Title: A review of zero energy housing regulations for low-income households

Authors: Jung Hoon Han; Sumin Kim; Jun-Hyung Kim; Sang-Young Lee

Addresses: Faculty of Built Environment, University of New South Wales (UNSW), NSW 2052, Australia ' Faculty of Built Environment, University of New South Wales (UNSW), NSW 2052, Australia ' Department of Real Estate, College of Business Administration, Myongji University, 34 Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-728, South Korea ' Department of Real Estate, College of Business Administration, Myongji University, 34 Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-728, South Korea

Abstract: This paper reviews zero energy building programs and regulations in the USA, Europe, Australia and South Korea, and suggest the implication of zero energy housing (ZEH) policy for low-income households to allow for better access, management and modification of homes. Low-income households in Australia are most vulnerable to 'energy poverty' due to ever increasing energy costs such as electricity and gas services. This study identifies three barriers in promoting zero energy housing for low-income households, its affordability, accessibility and occupants' behaviours. It suggests that both provision of financial incentives and assistance for zero energy housing retrofit is required as a regulatory practice in Australia.

Keywords: zero energy housing; ZEH; zero energy building; ZEB; regulation; low-income household; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2018.096416

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2018 Vol.9 No.4, pp.343 - 360

Received: 09 Nov 2017
Accepted: 09 Nov 2017
Published online: 28 Nov 2018 *

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