The
ETC's research and technology program includes projects in the fields
of
water, food, energy, and material resources (including building
and construction). The emphasis of the ETC's work is the interactions
between these areas.
The ETC is
committed to integrating Renewable and Alternative Energy sources
into energy production and consumption. The research and
findings are applied
within both urban and remote area contexts. Currently the ETC has integrated
Wind and Solar technologies to provide energy for the Centre. Other
developments include the production of biodiesel from waste cooking
oil and also looking
at anaerobic digestion of biological waste for production of methane
as
a cooking fuel.
Whilst identifying
alternative and renewable sources of energy is a priority area of
research for the ETC, innovation in the consumption
of energy is
equally of importance. The ETC is actively putting in place a range
of initiatives and projects within the Built Environment to decrease
energy
use in relation to water heating, space heating and cooling, and
transport. The ETC is currently undertaking research on the effectiveness
of the
integrated climate control system installed within the Waalitj building.
Monitoring
of the system will be carried out over an extended time period, with
comparisons to optimal human comfort conditions made. Results of
the study will enable
further development of the system with ongoing improvements.
