Program 1

Metrics for carbon emissions of each stage of infrastructure

Our pioneering Program 1 lays the foundation for achieving carbon-neutral infrastructure across its lifecycle. This program focuses on developing essential capabilities to accurately measure carbon emissions at every stage of infrastructure development, from design through to end-of-life. Utilising advanced methodologies such as stochastic modelling and life cycle assessment (ISO 14040/14044), we aim to quantify embodied and operational carbon emissions.

This involves a detailed analysis of material use, transport, construction activities, and operational maintenance, supported by a comprehensive carbon emission inventory database. Our collaborative effort spans three core projects that include creating a database, developing stochastic models for emission tracking, and establishing a carbon neutrality index. This initiative is critical for equipping professionals with the knowledge needed for designing and managing carbon-neutral infrastructure projects, ensuring a sustainable future for our built environment.

Co-Lead:

Associate Professor Jianfeng Xue

Project 1a

Establishing carbon emission inventory database for different stages of infrastructure lifecycle​

Project lead: Asso. Prof Jianfeng Xue (The University of New South Wales)

This project will focus on:

1. Investigating the variation of carbon emission contributing factors across different industries and databases.
2. Developing stochastic models for carbon emissions in different stages of infrastructure life-cycle for selected building, bridge and pipe materials.

Project 1b

Establishing carbon emission inventory database for different stages of infrastructure lifecycle​

Project lead: Asso. Prof Jianfeng Xue (The University of New South Wales)

This project aims to:

1. Determine the safety factor of green infrastructure (e.g., rammed earth).
2. Investigate the durability of green infrastructure exposed to different environmental conditions.
3. Improve or develop standards of green infrastructure considering its life cycle.

Project 2

Stochastic Models for Carbon Emissions and Decision Metrics for Carbon Neutrality

Project lead: Distinguished Prof Mark Stewart (The University of Technology Sydney)

This project will focus on:

1. Developing stochastic models for carbon emissions in different stages of infrastructure life-cycle for selected building, bridge and pipe materials.
2. Developing risk-based decision framework and metrics for design of carbon neutrality including a carbon neutrality index for various scenarios.
3. Applying risk-based decision framework to a demonstration structure over its full life-cycle.