Urban planning
An unexpected crisis that could change our cities
COVID-19 is a health and economic crisis that’s taken the world by surprise. Yet this wicked problem may also be an opportunity for Australia to invest in new types of urban infrastructure to make cities smarter, greener, safer, and healthier.
Testing the ‘leakiness’ of Australian homes
With the cold snap shocking us into our winter woollens, we’re looking at how draughty Australian houses are, and the science behind how we test for ‘leakiness’ in our homes.
Can water banking guard against a future ‘Day Zero’?
As the water count down continues to 'Day Zero' in regional centres in New South Wales and Queensland, how can science provide greater water security into the future?
Australians reach for the stars when it comes to energy efficient homes
Handy access to information is the key to encouraging Australians to go green in construction. But we still have a long way to go in making all homes as energy efficient as possible.
Before the storm
Counting the costs of physical damage wrought by Cyclone Debbie in Queensland and subsequent floods in northern NSW has already begun. The focus now shifts to how communities invest in infrastructure before the storms. Critical is understanding the multiple impacts and the interdependence of infrastructure.
Breathing the quality air down under
As cities go, Australia's have some of the best air quality in the world. But even the relatively clean air of Australia can contain enough pollutants to impact on our health.
The 20th century saw a 23-fold increase in natural resources used for building
There will be huge environmental impact if we keep using raw materials as we did in the 20th Century. There is a way to build more sustainably.
Urban living under the microscope
Our newest laboratory will help develop and test innovative ways to plan and build Australia’s future cities.
Issues in coastal climate adaptation
Communities, governments and businesses in Australia need to work together on innovative strategies that will help adapt their coastal environments so they will be more resilient as extreme weather events driven by climate become more frequent.