Apartment Energy Behaviour Study: Installations

Before the installation

Firstly, a big thank you for responding to our invitation to be part of this study! Bridging the gap between assumptions about how people use energy in their homes and their actual behaviours requires the dedication of research participants like you. Your contribution plays a vital role in this landmark study—the largest of its kind in Australia. The data we gather will help enhance regulatory tools such as NatHERS, which sets minimum energy efficiency standards.

The following information outlines the installation process, supplementing the details provided in the AEBS Project Information Sheet. This process has been designed to align with the requirements of CSIRO’s Privacy and Ethics Committees, ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines.

An installation can only go ahead once the household has:

Registered through the ABES Registration link and received an email with the outcome (accepted, waitlisted, or unsuccessful with an explanation).
Submitted two switchboard photos to the Project Leader for assessment of available space for the energy monitoring device. This is to save us all the inconvenience of having an electrician visit your apartment only to realise that the switchboard is non-compliant.
Provided consent for the installation to go ahead via the online* form below.

*If you prefer a paper consent form, please contact the Project Leader, and we will provide a copy along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Sign the Participant Consent form here

Appointment

You will receive an email from a member of the Project Team with a link to choose an appointment time. Since multiple households in your building are invited to participate, we aim to complete several installations on the same day. However, if none of the nominated times work for you, please let us know, and we will arrange a more suitable time.

On the day of the installation

Each installation will take approximately one hour. The installer will strive to arrive on time and will notify you via text message if there are any delays. A person over the age of 18 must be present for the entire duration of the installation. The installer will briefly run through the following presentation with you and answer any questions you have.

After the installation

Once the devices are installed, there is nothing you need to do. In fact, to help us collect unbiased data on your energy use, we ask that you simply go about your daily routine as usual. If you have any concerns or wish to have the devices removed before the study ends, please contact the Project Leader. We will arrange for their removal, ensuring no damage to your walls in the process.