About
Achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Australia’s national GHG inventory from 2005 to 2020 highlights the construction sector’s significant impact, with emissions surging by 180% in 2018 before slightly declining to around 150% by 2020. Given that the construction industry contributes 9% to Australia’s GDP and employs approximately 1.2 million people (as of 2023), adopting decarbonised engineering approaches is critical.
Innovative low-carbon technologies have emerged as a key research focus, revealing the complexity of infrastructure lifecycles - spanning materials, design, construction practices, operation, and maintenance. A particularly promising development is the rise of digital technologies, which pave the way for integrating these stages through a Digital Twin - a virtual model of real-world infrastructure that facilitates the management of low-carbon technologies.
To meet the Hub aims, an AI and robotics-enabled Digital Twin will be established. The digital twin (Theme 1) anchors three critical stages of the infrastructure lifecycle: Theme 2. Design of materials & structures, Theme 3. Construction, and Theme 4. Operation & Maintenance. This framework fosters low-carbon innovation while balancing competing priorities such as carbon reduction, cost efficiency, and structural resilience.
By streamlining and integrating processes across the entire infrastructure lifecycle, AI and robotics will drive efficiency, optimize energy use, and minimize waste. Ultimately, these advancements will enable the transformation of the infrastructure sector, helping it achieve net-zero emissions while sustaining its vital role in the economy.
Hub structure
Supported by A$5 million in funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Hub brings together a powerful network of nine universities - eight from Australia and one overseas - alongside 21 Australian industry partners, many of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Hub is supported by a multidisciplinary team of 21 internationally renowned academics and 21 experienced industry leaders. Their expertise spans construction materials, green structures, construction practices, operation and maintenance, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing – forming a dynamic network for fostering true innovation in infrastructure systems.
By exploring every facet of the construction industry, the Hub’s teams inspire technological advancements across the sector. Our ultimate goal is to transform Australia’s construction industry through digitalisation - enhancing profitability, strengthening international competitiveness, and advancing net-zero policies - ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and liveable Australia.