2018 Reports

Adapting to Summer Overheating in Light Construction with Phase-Change Materials in Melbourne, Australia

Han, Jun; Wang, Xiaomeng; Chen, Dong

Melbourne’s lightweight buildings face overheating risks under urban heat and climate change. Integrating bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) into brick veneer walls reduces peak interior temperatures from 48°C to 32°C, improving thermal comfort and cutting energy costs by ~30%. This demonstrates PCMs as an effective passive cooling strategy for climate mitigation and adaptation in residential buildings.