Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Professor Tuan Ngo and his team will build a Researcher Network for Decarbonising the Building Industry, thanks to a $2 million Federal Government International Clean Innovation Researcher Networks grant.
About RNDBI
According to research from the International Energy Agency, the building industry is responsible for one-third of all carbon emissions worldwide. Predominantly used construction materials like cement, concrete, steel, and aluminium are major contributors, alongside building operation and construction methodologies that are not energy efficient.
Professor Ngo leads the Advanced Protective Technologies of Engineering Structures (APTES) Research Group, which has been recognised as one of the leading centres in advanced materials and structural systems and physical infrastructure protection in the Asia Pacific region. He is also Research Program Leader (Building Transformation) of the Building 4.0 CRC, a $130m initiative to transform the building industry in Australia.
Given the Australian Government's commitment to reducing emissions, RNDBI will spearhead initiatives in renewable energy assimilation, pioneering low-carbon materials, and optimising operational energy, energy efficiency, and building services for a sustainable future.
“We are excited to be able to develop this network, which we hope will involve countries with whom we can share knowledge and create new understandings,” Professor Ngo said.
“From bio-based construction materials to recycling timber, to high-tech coatings for passive heating and cooling, the technologies and expertise exist now to make a huge difference to the carbon emissions of this industry in Australia and globally.”
Professor Ngo and his team will collaborate with local and international partners to share best practice initiatives on improving concrete's mineralisation by using construction materials that are bio-based, as well as renewable energy sources, circular economy practices and recycling material technologies and processes.
The RNDBI is poised to be instrumental in achieving Australia's 2030 and 2050 emission reduction benchmarks and climatic objectives by slashing the building industry's emissions. Additionally, it will boost the supply chain and investigate the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality and Internet of Things technologies to improve construction processes and design procedures.
RNDBI Team
Prof. Tuan Ngo
Prof Tuan Ngo is the Research Program Leader-Building Transformation of the Building 4.0 CRC, a $130m initiative to transform the building industry in Australia. He also coordinated the bid to establish of the ARC Training Centre for Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing (ARC-CAMPH), a $10m centre focusing on prefabricated buildings on off-site construction where he has worked as the Research Director. Prof Ngo leads the Advanced Protective Technologies of Engineering Structures (APTES) Research Group, which has been recognised as one of the leading centres in advanced materials and structural systems, and physical infrastructure protection in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Dr Behzad Rismanchi
Dr Behzad Rismanchi is a renowned expert in the field of building energy and sustainability. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering and holds a PhD in Energy Management. With several years of experience in research, design, and optimisation of energy systems, he has established himself as a leader in the industry. His background in Mechanical Engineering, combined with his extensive experience in the Oil and Gas industry, has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of energy and sustainability. He is a well-respected researcher in the field of renewable energy and energy storage and is particularly renowned for his work on thermal energy systems and integration between thermal energy and electricity networks.