ARER 2020 to be held in Sydney

The second iteration of the Australian Residential Energy Rating (ARER) conference will be held in Sydney at Doltone House from May 12–13.

Hosted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and supported by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), the conference will feature sessions focused on energy efficiency, sustainability regulations and opportunities, technical issues, as well as apartment-related rating and compliance issues.

“ARER 2020 provides a unique opportunity for residential energy assessors and members of the building industry – with an interest in energy efficient housing – to mingle while exchanging big-picture ideas and practical information,” the conference organisers say. “This year’s conference delegates can look forward to plenary sessions that will draw on the varied perspectives of policy makers, government officials, change leaders, energy raters and builders.”

More than 35 speakers will be tackling a variety of focal points that fall under such “big banner” discussion topics as: “Why is energy-efficient housing important?”; “Modelling whole-of-house measures”; “But what about existing housing?”; “Regulation”; “Apartments”; and “The residential opportunity”.

Moderated by environmental scientist, research academic and author Dr Josh Byrne, the first plenary session will discuss the importance of energy- efficient housing. Speakers and panelists include the Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore, Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek, and Head of Policy at Energy Efficiency Council Rob Murray-Leach.

Dr Byrne will also be moderating Plenary 2 and 4, in which energy assessors and builders, respectively, will address best-practice applications of energy-efficiency tools and techniques.

Those interested in understanding how energy rating tools can be used as measurement, predictive or regulatory tools can attend Plenary 1A. There, five building rating tools will be explained in detail, followed by a panel discussion.

Another sub-topic, “Modelling whole-of-house measures”, will look into the various energy-intensive components in a residential setting including heating and cooling, hot water, solar PV, and their combination.

An umbrella topic that has significant implications is that of regulation. National Administrator of NatHERS Jodie Pipkorn will present on her energy efficiency rating organisation. Meanwhile Australian Building Codes Board Project Manager Audrey Chen will discuss the National Construction Code. Manager of Building Policy and Energy Efficiency at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Katrina Woolfe, will touch on compliance issues.

The inaugural ARER conference was held in 2018 in Melbourne.

This year’s gathering will serve as a networking platform for energy assessors, builders, architects, regulators, researchers and academics.