On 17 June 2025, the Decarbonising Building Industry (DBI) initiative at Melbourne Connect, The University of Melbourne, hosted a significant workshop with delegations from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction and the Institute for Building Science and Technology (IBST). This event marked a pivotal moment in fostering international collaboration to address the pressing need for low-carbon housing, particularly in support of Vietnam’s ambitious goal to deliver one million social housing units by 2030.
Engaging discussions on scalable solutions
The workshop provided a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge and exploring practical strategies to overcome challenges in sustainable construction. Delegates delved into scalable technologies, innovative approaches, and real-world case studies showcasing sustainable materials and systems successfully implemented in Australia. Key topics included policy integration and actionable pathways to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon practices in Vietnam’s built environment, ensuring alignment with global environmental goals.
Immersive experiences in cutting-edge facilities
A highlight of the program was the delegation’s tour of advanced research laboratories at The University of Melbourne. These visits offered firsthand insights into groundbreaking work in materials innovation, modular construction, and sustainability assessments. The delegation also attended ArchiBuild Expo 2025, where they explored the latest advancements in sustainable design. A standout moment was the showcase of Modularity by Rendine, a DBI collaborator, which demonstrated the potential of high-performance prefabricated and modular housing as a model for efficient, low-carbon construction.
Further enriching the experience, the delegation visited the M-Modular facility, a leader in modular construction, and a local Melbourne construction site. These visits provided a practical perspective on the deployment of prefabricated and low-carbon building technologies, bridging the gap between theory and application.
Strengthening global ties for a sustainable future
This workshop underscored DBI’s commitment to fostering international partnerships to advance scalable, low-carbon solutions. The exchange not only deepened academic and industrial connections between Australia and Vietnam but also contributed to the global push for inclusive and sustainable housing. By sharing expertise and practical insights, both nations are better positioned to tackle the challenges of sustainable urban development.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor Tuan Ngo, the DBI team, M-Modular, and our esteemed IBST delegates for their invaluable contributions to this impactful dialogue. Together, we are building a foundation for a more sustainable future in the global construction industry.
