What Are The Barriers Limiting The Broader Implementation Of Passive Design Principles In Australian Residential Buildings  

Passive design principles (PDP) are proven to reduce the ongoing energy consumption of a building through the careful consideration of materiality, ventilation and thermodynamics to create a comfortable internal environment with reduced dependence on HVAC systems. The implementation of such design strategies not only reduces long-term running costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but can create healthier homes through improved ventilation, natural light and thermal comfort. While Australia has an increasing number of architects implementing PDP within practice, the number of certified ‘passive-homes’ has only increased from 25 in 2019 to 52 in 2022(1). While these efforts from architects and the ‘Australian PassivHaus Association’ (APHA) are commendable, systemic change is needed to reduce the built environment’s contribution to national CO2 emissions, being three times higher than the global average per capita(1). This dissertation aims to uncover the inhibitors deterring architects, developers, and homebuyers from incorporating PDP in residential buildings; and offer insight that may assist in advocating for and employing their greater use across Australia. This dissertation reports data from nine semi-structured interviews with Australian architects to understand the ways PDP are currently being implemented, and the common barriers preventing their broader implementation within practice. Four participants/architects specialise in PDP and Five do not view or promote sustainability as a fundamental guiding principle within their practice. Interview data aims to provide insight into the contextual, economic, and cultural influences that impact the perception and implementation of PDP across Australia, by gaining opinions of architects, their expertise and experiences with clients and developers. Existing literature provides evidence for the feasibility of PDP and the social, economic, and legislative influences that impact its application, however, there is a clear disconnect between this existing knowledge and the application of PDP within the residential industry. This dissertation hopes to identify and explore the factors influencing the perception and application of PDP, addressing why they are not commonly employed, despite the numerous known benefits. This research aims to provide new evidence that might assist in educating architects, consumers, and the broader industry on how to better promote and incorporate PDP within Australian residential housing.