Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund Strategic Element grant
An international team of researchers will help drive the manufacturing of carbon neutral, affordable modular housing at scale, thanks to a grant from the Australian Government’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund Strategic Element, announced on 16 December by Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science.
Led by University of Melbourne Professor Tuan Ngo, the team from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam will leverage advanced automation and AI/digital technologies to significantly accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, while addressing Australia and other countries’ critical labour shortages in the construction sector.
The project is titled “Building a Sustainable Future Toward Net Zero: A Whole-Life-Cycle Approach to Digital Manufacturing of Carbon-Neutral Modular Panels for Affordable Housing.”
The team will establish a digitally-integrated manufacturing system that is capable of producing high-performance, energy-efficient and low carbon modular housing at scale, addressing Australia's housing crisis, boosting housing output and setting new benchmarks for sustainable construction.
The nine successful projects will be funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and delivered by The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and the Australian Academy of Science.
Based in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Professor Ngo leads the International Research Network for Decarbonising the Building Industry and is Research Program Leader of the Building 4.0 CRC.
“Through this project, we will establish a knowledge-sharing network among partner organisations within the Asia-Pacific region, fostering collaboration and innovation to reduce emissions in the construction sector,” Professor Ngo said.
“Our collaborations will create a robust international network that focuses on addressing shared challenges related to sustainability, carbon neutrality and affordable housing. This network will enhance Australia’s ability to participate in and lead global initiatives aimed at transforming the construction industry into a more sustainable, low-carbon sector.”
More information here.