Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

Building and a tree

Resolving real world problems and challenges of industry

Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM) at Adelaide University undertakes research in physical infrastructure management and the sustainable management of assets. SIRM applies circular economy philosophy and carbon reduction solutions to ensure sustainable communities throughout the world.

SIRM recognises that the challenge of moving to a more sustainable future requires an understanding of the complexity and interactions of human, natural, and built systems. We bring together diverse research expertise to address significant societal challenges at the interface of the natural and built environments at all scales. We offer clients the potential to address real problems using multidisciplinary teams. Our goal is to efficiently use resources to manage the natural and built environments sustainably.

We're involved in research construction projects in both water and transport supporting liveable regions / regional economic growth. We also undertake research in the maintenance aspect of assets (physical infrastructure management), sustainable management of assets in tactical asset management (interface between strategic and operational management), integrating the circular economy philosophy, and applying carbon reduction considerations. We work in ecology, environmental restoration, planning for liveable cities and regions, and building carbon-resilient regenerative communities.

SIRM also has a close association with the two Regional Campuses in Whyalla and Mt Gambier, and the Forestry Research Hub.

Explore our research

Our researchers are committed to creating a sustainable future that is centred on the circular economy philosophy and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

Engage with us

We welcome research and partnering opportunities with industry, local councils, governments, communities and other research organisations to address the critical knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments.

Explore the Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

Our researchers’ knowledge of current and emerging technologies offers valuable insights for our industry collaborators. The expertise of our internationally renowned, multidisciplinary team of researchers is widely sought. Our knowledge and advice have underpinned environmental, water, transport and construction management for our local, state and international communities. We are renowned for our ability to translate our research into policy and practice, creating value and impact for our industry collaborators.

Circular economy philosophy diagram - click to view

Research Streams

Our research is focused on physical infrastructure management and the sustainable management of assets. Our research is organised into three streams, with six main topics of research.

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Natural resources and environmental resilience

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Biodiversity and conservation

This research stream addresses biodiversity loss, climate change, and resource depletion through transdisciplinary, ethical approaches. Focusing on ecosystem protection, water management, ecology, geospatial sciences, and environmental engineering, it advances conservation, sustainable resource use, waste reduction, and circular economy practices, linking research to global sustainability goals.

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Innovative infrastructure and asset management

  • Innovative and Net-Zero Infrastructure
  • Asset Lifecycle Management

This research stream develops smart, climate-positive infrastructure across energy, transport, water, and waste, using circular economy principles, integrated systems, and advanced technologies. It focuses on sustainable construction, asset lifecycle management, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 to improve efficiency, achieve net-zero targets, and support resilient, resource-efficient cities and regions.

Green home icon

Smart communities

  • Regenerative communities
  • Liveable cities and regions

This stream develops smart, regenerative communities that enhance wellbeing while restoring ecosystems. By promoting sustainable behaviours, education, urban agriculture, and collaborative resource management, it integrates social, environmental, and infrastructural strategies to build resilient, inclusive, and liveable cities aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Our future depends on the increased application of sustainable infrastructure and responsible use of our natural resources. Adelaide University's Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM) facilitates this goal by conducting research in three main streams:

  • Natural Resources and Environmental Resilience
  • Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management
  • Smart Communities

The construction industry is an essential part of our lives, but it is one of the highest contributors to climate emissions. SIRM is committed to meaningful research that can help re-shape this industry into a leader in sustainable practices. SIRM also works directly with the resource sector, particularly water and forestry, to inspire innovative management.

SIRM brings together diverse research expertise to address significant challenges for industries and the society at the interface of the natural and the built environments at both the macro and micro level to:

  • Sustainably manage natural and built environments by applying innovative and efficient resource use.
  • Build resilient ecological and human systems through active engagement of diverse stakeholders.
  • Implement circular economy principles (rethink, reduce, re-use, and recycle) and innovative technologies for construction and other built environment sectors.
  • Promote smart resource recovery and the design and construction of efficient net-zero buildings.
  • Support liveable cities and regional communities, tourism and agri-food production.

SIRM brings together some of the brightest minds in sustainable futures, with diverse research backgrounds and complementary expertise in civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, geospatial science, engineering management and water & wastewater engineering to improve environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Professor Chris Chow

Director, Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management
Email: Christopher.Chow@unisa.edu.au

Professor Chris Chow

Leadership team

  • Deputy Director, SIRM: Associate Professor Nicholas Chileshe
  • Stream Leader, Smart Communities: Professor Delene Weber
  • Stream Leader, Natural Resources and Environmental Resilience: Professor Mizanur Rahman
  • Stream Leader, Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management: Professor Ke Xing
  • Technology Development Leader, Application of intelligent sensors and multimedia systems: Associate Professor Ivan Lee
  • Technical Team Leader: Commercial Testing: Dr Natalya Schmerl

NATA accredited testing facilities

The Australian Flow Management Group (AFMG) services specialised testing needs of the water industry. It advances irrigation and engineering hydraulics technology through fundamental and applied research.

The facility consists of a range of unique infrastructure suited to the testing and research of water-related equipment and technology. As an internationally accredited facility we are in a unique position to engage with the water industry and to support and produce high quality research outputs. We house a number of state-of-the-art research and testing facilities including:

  • Full-scale hydraulic testing (up to 510 L/s)
  • Water meter testing and calibration
  • Valve type testing

AFMG can be contacted via email AFMGenquiries@unisa.edu.au.

  • Waste & Environmental Technologies
  • S Can
  • Clarity Aquatic
  • Hydro2050
  • IPACS
  • Northern and Yorker LGA
  • Osmoflo
  • Mt Remarkable Council
  • Onkaparinga Council
  • Alexandrina Council
  • SA Water
  • SABRN Tech Pty Ltd
  • Intelligent Sensing Technologies

Contact us

Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

Location

Location
Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management
Adelaide University
Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes SA 5095

Telephone

Phone: +61 8 8302 300

Email

Email: STEM-SIRM@unisa.edu.au