Australia’s built environment sector is set to benefit from millions of dollars in government funding for a new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

A collaboration between property, planning and policy organisations and Australian researchers is among the successful applicants for funding in this year’s CRC program, which builds partnerships between researchers and industry.

‘CRC for Low Carbon Living’ gains $28 million to bring together leading researchers and key end-users to develop new tools to reduce carbon emissions and transform the built environment to a low carbon future.

The centre will bring together the collaborators to develop new social, technological and policy tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment.

The government statement said “the CRC will help unlock barriers to cost-effective carbon saving opportunities, empower communities and facilitate the widespread adoption of local renewable energy. This will enable the sector to contribute to Australia’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while maintaining industry competitiveness and improving quality of life”.

Announcing the successful applicants of this year’s CRC selection round, Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr said: “This selection round has been extremely competitive – 26 applications were received for round 14 – and I congratulate those that have been successful.”

Successful CRCs also include:

• CRC for Polymers ($14.5 million): will contribute to establishing Australia as a leading provider and exporter of products that meet emerging global needs in the areas of health therapies, water and food security and low-cost solar energy.
• CRC for Water Sensitive Cities ($30 million): will deliver the planning, technology and decision support tools required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of urban water systems.
• Automotive Australia 2020 CRC ($26 million): will undertake research programs and build human capital in areas of vehicle electrification, gaseous fuels and production of greener vehicles and components.
• Plant Biosecurity CRC ($29.7 million): will develop and deploy the knowledge and tools to safeguard Australia from damaging plant pest incursions.

The CRC program is an Australian Government initiative. More information on the CRC program and the successful centres will be available at www.crc.gov.au.

For more information on the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research portfolio and the grants it administers, visit www.innovation.gov.au.