Key research capabilities
Barbara Hardy Institute researchers conduct collaborative research across a broad spectrum of disciplines that are fundamental to the sustainability of natural and built environments and our society. They are involved in a number of Australian Research Council funded projects, Cooperative Research Centres and conduct research and consultancy for various international, national, state and local government and industry organisations. For more information about specific projects, see each research capability page.
The Institute draws upon an unique and diverse range of skills and capabilities of its researchers including expertise in:
Building and construction
Research focused on all aspect of urban sustainability, including: how cities can be designed and managed to be resilient in the face of changing conditions; cultural change within the construction industry; cost differentials of different housing types; impact of fire on building design: and low carbon communities.
Citizen Science
Citizen Science involves the participation of the wider community in scientific projects. This methodology enables extensive data collection and interaction between scientists and the community that can inform both groups. Researchers are developing new ways to conduct and augment Citizen Science projects.
Design and manufacturing
Applying novel and innovative engineering solutions to productivity improvements and engineering sustainability.
Geospatial analysis
A variety of technologies are used that enable us to map geographical distributions of landscape features and uses: Remote sensing and photogrammetry; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Using spatial analysis and computer modelling we can predict future change and impacts.
Impacts of transport
Our researchers utilise new connected hierarchy environmental emission models to assess the environmental impacts and develop different traffic control and management strategies and traffic management schemes.
Intelligent transport systems
Expertise in intelligent transport systems, demand modelling, network analysis and environmental issues, researchers have developed widely adopted computer systems for transport planning and control.
Mathematical modelling
Focus on sustainability by using sophisticated mathematical systems in modelling, statistic, evaluation and assessment to solve complex problems faced by industry and society as a whole.
Planning
Research into the planning, design and development of sustainable human settlements with a particular focus on integrated land use and transport planning, housing affordability, urban resilience and policy responses to climate change.
Sustainable agriculture
Research and development is undertaken in mechanisation and cleaner production processes in agriculture and related industries.
Sustainable energy
Research is focused on energy demand, supply side management and renewable energy applications undertaken collaboratively with industry with a focus upon development and testing of new thermal energy storage material and computer modelling and design of energy grids and thermal energy storage systems.
Urban ecology
Reseach underpinned by community participation and education, researchers focus on the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of the natural processes that sustain life.
Zero energy housing
Our research involves investigating the feasibility of using smart
technologies, energy efficient design features and applicants and
local energy generation in achieving the zero/low energy outcome.