As Australian summer heatwaves become more frequent and extreme, researchers are highlighting the need for improved construction standards and retrofits to withstand extreme weather.

Alluding to her recent study into how Victorian households, RMIT University research fellow Sarah Robertson says Australian health and quality of life are at risk due to residences being inadequately equipped to withstand the extended, hotter summers.

“We need to approach summer the same winter. The impacts of extreme heat can be longer term and not only confined to short heatwaves,” Sarah says.

Sarah and her colleagues have called for a national rating system for homes’ energy efficiency. The system would be like energy rating labels for electrical appliances.

The rating of a property would be based on its ability to maintain energy efficiency while also withstanding extreme temperatures, according to Sarah, with comprehensive and independently verified, yet easily understood by households.

“Giving homes a rating for energy efficiency will make it easier for households to see where they stand and what they can do to improve their homes’ resilience to extreme temperatures,” Sarah says.

Sarah says along with the ventilation system, elements such as cool roofs, green roofs and cooling streets with trees, plants and clear floors can help reduce heat in the home.