Australian climatic zones: climatic zones and characteristics climate data used in thermal performance assessment: diurnal temperature range humidity irradiance minimum and maximum temperature solar geometry wind speed and direction building materials: constraints on choice of building materials: cost practicality size space embodied energy and life cycle properties of building materials thermal performance properties of common building materials building thermal performance: thermal performance principles: glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature orientation for heating thermal mass for storing ventilation for cooling impact of building design and building materials on building thermal performance relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort thermal performance ratings: current rating requirements documentation of ratings legal requirements uses ways of improving thermal performance of existing residential buildings: draught proofing glazing insulation landscaping and planting shade structural changes ventilation window and floor coverings commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on thermal performance assessment related to: anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity building thermal performance consumer protection, fair trading and trade practices employment and industrial relations environment protection occupational health and safety (OHS) privacy data collection tools and techniques: advantages and disadvantages of non-rating data collection tools and techniques types of non-rating tools and techniques energy and power: terminology: energy energy efficiency power primary energy source units of measurement uses, cost and environmental impact of energy in residential buildings greenhouse gas emissions: relationship between building design, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through building design thermal comfort: definition of thermal comfort physical factors that influence thermal comfort requirement for thermal comfort role of thermal comfort in building thermal performance assessments |