Innovation is the key driver of growth. Creating, adapting and adopting new technologies allow companies to generate faster and more sustained growth. Opus’ research and technology development activities revolve around the enhancement and improved functioning of the built environment. These activities include an emphasis on human interaction with urban areas, transport, energy and other infrastructure. The majority of our research scientists are located at Central Laboratories near Wellington, New Zealand. We also work with several international partners.

Central Laboratories is a Centre of Excellence for applied research on the Built Environment. The research teams work closely with industry and government to provide leading-edge solutions for issues confronting the built environment and infrastructure.  Opus can provide a comprehensive range of analytical testing and specialist advice in a range of areas to suit clients.

Central Laboratories also partners with companies in innovative ventures to access preferential research and development services and establish commercialisation linkages.

Recent research highlights include:

• Development of a force-balance model to address problems of flexing in high-rise steel building construction
• An award-winning crash risk model, developed following a detailed understanding of the interaction between road geometry and road condition
• A demonstration showing that kerosene cutback bitumen has low ecotoxicity
• The creation of an energy efficient micro-turbine
• Research showing that people actively adapt to microclimatic conditions, which has significant implications for the designers and planners of outdoor and leisure environments