Net zero housing report: Australian architects release Zero Carbon Housing Challenge findings

The Australian Institute of Architects released its Zero Carbon Housing Challenge findings, based on 330 homes across the country. The report tracks lifetime carbon emissions from construction, energy use and materials. It found that new single homes are the most likely to reach net zero or net positive, mostly through efficiency and rooftop solar. Renovations delivered the biggest average cut, with lifetime emissions down more than 90% by keeping structures like foundations and roofs, reusing materials, and adding solar and ventilation. A Canberra townhouse project using factory assembled lightweight panels cut upfront carbon by more than half and lifetime emissions by 70%. The report argues these techniques are mainstream and should be applied to the 1.2 million homes planned under the National Housing Accord.