 2045. While a clear direction to avoid new natural gas infrastructure can help guide design decisions, our industry is still unsure around the implications of electrifying the built environment. Concerns raised include:
- Power supply constraints in existing buildings
- Performance and reliability of heat pumps in colder climates
- Spatial constraints
- Upgrades to existing heat distribution infrastructure in existing buildings due to potentially lower flow temperatures or larger heating hot water flow rates
- System complexity.
With the multitude of regulatory requirements – including the BCA, PCA, Watermark, GEMS, MEPS, Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act and Electrical Hazard Areas – there is some confusion in the industry. Further complicating matters, the need to reduce emissions also affects the selection and availability of suitable refrigerants. New refrigerants with lower GWP but increased flammability may become more common, and safety must be considered.
Purpose and aims
The purpose of this AIRAH Electrification of the Built Environment STG is to provide members with a platform for involvement in issues that affect their industry in relation to building electrification and emission reduction, including policy advice, regulation development, and the development of, and access to, industry-leading advice. This platform will promote a whole-of-supply-chain integrated view on issues related to the activities of the group and AIRAH, along with best-practice delivery in the Australian and international community.
The Committee aims to:
- Promote industry leadership with a whole-of-supply chain approach encompassing the following key focus areas:
- Stakeholder education
- Inter-disciplinary coordination with the electrical engineering profession
- Harnessing synergies between other AIRAH STGs.
- Be a reference point for government and regulatory authorities in shaping relevant policy relating to the
environmental, economic, and social impact of HVAC&R and related systems.
- Make submissions on behalf of members to influence policy setting, as collectively agreed by members, and work
with government at all levels to establish workable regulations, frameworks, and guidelines.
- Identify and seek external funding for collaborative projects that support the objectives and aims of AIRAH and
its members.
- Provide guidance to the HVAC&R industry to develop a considered, integrated, and technically objective approach
to electrification of the built environment and emissions reduction.
- Create special interest groups led by industry knowledge champions to help further the interests of the
Committee, AIRAH, and its members where needed.
- Be seen as a contact for electrical industry bodies addressing the need for electrification of the industry.
The Committee's deliverable and communication goals include:
- Input to AIRAH’s formal responses to government and stakeholder policies and papers
- Development of a DA manual / Best Practice Guide
- Investigate ideas for professional development offerings
- Disseminate knowledge through articles in Ecolibrium, HVAC&R News, webinars and seminars.