Cooling energy consumption and reduction effect for residential buildings in South East Queensland, Australia

► We develop a bottom-up approach for residential cooling energy demand. ► Temperature rise due to climate change will cause 35% more cooling energy in case study area by 2030. ► We find cooling energy is very sensitive to temperature rise and thermal insulation. ► Efficiency of cooling system doesn't influence highly for cooling energy reduction. ► Thermal insulation shows more effective ways than others to reduce cooling energy in urban area.