As the year draws to a close, it’s a moment of pride and reflection for the Decarbonising Building Industry (DBI) network. Over the past year, DBI has become a rallying point for global leaders, researchers, and industry professionals dedicated to one of the most pressing challenges of our time—decarbonising the built environment. This milestone year has been nothing short of transformative, with achievements that underline our collective determination to create a sustainable future.
Reflecting on Year One: Collaboration in Action
In its inaugural year, DBI has successfully established itself as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. With 15 workshops, symposia, and technical sessions, we’ve engaged more than 600 thought leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world. These events fostered critical discussions on decarbonisation strategies, from low-carbon construction materials to cutting-edge renewable technologies.
Through these dialogues, we’ve built roadmaps tailored to regions like Vietnam and Malaysia, developed strategic and engagement plans, and initiated pioneering research projects showcased during our events. The DBI network has united institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Texas State University, and KIT in Germany, alongside local and international government partners. Together, we’ve proven that collaboration isn’t just a principle—it’s the catalyst for meaningful change.
DBI2024 Conference: A Catalyst for Innovation
The DBI2024 International Conference, held in November at the University of Melbourne, epitomised this collaborative spirit. Featuring esteemed speakers like Professors Tuan Ngo, Mat Santamouris, and Vivian W.Y. Tam, the event spotlighted groundbreaking strategies for achieving net-zero whole-life carbon in buildings by 2050. Key topics included sustainable materials, retrofitting strategies, and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Beyond discussions, the conference provided a space for actionable solutions, networking, and the inspiration to reimagine what the building industry can achieve.
As Professor Tuan Ngo eloquently stated during the opening remarks, “Decarbonising the building industry is not just about mitigating climate change—it’s about reimagining our sector to inspire new standards for future generations.”
Looking to the Future: Building Momentum
As we turn towards 2025, the urgency of our mission only grows. The building sector remains responsible for approximately 40% of global emissions, underscoring the need for intensified efforts. DBI is committed to expanding our impact through strategic partnerships, deeper industry engagement, and the pursuit of innovative research.
Our focus will include scaling retrofitting efforts in urban areas, advancing low-carbon concrete innovations, and leveraging digital technologies to optimise building lifecycles. With the foundation laid in 2024, the year ahead holds immense potential to accelerate progress towards a decarbonised future.
Join Us: Be Part of the Solution
The DBI network’s achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished when passion meets purpose. However, this journey requires more voices, perspectives, and expertise. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, industry professional, or student, your contribution is vital.
As we step into 2025, we invite you to join DBI’s efforts. Engage with our research initiatives, attend upcoming workshops, or become part of the dialogue that will shape the future of our cities and communities. Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities for a sustainable, resilient built environment.
Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead the charge for decarbonising the building industry.