Remote Assessment of Factors Influencing Housing Thermal Efficiency in NSW Using GIS and Aerial Photography

International strategies to reduce the amount of energy consumed in our homes include policy, regulation and education. In Australia, as with other countries, we now have building design regulations which set minimum energy and water efficiency requirements. A cornerstone to energy efficient housing is their ability to gain solar energy in winter or prevent solar gain in summer. Taking the introduction of the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) (in New South Wales [NSW]) as the point of comparison, and solar orientation as the key indicator, we test a methodology to monitor the shift to more energy efficient housing. Using aerial photography and the Geographic Information System (GIS) we evaluate whether Post-BASIX single dwellings have adopted the energy efficient features of solar orientation, lighter roof colour and smaller building size compared to Pre-BASIX dwellings. The presence of these features is an indicator of whether or not our new housing stock is optimising the opportunity for thermal efficiency and whether we are progressing toward an energy literate society. Our findings indicate there is no statistical difference between Pre- and Post-BASIX homes in our study sites with respect to these features. In addition, we have recorded a trend toward smaller private open space and note that this change may have negative consequences for resident well-being.