By Dr Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar, Academic Lead, School of Built Environment, Massey University  

The School of Built Environment (SBE) at Massey University stands at the forefront of emerging trends in the built environment, equipping students with the knowledge, research expertise and practical skills needed to thrive in the evolving construction industry. Recognised for its excellence in construction degrees – including Quantity Surveying and Construction Management –as well as its focus on facilities management and lighting, SBE is dedicated to nurturing industry-ready professionals. By prioritising sustainability, digitalisation, modern construction methods, resilience and effective project management, SBE ensures that graduates are fully prepared to navigate the dynamic landscape of the construction sector.

SBE upholds a distinguished reputation through its prestigious accreditations. Recognised by esteemed bodies, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors, the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the Chartered Institute of Building, and the Australian Institute of Building, the school’s programmes meet rigorous standards, ensuring high-quality education and industry relevance. These accreditations not only enhance international credibility of programmes, but also provide valuable professional development opportunities and produce graduates poised for success.

SBE is a global research leader, producing high-impact outputs and solving real-world challenges through multidisciplinary studies. SBE actively disseminates its findings, fostering knowledge transfer and a vibrant research community dedicated to improving lives. SBE’s global reach is strengthened through collaborations with renowned organisations like the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction; the Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA); and Engineering, Project, and Production Management (EPPM). Faculty and students contribute to these organisations, earning prestigious prizes and awards. In November 2023, SBE will host two significant international conferences, the 46th AUBEA conference and 13th EPPM conference. Additionally, SBE will host a Net Zero Carbon Forum and a Built Environment Research Workshop, demonstrating its commitment to cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange.

Seven specialised research groups, each led by accomplished experts in their respective fields, are currently active within SBE. These groups drive innovative research and contribute to the development of best practices in their fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the research conducted by SBE ensures comprehensive coverage and expertise. The research groups, their leads and emails are listed as follows:

1. Digitalisation in the Built Environment, Dr Zhenan Feng, Z.Feng1@massey.ac.nz
2. Zero Carbon, Climate Change, and Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Dr Niluka Domingo, N.D.Domingo@massey.ac.nz  
3. Modern Methods of Construction and Automation in the Built Environment, Dr Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar, M.B.Jelodar@massey.ac.nz
4. People, Indigenous People, and Skills in the Built Environment, Dr Don Samarasinghe, D.Samarasinghe@massey.ac.nz
5. Facilities and Asset Management in the Built Environment, Dr Eziaku Rasheed, E.O.Rasheed@massey.ac.nz
6. Future Material Technologies in the Built Environment, Dr Wajiha Shahzad, W.M.Shahzad@massey.ac.nz
7. Construction Law/Contract, Procurement, and Supply Chain in the Built Environment, Associate Professor Naseem Ameer Ali, N.A.N.AmeerAli@massey.ac.nz. 

Massey University excels in global built environment and architecture research, ranked 151 to 200 and awarded a prestigious five-star rating in the QS World University Rankings®. SBE has expanded its research capacity through significant grants and investments, establishing cutting-edge research labs. Notably, Massey University leads CanConstructNZ – a $9.96-million Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment research programme, and one of New Zealand’s largest investments. This collaborative project unites academia, industry and government to address construction sector challenges, showcasing the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and driving industry advancements.