Professor of Structural Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Keith Crews, is heading up the project, which he said would advance sustainable timber construction as a viable alternative in large-scale projects.
“Timber buildings have a variety of environmental benefits, including lower CO2 emissions and excellent carbon sequestration, as well as lower life-time heating and cooling costs,” he said.
“As a building material it is also light and easy to transport, ensuring timber is also a commercially viable construction option.”
Professor Crews said sustainability principles would underpin all aspects of the research and construction. “Crucially all the timber used in the construction is sustainable as it is all replanted, making this a sound environmental choice as well,” he said.
“This is a significant investment that will fund six research projects over the next four years, as well as securing seven postgraduate scholarships.”
Clive Tilby, Chairman of the STIC Board, welcomed the agreement, saying, “We are very excited to be working with UTS, an Australian research organisation that has leading structural timber capabilities.
“This collaboration across the Tasman greatly expands the research potential and strength of the consortium.”
Ends…
Further Information:
Michelle Callen, UTS, Ph 02 9514 1271 or 0404 608 131
or Dr Jane Shearer, STIC, Ph +64 21 358 231
Issued by: Terry Clinton, UTS Media Office,
Ph (02) 9514 1623 or 0419 293 261
UTS: Top rated for teaching and learning in Australia