The Decarbonising the Building Industry (DBI) 2024 Conference began with a series of thought-provoking opening remarks that set the tone for the two-day event. Held at the University of Melbourne, this inaugural international conference brought together over 200 researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers from 18 countries. As the world faces the pressing challenge of achieving net-zero whole-life carbon buildings by 2050, the DBI2024 conference highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and urgent action. Opening speeches by Professor Michael Wesley, Mr. Stanford Harrison, and Professor Tuan Ngo provided an inspiring start, reflecting on the shared mission and unique opportunities in decarbonising the building sector.
Professor Michael Wesley: The Power of Collaboration Across Borders
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, welcomed participants with a compelling reminder of the global nature of the decarbonisation challenge. Reflecting on the achievements of the DBI Network, launched just a year prior, he emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in addressing the building industry’s carbon footprint.
“Our cities and buildings are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” he stated, underlining the sector’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions. Professor Wesley highlighted the University of Melbourne’s commitment to fostering partnerships across Asia, Europe, and North America, with the aim of driving impactful change. He invited attendees to engage fully with the conference’s diverse program, noting that the event was more than just a gathering—it was a decisive step toward turning the built environment into a beacon of sustainability and resilience.
Stanford Harrison: Decarbonisation as a Shared Global Mission
Stanford Harrison, Director of the Commercial Buildings Policy Team in Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, spoke passionately about the need for global cooperation in decarbonising the building industry. He drew attention to the significant share of emissions tied to buildings, from operational and embodied emissions to the environmental impact of construction materials.
Harrison emphasised that the building sector’s transformation required moving beyond research into practical implementation, aligning industry practices with government policy and international standards. “Every nation has a built environment, and every nation can learn from each other,” he said, calling for an exchange of best practices and technologies on a global scale. He acknowledged Australia’s role as a leader in innovation, supported by a $2 million federal grant for the DBI Network, and underscored the importance of bringing together researchers, government, and industry to address this shared challenge.
Professor Tuan Ngo: A Vision for Innovation and Collaboration
Professor Tuan Ngo, DBI2024 Co-Chair and Research Leader at the University of Melbourne, delivered an inspiring address that painted a vivid picture of both the challenges and opportunities in decarbonising the building industry. Drawing on recent natural disasters and escalating global temperatures, he framed the urgency of the climate crisis and the building sector’s pivotal role in mitigating its effects.
Professor Ngo celebrated the achievements of the DBI Network’s first year, which included strategic collaborations, research roadmaps, and engagement with over 600 global leaders. He outlined the transformative potential of new technologies, such as renewable energy solutions, smart materials, and modular construction. Most importantly, he emphasised the importance of collaboration. “No single organisation can achieve this on its own,” he said, urging participants to use the conference as a springboard for innovation and collective action. Professor Ngo’s vision encapsulated not only the conference’s purpose but also its potential to drive lasting change.
A Collective Commitment to a Sustainable Future
The opening remarks at DBI2024 reflected the conference’s core mission: to transform the building industry through shared expertise, collaboration, and innovation. Together, Professor Wesley, Mr. Harrison, and Professor Ngo articulated a unified vision for the future—one where the built environment becomes a cornerstone of sustainability and resilience.
Their speeches underscored the importance of acting now, combining local initiatives with global cooperation to accelerate decarbonisation. The DBI2024 conference is not just an event but a movement, a rallying call for all stakeholders to reimagine the building industry as a driver of positive environmental change. As the conference continues, it is clear that the conversations and connections formed here will lay the foundation for a more sustainable future.
