Urban planning
It’s in the stars! How scientists figure out your home’s energy rating
For nearly 70 years, CSIRO scientists have been working on the science behind the 10-star energy ratings for homes in Australia. We look at how CSIRO’s tools are used in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, and the science behind the stars.
Experts unite to help cities solve unprecedented climate challenges
With extreme events impacting our cities more than ever before, twenty-two experts from around the globe have the technological, environmental and social answers.
Regional Australia could hold the answers to living well in 2050
Regional centres have a big role to play in the future of living in Australia
Why don’t our cities cope with heavy rain?
As our climate changes, we'll experience more extreme weather. We're researching how we can create better cities that can withstand heavy rains and floods.
An unexpected crisis that could change our cities
COVID-19 is a health and economic crisis that’s taken the world by surprise. Yet this wicked problem may also be an opportunity for Australia to invest in new types of urban infrastructure to make cities smarter, greener, safer, and healthier.
Testing the ‘leakiness’ of Australian homes
With the cold snap shocking us into our winter woollens, we’re looking at how draughty Australian houses are, and the science behind how we test for ‘leakiness’ in our homes.
Can water banking guard against a future ‘Day Zero’?
As the water count down continues to 'Day Zero' in regional centres in New South Wales and Queensland, how can science provide greater water security into the future?
Australians reach for the stars when it comes to energy efficient homes
Handy access to information is the key to encouraging Australians to go green in construction. But we still have a long way to go in making all homes as energy efficient as possible.
Soils study key to tracing PFAS leaching
They’re one of the strongest bonds in chemistry and are not only unique in the way they can be used to fight fire, but unique in the way they leach through soils into the environment. A new paper suggests understanding first how PFAS chemicals behave in soils requires a large-scale soils study and, perhaps, a global research effort if we’re to work towards a solution.