Research areas

Research areas

SBi Lab conducts original and applied research into issues that affect the sustainability performance of the built environment.

SBi Lab conducts original and applied research into issues that affect the sustainability performance of the built environment.

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SBi Lab conducts original and applied research into issues that affect the sustainability performance of the built environment.

Research capabilities

The SBi Lab is uniquely placed to provide independent consultancy services for clients in industry, government and institutional, commercial and community sectors. It has strong links with national and international researchers as well as affiliations with community organisations, industry, commercial and government bodies.

Our team of sustainable building experts uses traditional building science and innovative methodologies, including building simulation and performance measurements, together with strategic thinking and frameworks from built environment management, building energy and environmental performance, human behaviour and efficiency education to address sustainability challenges and develop cost-efficient solutions for improving the sustainability performance of buildings.

Research themes

SBi Lab focuses on the following main research themes:

Building energy efficiency and environmental performance

  • Materials and systems
  • Performance assessment and monitoring
  • Simulation and modelling
  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC)
  • Computational modelling and tool development

Building indoor environment

  • Indoor environment quality (IEQ)
  • Thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics
  • Ventilation performance prediction
  • Indoor air quality
  • Post occupancy evaluation (POE)

Urban Microclimate

  • Urban heat island mitigation
  • Outdoor thermal comfort
  • Urban greenery
  • Cool materials

Sustainability education, policy and regulation

  • Efficiency education (higher education and continuing professional development)

Energy vulnerability

  • Residential energy efficiency and health
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to energy support
  • Energy justice
  • Opportunities for social equity in energy transitions
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information