14 JAN 2025 (TUE) 09:35-09:55

Innovative Technologies in Sustainable Urban Transition 

Ms LI Xiangyi 

( Supervisor: Prof Becky P.Y. Loo )

Abstract:

Rapid urbanization poses significant sustainability challenges, particularly in the construction and transport sectors, which together account for around 20% of carbon emissions (6% from construction and 14% from transport) and are major contributors to resource consumption and urban pollution. This research investigates how innovative technologies can advance sustainable urban transitions. Specifically, it examines prefabricated construction for its potential to reduce emissions, waste, and urban disruptions. In parallel, the study explores the role of electric vehicles in addressing air pollution and energy inefficiency in the transport sector. 

In the prefabricated construction, the research first aims to quantify the environmental impacts of prefabricated construction compared to traditional methods, focusing on emissions, noise, and health outcomes. In relation, agent-based models (ABM) are best suited because of the advantages of capturing complex interactions among construction behaviors. Then, the study explores ways to accelerate the adoption of prefabricated construction by leveraging evolutionary game theory, which excels in multi-stakeholder contexts. This approach captures how governments, developers, and communities co-evolve their behaviors in response to shifting incentives and interactions, thereby clarifying which strategies effectively align stakeholder interests and expedite the uptake of sustainable building practices. 

In the transport sector, the topic models EV performance across global climate zones, identifying how climate factors such as temperature and humidity affect energy efficiency and regional adoption potential. Climate related potential is developed to link infrastructure planning with EV efficiency, ensuring climate-resilient adoption strategies. As the world's largest EV producer and consumer, China leads in manufacturing, technology, and supply chains, while its expanding overseas facilities aim to meet growing global demand, making it an ideal focus for understanding EV adoption and competitiveness. Building on this, the research examines the financial implications of China’s EV industry expanding manufacturing facilities overseas. By evaluating cost structures, the research explores how overseas production influences profitability in global markets. 

This research creates a cohesive framework linking construction and transport sustainability. By integrating environmental modeling, stakeholder behaviour, climate adaptation, and policy impacts, it provides actionable insights to reduce environmental burdens and foster sustainable urban development globally.