Principal Behavioural Scientist
Practical solutions backed by research define Dr Casimir MacGregor’s approach to empowering the construction sector to drive change.
For most people, tackling climate change is a question of sustainable technology, but for Dr Casimir MacGregor, it is a question of behaviour change. Casimir, Principal Behavioural Scientist at BRANZ, argues that the problems posed by climate change are difficult to resolve, but better skills and practices can equip the construction sector to respond more effectively.
His current research examines how innovation and better socio-technical systems can drive the transition to a net-zero carbon economy, with a focus on two areas: how Aotearoa New Zealand can shift to circular construction, and how skills in building performance simulation – particularly energy modelling – can be developed across the sector.
Casimir has over two decades' experience leading multidisciplinary research for industry and government, and contributes to a range of advisory panels, including the Climate Change Commission's National Climate Change Risk Assessment and UNESCO-UNEVOC's Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET Programme. He has also received awards for his research into sustainable construction practices.
"My work helps our industry respond to the challenges of today to shape the breakthroughs of tomorrow."
Dr Casimir MacGregor
Principal Behavioural Scientist
Qualifications
- PhD in Social Anthropology, Macquarie University
- MA in Social Anthropology, University of Otago
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, University of Otago
- BA (Hons) in Psychology and Anthropology, University of Canterbury
Industry participation
- National Climate Change Risk Assessment (Second)
Climate Change Commission
Expert member (Built Environment), 2025 - Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
UNESCO‑UNEVOC
Member, BILT Expert Group, 2024–2025 - Construction Sector Waste Material Flow Analysis
Expert Advisory Group member, Ministry for the Environment and BECA, 2024 - CIB – International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction
Invited judge, Best Doctoral Dissertation Award, 2023 - Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA)
Scientific committee member - Pathways to Net‑Zero Carbon Buildings and Communities
Building Innovation Partnership, University of Canterbury
Expert Advisory Group member, 2023
Awards
- Best paper sustainability and social issues in management stream award, 35th Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management conference (2022), co-winner.
- Highly commended paper in the theme sustainability in the built environment, 45th AUBEA (Australasian Universities Building Education Association) conference (2022), co-winner.
- Best Paper Award in the category Durability & Climate Change: Implications for building design & construction practice, CIB World Building Congress (2022), co-winner.
- Rod Howes Commemorative Award for Innovation at the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) conference (2021), co-winner.
- Australian Sociological Association Stephen Crook Memorial Prize for the best authored book in Australian Sociology in 2016-2017 (2018), co-winner.
