Cold storage research could put a freeze on red meat waste

25 October 2023

A new report shows inconsistent fridge temperatures and confusing cold storage advice could be contributing to meat waste in Aussie households.

1 in 4 households struggle to pay power bills. Here are 5 ways to tackle hidden energy poverty

10 May 2023

One in four Australian households are finding it hard to pay their gas and electricity bills. As winter looms, energy price rises will make it even harder. Cold homes and disconnections resulting from energy poverty threaten people’s health and wellbeing.

RMIT joins Social Sciences Week

23 August 2022

This year the Centre for Urban Research, Urban Futures Enabling Capability Platforms and Social Change Enabling Capability Platform are presenting a number of events as part of Social Sciences Week. With online and in-person events, these sessions look at how social sciences help us make sense of an uncertain future. How to live in a […]

We have to talk about energy poverty

29 October 2021

Right now there is very little discussion about this equity issue in our clean energy climate transition.

Can apocalyptic games prepare us for future sustainability threats?

10 October 2019

What can playing apocalyptic games teach us about climate change or energy security? Urban resilience expert Dr Anthony Richardson explores how games can tackle future challenges at the global gaming festival PAX in Melbourne.

How can we improve our homes to be energy efficient?

04 October 2019

With rising energy bills the new normal, we need to focus on improving Victoria’s housing stock to help householders adapt. New research in Moreland is exploring the barriers and opportunities householders face in improving their homes.

An ‘Airbnb’ for energy could help homes share spare power

21 March 2019

Could the future of energy lie in the sharing economy? Research shows energy sharing platforms may be key to supporting our transition to new tech and cleaner power, while delivering for consumers.

Australia is counting on cooking the books to meet its climate targets

31 January 2019

A new OECD report has warned that Australia risks falling short of its 2030 emissions target unless it implements “a major effort to move to a low-carbon model”.

High energy costs make vulnerable households reluctant to use air conditioning: study

14 November 2017

The trifecta of rising electricity prices, soaring temperatures and concerns over possible blackouts risks increasing heat-related deaths and illness this summer, as households struggle to afford to run cooling appliances.

Unfair access to air leaves the vulnerable feeling the heat

13 November 2017

Rising electricity prices and vague public messaging put vulnerable households at greater danger from extreme heat, new research from RMIT University shows.

Energy pricing policy review finds gaps for heat vulnerable residents

18 August 2017

A review of electricity pricing policy by RMIT academics has found little consideration of the health and financial risks to vulnerable groups during heatwaves or hot weather.

‘Smart home’ gadgets promise to cut power bills but many lie idle – or can even boost energy use

14 August 2017

“Smart” home control devices promise to do many things, including helping households reduce their energy bills. However, our research published today suggests that these devices are not the “easy” answer to energy management.

Smart home control – is the reality as bright as its promise?

A new RMIT study finds that ‘smart home’ devices may not be as bright as we thought.

Smart home technology: not the brightest way to save energy

A new study by RMIT University has found smart home control devices may actually increase energy use rather than cutting it, with households using them more for lifestyle benefits than to save power.

New study exposes the sacrifices families make to pay energy bills

11 August 2017

A new report by the Victorian Council of Social Service and the RMIT Centre for Urban Research shows the struggles and sacrifices Australians on low-incomes are making to stay connected to power.

The National Electricity Market has served its purpose – it’s time to move on

21 July 2017

Despite the creation of a new Energy Security Board to try to hold regulators and policy makers to account, the ability of the present structure to deliver is uncertain.

Low-energy homes don’t just save money, they improve lives

Household energy use is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. International policy is firmly moving towards technology-rich, low- and near-zero-energy homes.

Smart home industry: Do convenience and energy efficiency always go together?

23 May 2017

The smart home is no exception in its ambition for easier living achieved through digital and connected consumerism. At the crux of this idea is the enrolment of internet-enabled devices and appliances in the creation of an even more convenient lifestyle.

What’s critical about critical infrastructure?

03 April 2017

This is the first article in our series Making Cities Work. It considers the problems of providing critical infrastructure and how we might produce the innovations and reforms needed to meet 21st-century needs and challenges.

Gas crisis? Energy crisis? The real problem is lack of long-term planning

20 March 2017

If you’ve been watching the news in recent days, you’ll know we have an energy crisis, partly due to a gas crisis, which in turn has triggered a political crisis.

2017 will be a big year for Australia’s energy system: here’s what to look out for

31 January 2017

2017 is looking like a busy and challenging year across the energy sector and it is the year where many long-festering energy policy problems must be addressed.

Thinking about a sustainable retrofit? Here are three things to consider

16 January 2017

Sitting at home in the summer heat, your mind may start to wander to that fancy new air conditioner. But when it comes to making your house comfortable and sustainable, prevention is better than cure.

Hot dogs and cool cats: keeping pets cool without blowing your energy bill

As the weather heats up, Australian households won’t just be cranking up the air conditioning for themselves. Some households will be turning it on for their dogs or cats.

New study examines heatwave health risks on vulnerable households

02 December 2016

As global warming makes heatwaves more frequent, longer and hotter, how do we help households who are most vulnerable to health and financial impacts?