Shower power: Australian bathrooms are wasting energy and increasing your costs

Australian Bathrooms: Wasting Energy and Increasing Costs

Introduction

A long shower at the end of the day might be a relaxing escape from reality, but there is a reason to stay alert. Energy efficiency experts say the way Australian bathrooms are being built will drain your wallet – and the environment.

The Impact of Poor Bathroom Design

Alan Pears, a senior industry fellow at RMIT who helped develop Australia’s appliance energy star ratings, describes showers as “almost perfectly designed to waste energy and make you feel uncomfortable”. He says bathrooms lack “basic design principles” and are often cold and poorly ventilated, which exacerbates hot water use.

The Role of Exhaust Fans

Under changes to the national construction code introduced in 2022, exhaust fans will be required to continue to run for 10 minutes after the lights are turned off, in order to ensure moisture and odours are removed after a person leaves the room. Though some states are yet to introduce the changes, they should all be in line by next year.

The Need for Better Heat Containment

Tim Forcey, an energy efficiency adviser and author, says “there’s nothing less comfortable than having to have a shower in a big open space on a cold winter morning”. The solution, he says, is to better contain heat in shower cubicles.

The Role of Showerdomes

Showerdomes, a New Zealand invention, are essentially a lid placed on top of a shower. They eliminate the need for additional heating or cooling of a bathroom by preventing warm air from being sucked up into the ceiling exhaust fan and into the roof.

The Debate on Showerdome Requirements

Though some users praise Showerdomes, others argue that they make their bathroom “feel like a sauna”. Gary Rake, the CEO of the Australian Buildings Code Board, says that while Showerdomes could satisfy ventilation requirements, an assessment would be needed to determine their effectiveness.

Recommendations for Energy Efficiency

To cut energy use and save money, experts advise against heated towel rails, ducted heating, and heated floors. They recommend using more energy-efficient radiators to heat bathrooms when needed and building shower walls with thinner insulating material instead of glass to ensure faster warming.

The Role of Building Codes

Poor bathroom design is attributed to building codes that focus on water temperatures instead of preventing cool air from entering shower cubicles. This is due to an Australian culture of “regulations that cover the bare minimum”.

The Unintended Consequences of Energy-Efficient Shower Heads

The mandatory shift to energy-efficient shower heads, aimed at reducing water use, has led people to increase their energy consumption. More energy-efficient shower heads release less hot water per minute, prompting people to shower at higher temperatures.

The Opposition to Building Improvements

Many in the building industry oppose making buildings work better, seeing changes as an extra cost and complication. This highlights the need for a multifaceted effort to improve housing, considering social justice, healthcare, and carbon emissions reduction.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theguardian.com

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