Building for the Future Summary

October 22, 2026

Designing homes for tomorrow’s climate instead of yesterday’s

Most Australian homes are designed and rated using past weather data, but heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe. This means homes may need more cooling and pose overheating risks to occupants. Because homes built today will last around 50 years, designers need to plan for the climate of the 2070s, including extreme heat. This two-page summary outlines how the Hub brought together climate scientists, government policy teams, building simulation experts and industry groups to co-design future average and extreme weather files for eleven locations.

Under typical future conditions, every location tested is projected to need more cooling, with differences between regions. The new extreme weather files let practitioners assess heatwave impacts on thermal comfort, peak cooling demand and occupant health. Results varied widely between climate models, with Sydney’s cooling loads varying by up to 259%, showing that relying on a single weather file can hide the range of future conditions. The summary highlights the need for practical guidance, further testing and a long-term national capability.