Building a safer,
smarter and more
productive industry

The Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre Australia (SBE Australia) offers a unique industry-government-research collaboration to improve Australia’s built environment industry. SBE Australia develops projects informed by industry partner needs, secures national funding, project manages the collaborative research and oversees research into practice initiatives. The Centre is the longest-serving built environment research alliance in the country, with Core Members including ATCO Australia, BGC Australia, the Western Australian, Queensland and New South Wales Governments, Sunshine Coast Council, Curtin University, The University of Queensland, Western Sydney University and RMIT University; all of which are represented on SBE Australia’s Governing Board.

SBE Australia has its foundation in the extensive research network developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation (CRCci). This Australia-first research network delivered over 100 industry research projects over the period 2001 to 2009. The CRCci was instrumental in driving innovation and a culture of improvement through collaboration in the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency across the supply chain. The research projects undertaken during this time covered topics including building materials, procurement and construction processes, digital engineering/BIM, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.

Since 2010, SBEnrc Australia has built upon this rich history of collaborative research, leveraging the networks and knowledge gained from CRCci to continue driving positive change. Partnering with industry professionals, government regulators and clients, and research institutions, SBE Australia continues to develop and apply practical research outcomes that improve industry practice and enhance our nation’s competitiveness.