Net Zero Precincts: Rundle Mall case study

Chief Investigator

Prof. Jennifer McKay (UniSA)

Purpose of project

Net zero urban precincts are increasingly being recognised as a practical scale to innovate and embed technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the challenges in the transition to net zero precincts, is the development of suitable governance models that address the regulatory and policy barriers for achieving net zero outcomes.

The ‘Rundle Mall Case Study’ project will focus on the iconic Rundle Mall retail precinct in Adelaide, providing an opportunity to explore the complex governance and ownership arrangements and undertake an energy analysis of a case study building.

The project commenced in January 2025 and will run for a two year period. The project aims to support the transition of the Rundle Mall precinct towards net zero by developing new governance models that reduce barriers for building owners and tenants to adopt energy saving technologies and services.

The project is being led by UniSA and has a $1.1 million budget, including in-kind.

Impact of project

Findings from the research will be used to develop new governance models for building owners and retail tenancies within Rundle Mall and add to a growing body of work on the role of governance in transitioning precincts to net zero. The research will directly inform action through the City of Adelaide’s Integrated Climate Strategy 2030 and inform the South Australian Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry on the development of Commonwealth Human Rights Bill to enhance obligations on government to achieve a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The project will also be used to inform policies and laws that impact net zero precincts.

More broadly, the research will feed into other RACE for 2030 net zero precincts projects that aim to bring together lessons and inform precinct decision-makers, including local, state and federal government, urban planners, developers and community members.

Project partners – industry and research

University of South Australia (Lead), City of Adelaide, Department of Environment and Water SA (DEW),
Power Tech Energy, Sustainable Energy Commitment