Excited to announce the release of our latest report on community-based food hubs designed to improve household food security, published on #WorldFoodDay! This project showcases a unique collaboration across disciplines at Western Sydney University, addressing pressing local food insecurity challenges. Our co-Director, Nicky Morrison, is passionate about partnering with health scientists to create impactful, community-focused solutions.
Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC)
Research Services
Researching the complex challenges posed by the contemporary urban environment.
About us
In affiliation with the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), based at Western Sydney University, the newly formed Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) delivers a broad scope focus across social sciences, the built environment and engineering to address the grand challenges around life and work within the urban environment. It is centred on the complex challenges posed by the contemporary urban environment. These include, but are not restricted to, the environment and climate emergency which encompasses achieving net zero; healthy buildings; resilient communities; the circular economy, and the minimisation of waste and the reuse of materials. The UTRC also focuses on the health and wellbeing, physical and social determinants that make up sustainable urban environments. As such, the UTRC’s research pursues the holistic transformation of the urban environment that centres on liveability and life support systems, including energy, water, materials, and health systems, offering rigorous evidence-based technical, policy and governance solutions. With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond).
- Website
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https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/urban-transformations
External link for Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC)
- Industry
- Research Services
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
Updates
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Congratulations Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad for being awarded a 2024 JMI Policy Challenge Grant winner! In partnership with over 20 university researchers and industry leaders, Dr. Ehsan is leading the co-design of a policy framework to support the implementation of Modern Methods of Construction - including prefabrication and modular housing - to address Australia’s housing crisis. The challenge lies in the lack of a structured policy environment to fully harness the potential of these innovative construction techniques. Through frequent engagements, workshops, and consultations with policymakers, the project will ensure that the developed roadmap aligns with government priorities. This collaborative approach will enable industry stakeholders to contribute effectively, creating a strong, actionable policy framework that drives real change in affordable and sustainable housing. Learn more about the award-winning project here https://lnkd.in/gmb49SEA
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Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) reposted this
Senior Researcher & AEC Consultant | Expert Writer & Editor | Pioneering a Smart, Hazard-Resilient, and Climate-Adaptive Future | Opinions are my own
I was delighted to meet the JMI team, including 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝, Prof. Libby Hackett, Dr. Vafa Ghazavi, Andreas Kaufmann, Josephine Attwooll, and many colleagues from WSU, UNSW, and the University of Sydney. It was a fantastic evening for connecting with friends and building new networks. A special thanks to our DVCR, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 Deborah Sweeney, and Annette McLaren from WSU, for joining and supporting us at this event. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to our team members and industry partners for celebrating this achievement together. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of our research contribute meaningfully to addressing the housing and climate crises in NSW and across Australia. For more information, please visit our webpage below: https://lnkd.in/gAFi2zVy #Modular #Prefab #HousingCrisis #NetZero #ClimateCrisis #MMC James Martin Institute for Public Policy Western Sydney University Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) Homes NSW Property Council of Australia Green Building Council of Australia Shelter NSW WSP in Australia Faith Housing Australia Housing All Australians PowerHousing Australia Boxareno | modular constructions Burwood Council Mirvac Social Futures Astrolabe Group MiTek Greg Morrison Nicky Morrison Pejman Sharafi Maria Rashidi Hassan Gholipour Fereidouni Toktam B. Tabrizi Vanita Yadav Linna GENG Samaneh Arasteh Qinjun (Lavender) Liu Nargess Ghassempour, PhD Ati Hezarian John Engeler Ozge Fettahlioglu Sammy Cheung Adrian Harrington Amanda Bailey
Yesterday evening we were delighted to host a reception to celebrate the 2024 JMI Policy Challenge Grant Winners. Read our article below to learn more about the award-winning projects. #publicpolicy #research #impact
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We are thrilled to co-host the 24th International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality (CONVR24) dedicated to advancing digital transformation in the built environment. With over 100 accepted papers and over 200 industry and academic attendees from around the world, the three day conference focussed on “the Intersection of Digital Transformation and Virtual Innovation in Sustainable, Net Zero Built Environments”. Exploring topics from digital innovations in achieving net zero to human-centric digital design and construction, we have heard from illuminating speakers across the globe addressing the shared challenges and opportunities in smart, sustainable development in unique ways. Together, we are inspired to integrate these ideas for a sustainable tomorrow for all. Ehsan Noroozinejad Greg Morrison Nicky Morrison Thomas Longden Vanita Yadav Pejman Sharafi Maria Rashidi Siobhain O'Leary Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD W. Kathy Tannous
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Housing crisis - Building Standards + Climate crisis = Human Rights Crisis Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD with colleagues Catherine Renshaw and Anna Leditschke identify, in this new article, the current housing crisis in Australia as a very serious issue that goes far beyond affordability. It is a matter of human rights that will have significant impact people who live in social and affordable homes (SAH). Houses built to current standards and compliant with the NCC, according to the analysis in this paper (congruent with work published by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC)), will be unfit to withstand the increasing summer heat in mainland Australia if tenants cannot afford to run Air-conditioning to keep cool. These populations are among the least likely to have the disposable income to run the air-conditioning needed to keep them safe in their homes. Measured indoor temperatures have already exceeded 40°C in social and affordable homes in Western Sydney. Summers are getting hotter which will put people living in these homes in increasing risk. This article was first published in the LexisNexis Australian Environment Review, 38(9) AE 172, 2024. Copyright © 2024 LexisNexis. All rights reserved. Nicky Morrison Greg Morrison
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UTRC Co-Director Nicky Morrison was recently interviewed on 2CC Canberra off the back of her article in The Conversation "How can Australia make housing affordable for essential workers? Here are 4 key lessons from overseas" She discussed the lack of affordable housing for essential workers in Australia and some recommendations on how this critical shortfall in housing that people can afford close where they work, might be addressed (https://lnkd.in/gPD4dESu)
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Congratulations to Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD and the whole SIMP@CT project team on their latest award The 'National Climate Positive Design' Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Yet another well-deserved accolade for this wonderful project! https://lnkd.in/gAib22DS
Professor of Urban Management and Planning & Deputy President of the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN)
SIMP@CT wins again! This week, the project team received the 'National Climate Positive Design' Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). What an inspiring night at the Glasshouse in Melbourne with so many projects celebrating green infrastructure, design, aesthetics, innovation. This prestigious national award for SIMP@CT comes after winning an AILA Award of Excellence (Research, Policy & Communication) at the state level. Once more, industry recognises how important our approach to effective climate change mitigation in cities really is. Public parks in our cities - and Melbourne has some beautiful examples (see images from Fitzroy Gardens) - are the natural air conditioners we can activate using the AI-driven technology developed, tested and validated by the SIMP@CT team. Thank you to Sydney Olympic Park Authority for nominating the project. UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, SAPHI, Christian Urich, Eratos, The ARCS Group, Bruce Punshon, Sydney Water, Lizzy Pattinson, Rory Brown, David Martin, Ben Stockwin, Maria Rigoli, Oliver Obst, Bahman Javadi, Andrew Tovey, Kerryn Wilmot, Sally Hamilton
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Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) reposted this
Environmental, energy & health economist at Western Sydney University (WSU) - Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) - First gen Uni working on decarbonisation and energy related research
Great to be *returning to UNSW Business School to discuss 'How the economics of climate change, health and energy interact' - at a UNSW Economics Society and Economic Society of Australia (NSW) event. *where I completed a PhD in Economics Amongst other energy topics, I plan to discuss: - the work of Prof. Nordhaus, which won him the Nobel prize in Economics 'for integrating climate change into long-run macroeconomic analysis', - how governments and organisations can use carbon prices or costs in their decision-making, - the difference between a carbon price, and the social cost of carbon, how temperature-related mortality gets incorporated into assessments of climate change damages, - the changes happening in our electricity grid, and - the Australian Energy Regulator guidance on applying a value of emissions reduction.
🌍Do YOU want to make an impact on the world as an economist???🌍 🌟Come along find out how at EcoSoc’s new DISCUSSION NIGHT🌟 Our speaker 🤩Thomas Longden 🤩 is the Councillor of ESA NSW and a Senior Research Fellow at Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University who also has a PhD in environmental economics from UNSW. He is keen to share his invaluable experience as an economist! 😁 Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to get a taste of this ever-evolving industry😁 🤓Learn about how climate change, health and energy interact to influence our economic world🤓 🥳Ask any questions you like to gain insight on how YOU help change our world🥳 🥪Proper food & snacks will be provided so no worries if you’re hungry🥪 --- EVENT DETAILS --- 🗓Date: Thursday 31st of October 2024 (W8 Thursday) 🕖Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm 📍Location: G03 Patricia O’Shane (formerly CLB 02) Click ✨GOING✨ to stay updated on the event details‼️ 🤩 PLEASE FILL OUT THE BELOW FORM 🤩 💻 Google Form Link: https://lnkd.in/gcAvhjaf
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Housing needs to keep people safe - the National Construction Code provides 'the minimum protections for Australians' says UTRCs Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD “If climate change progresses in a high-emissions scenario, then we would be providing new homes for hundreds of thousands, probably millions of people, which are knowingly unsafe,” “They could be unfit for the conditions that we are anticipating in summers, not in 2100 but well inside the lifetime of these buildings."
'Unsafe': Experts say Dutton's building code freeze a huge risk
thenewdaily.com.au
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Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) reposted this
Environmental, energy & health economist at Western Sydney University (WSU) - Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) - First gen Uni working on decarbonisation and energy related research
Recently realised that when the CSIRO #GenCost team needed to compare the lead-times for solar, onshore wind and nuclear in Australia they used *our numbers sourced from a paper published in #energyeconomics https://lnkd.in/gUA6KRtA Solar projects that commenced before 2010 had an average lead-time of 83 months (min: 63, max: 102). This decreased to 41 months for solar projects (min: 19, max: 75) that commenced after 2016. Onshore wind projects took longer to develop. Project lead-times were 136 months (min: 50, max: 200) when they commenced before 2005. This decreased to 53 months (min: 20, max: 85) for projects starting after 2016. There is limited data on renewable energy development lead-times, which is why we built our own dataset. That dataset is available online. *For more - Lachlan Clapin Thomas Longden (2024) Waiting to generate: An analysis of onshore wind and solar PV project development lead-times in Australia, Energy Economics https://lnkd.in/gfcinMHs Or via The Conversation Australia + NZ - Renewable projects are getting built faster – but there’s even more need for speed https://lnkd.in/gNYyA6M2
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