The Decarbonising the Building Industry (DBI) Network, in partnership with MECLA, hosted a successful full-day workshop at the University of Melbourne’s Woodward Conference Centre on 23 April 2026. The event brought together researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to share cutting-edge advances in sustainable construction and launch two major new resources.
Morning Highlights: Research Updates & Roadmap Launch
A/Prof. Behzad Rismanchi opened the day with an overview of DBI’s progress and a moving acknowledgment of Country. The morning featured strong technical presentations: Dr Alireza Chiniforush on innovative hybrid CLT–light-gauge steel sandwich flooring systems for modular construction (M-Modular), Adam Faircloth on recycled and treated timber research from DPI Forest Product Innovations, and Dr Abdullah Anwar on ultra-low-emission nano-concrete panels for rapid precast production (SPARK Projects).
Prof. Guillermo Narsilio reinforced the strategic importance of this work, followed by Dr Steven Linforth launching the comprehensive DBI Roadmap to Net Zero — a detailed evidence-based guide outlining the urgent actions required to meet Australia’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
Find out more about the presentations through this link.
Afternoon Session: The Next Frontier – Data Centre Decarbonisation
The afternoon, hosted by MECLA, focused on the launch of their new report The Next Frontier: Reducing Embodied Carbon in Data Centre Development. Presentations from Steven Linforth, Alexander Barnstone (MECLA), Tim Bush (AWS), and David Pivac & Stacey Johnson (AirTrunk), followed by a panel discussion, highlighted the urgent need to address embodied carbon in the rapidly growing data centre sector — especially the material-intensive MEP systems — through early design, procurement, and improved measurement frameworks.
Find out more from the MECLA recording on Youtube.
Key Takeaways
- Practical low-carbon solutions in timber, steel, and concrete are ready for wider adoption.
- Reclaimed materials and circular practices must be accelerated.
- Early action on embodied carbon in data centres is essential.
- The DBI Roadmap provides a clear pathway forward for the entire industry.
The event reinforced DBI’s mission: fostering collaboration, demonstrating real solutions, and accelerating the transition to a net-zero built environment.
Save the date: DBI International Conference, November 2026, Melbourne – check out the website for more information!
We look forward to continuing the conversation with all partners and stakeholders.
