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Climate adaptation & built environment

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A sustainable energy factory surrounded by greenery, utilizing solar panels and wind turbines, promoting low carbon output and a clean, healthy environment.

Climate change presents significant challenges and opportunities across all sectors of society, driving global health, prosperity, and security. »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s researchers combine their expertise in climate dynamics, ecology, economics and urban design to mitigate its impacts and create a more sustainable future.

Together with industry, government and our community we are working to implement ecological conservation, adaptive technologies and durable policies that will lessen the impact of climate change on future generations. »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ is a global leader in atmospheric weather and climate modelling, particularly the way in which ocean thermodynamics drive large-scale heat circulation and climatic conditions. This research allows us to better predict, manage and quantify the risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts, fires and flooding.Ìý

Sustainable land and water management are imperatives, both to promote diverse and thriving ecosystems and ensure food and water security. Our engineers work on water and nutrient recycling, novel wastewater treatment membranes, and cellular agriculture to create animal free fats and proteins. Meanwhile, our ecologists are increasingly informed by Indigenous knowledge and we engage in multi-decade native species surveys, river and wetland conservation, and restoration of marine environments using living seawalls, artificial reefs and underwater reforestation.Ìý

With pressure from climate warming and population growth – our cities are in urgent need of a change. »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ fosters next-generation leaders in high-performance architecture, advanced manufacturing and urban planning. We reduce embodied carbon in the AEC sector by developing sustainable materials, like concrete alternatives, and transforming waste into green steel, ceramics and filaments. From public spaces to high-density housing and electric transportation systems, we are reinventing the built environment to have positive impacts on climate, society and the economy.

Areas of expertise

The below strengths represent a snapshot of our expertise but are by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a specific research area of interest or project that is not represented here, please get in touch so that we can find an expert(s) to best match your needs.

A lush green rainforest with a waterfall trailing down a cliff in the background. The waterfall is Morans Falls, located in Lamington National Park, Queensland
Biodiversity
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ's researchers delve into the impacts of climate change, social/environmental policy and management of marine and terrestrial ecology. We develop advanced technologies for remote sensing of species and find analogue solutions to marine regeneration through living seawalls and replanting underwater forests. Our research spans the smallest details of plant community microbiomes to big picture global ecosystem typology, which aims to classify all ecosystems into a single consistent framework.
A close up of a machine with a green wheel. Modern metal processing at an industrial enterprise. Manufacturing of high-precision parts and mechanisms.
Advanced manufacturing, waste reduction & recycling
We evaluate the entire supply chain for ways to reduce carbon emissions, resource consumption and waste production. This means creating circular economies from product development and manufacturing to sustainable procurement and end-of-life recycling/upcycling. Our researchers also invent processes to remove toxic contaminants from water, turn e-waste into valuable metal alloys, and create MICROfactoriesTM that transform waste into high-performance building materials.
Photo of commercial crop harvesting
Food & water sustainability
Our food and water researchers combine expertise in Indigenous land management, water and wastewater treatment, global agriculture sustainability and natural resources law. We have a goal to strengthen food security, create healthier communities and alleviate the environmental impact from food production. Our solutions include better water and nutrient recycling using membrane bioreactors, water-sensitive urban design, polymer sensors to detect food spoilage, and equitable governance that includes vulnerable populations.
seagrass and fish in ocean
Climate risk & response
We explore the risks associated with climate change including its impact on health, ecosystems, urban systems, financial stability and transnational migration. This requires a deep understanding of not only the underlying climate science, but also the legal, commercial, institutional and policy levers required to respond. We look at everything from coastal engineering and monitoring to risk communication and climate policy. Our actuaries regularly consult on climate risk accounting, finance and insurance.
Green city of the future.  Harmony of big city and nature.
Sustainable cities & construction
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ is advancing resilient smart cities by integrating high-performance architecture with urban planning, policy, and technology research. We reduce embodied carbon and waste in the AEC sector through sustainable materials, hybrid structures, and intelligent systems. From ultra-tall buildings to high-density housing, we use big data and energy design to mitigate the urban heat island effect, creating positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Futures Expo Series

In 2024, »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ hosted theÌýFutures Expo Series to showcase research aligned with theÌýÌýpriority areas. The events brought together businesses, investors, and government to explore collaboration opportunities with our leading innovation community.

Missed the series? Don’t worry. You can dive into the insights and opportunities captured in our themed Futures Expo booklets.

Case studies