John McKibbin

Dr John McKibbin is a Research Principal at the Institute for Sustainable Futures applying analytical modeling methods and tools to inform urban sustainability policy, planning and design.

Drawing from a background in engineering, John’s doctoral research focused on developing improved concepts and analyses for designing affordable, sustainable and resilient energy and water systems, with a particular focus on the emerging challenges associated with mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Key research areas include:
- integrating, analysing and visualising urban environmental performance data, leveraging web-based data platforms, big data analytics and browser-based interactive visualisation tools
- simulating and forecasting the energy and water requirements of buildings, precincts and cities, employing end use modelling, building and appliance stock modelling, building services modelling (for heating and cooling, water heating etc), and water balance modelling (for irrigation, rainwater tanks)
- assessing alternative energy and water servicing strategies including efficiency measures (e.g. efficient appliances), distributed resource measures (solar PV, rainwater harvesting) and central infrastructure options (e.g. network augmentations)
- assessing the resilience of urban systems and strategies employing scenario analysis, contingency analysis, uncertainty analysis, and decision analysis

John has worked with a wide range of clients including councils, energy networks, water utilities, and governments across Australia, including:
- working with CSIRO Data61 to develop a web-based data platform for publishing, analysing and visualising urban energy, water, waste and transport data
- working with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and electricity utilities across Australia to develop a national tool for identifying energy demand management and renewable energy opportunities
- working with the Australian National Water Commission and water utilities across Australia to develop a national tool for identifying water conservation and alternative supply opportunities and
- providing policy advice to state and federal government departments including the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Victorian Ministerial Advisory Committee for Water, Local Government Infrastructure Services Queensland, the Australian Department of Environment, and the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.