Demand Side Finally Gets Mainstream Attention with Tony Arnel

Demand Side Finally Gets Mainstream Attention with Tony Arnel

From Wired for Energy by Network Edge

February 26, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 20

About this episode

Tony Arnel discusses the evolution of demand-side management and its implications for energy efficiency and building standards in Australia.

Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford speak with Tony Arnel, Professor and former Deputy Chair of Forest and Wood Products Australia, and past President of the Energy Efficiency Council. Tony explains how demand-side management evolved from "not sexy at all" to mainstream conversation over 17 years, shaped by the Council's advocacy for stronger building standards, appliance ratings, and electrification pathways. He reveals the elephant in the room: millions of existing buildings built before performance standards existed, and why Australia still lags European minimum standards despite moving from four to seven-star housing ratings. The conversation shifts to forestry's surprising role in the energy transition—Australia is a net importer of timber despite vast forests, and timber buildings from cross-laminated structures to 45-story towers like Sydney's Atlassian building offer carbon sequestration advantages while improving indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing.

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Greg Trainor, Neil Belford

Guest: Tony Arnel

Topics covered

  • demand-side management
  • energy efficiency
  • building standards
  • carbon sequestration
  • forestry
  • appliance ratings
  • electrification pathways

Keywords

  • demand-side management
  • energy efficiency
  • building standards
  • carbon sequestration
  • forestry
  • Australia
  • timber buildings
  • electrification

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Forest and Wood Products Australia, Energy Efficiency Council

Places: Australia, Sydney

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