Doctor of Philosophy - Built Environment

Climate change presents significant challenges and opportunities across all sectors of society, driving global health, prosperity, and security. UNSW's researchers combine their expertise in climate dynamics, ecology, economics and urban design to mitigate its impacts and create a more sustainable future. Together with industry, government and our community we are working to implement ecological conservation, adaptive technologies and durable policies that will lessen the impact of climate change on future generations. UNSW is a global leader in atmospheric weather and climate modelling, particularly the way in which ocean thermodynamics drive large-scale heat circulation and climatic conditions. This research allows us to better predict, manage and quantify the risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts, fires and flooding. Sustainable land and water management are imperatives, both to promote diverse and thriving ecosystems and ensure food and water security. Our engineers work on water and nutrient recycling, novel wastewater treatment membranes, and cellular agriculture to create animal free fats and proteins. Meanwhile, our ecologists are increasingly informed by Indigenous knowledge and we engage in multi-decade native species surveys, river and wetland conservation, and restoration of marine environments using living seawalls, artificial reefs and underwater reforestation. With pressure from climate warming and population growth – our cities are in urgent need of a change. UNSW fosters next-generation leaders in high-performance architecture, advanced manufacturing and urban planning. We reduce embodied carbon in the AEC sector by developing sustainable materials, like concrete alternatives, and transforming waste into green steel, ceramics and filaments. From public spaces to high-density housing and electric transportation systems, we are reinventing the built environment to have positive impacts on climate, society and the economy.