Month: May 2018

Australia’s largest public transport project recognised for sustainability

Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project, has been recognised for being a leader in sustainability by the peak industry body.

The operations, trains and systems (OTS) component of the Sydney Metro Northwest project has received a “Leading” rating by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) for making sustainability a key deliverable in its design processes.

“This is the highest rating that can be achieved under the ISCA scheme,” said Paul Davies, Manager of Communication and Sustainability for the Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) consortium, which is responsible for the OTS contract.

The ISCA certificate will be presented on 24 May at a gathering of key stakeholders at the project’s new administration building in Rouse Hill, which was also awarded a Greenstar rating for its design.

ISCA is the peak industry body for advancing sustainability in Australia’s infrastructure. ISCA developed and administers the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme which is Australia’s only comprehensive rating system for evaluating sustainability across design, construction and operation of infrastructure.  IS tool looks at the sustainability outcomes of infrastructure projects and assets including environmental, social, economic and governance aspects.

The Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) consortium is responsible for the OTS contract, and the CEO of NRT Pty Ltd, Mark Elliott, is delighted to see the sustainability efforts of the project team recognised, “This is a landmark project for Sydney and the start of a brand-new style of transportation for Sydney-siders. It will benefit their daily lives in many positive ways, be it work or leisure. Sustainability is not only about environmental responsibility, but improving community well-being and economic prosperity, and this project will deliver on all those aspects”.

Sydney Metro is delivering four rail networks making it the largest transport infrastructure project in Australia. All four projects have achieved a Leading IS rating for their designs and the program of works scored 81.2 also achieving an overall Leading score for the Design.

NRT’s Design and Construction Project Director, Malachy Breslin, added that “the application of over 500 sustainability requirements to such a mega project as Sydney Metro Northwest is a positive reflection of the commitment of the various project contractors and Transport for NSW to deliver a truly sustainable infrastructure asset for Sydney”.

ISCA’s Acting CEO, Ainsley Simpson, was equally positive about the significance of the project and its sustainability credentials, “ISCA is looking to encourage the best possible outcomes for Australia’s infrastructure developments, both large and small.  The Sydney Metro Northwest NRT project’s Leading rating at the Design phase demonstrates the intention to deliver long-term sustainability benefits over the lifetime of the rail asset.  I’d like to congratulate Northwest Rapid Transit on a great outcome for sustainable transport infrastructure, and also Transport for NSW on their continued commitment to delivering better outcomes for Australian communities.”

The Sydney Metro Northwest project includes eight new railway stations, five upgraded stations and 4,000 commuter car parking spaces for Sydney’s growing North West. Trains will run every four minutes in the peak, that’s 15 trains an hour. It is the first stage of the Sydney Metro network and will be the first fully-automated metro rail system in Australia. Sydney Metro Northwest will deliver, for the first time, a reliable public transport service to a region which has the highest car ownership levels per household in Australia.

New Deputy Chair Appointment on ISCA Board

ISCA are delighted to announce Sarah Marshall as the new Deputy Chair of our board. Sarah, Executive General Manager of Operational Support and Engineering at Lendlease, has been on the board for the last 18 months.

“I am pleased to announce that the ISCA Board has appointed Sarah Marshall as Deputy Chair”, David Singleton, Chairman, ISCA.“I am looking forward to working with Sarah”

“We are seeing our clients, partners and suppliers increasingly embrace sustainable infrastructure. Together with my fellow Board members, I want to play a key role in the next phase of ISCA’s evolution. I’ve really enjoyed being on the Board the last 18 months,and I’m excited about stepping up my contribution.” said Sarah Marshall on accepting the appointment.

The change comes after Jayne Whitney has stepped down from her previous position of Deputy Chair, however will continue to be a valued member of the ISCA Board.

New ISCA Member: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) is the operator of Brisbane Airport (BNE), the premier gateway to Queensland.  It is a proud, public, un-listed Queensland company, helping employ thousands of people and bringing an estimated $4 billion annually in economic opportunities to the state and city of Brisbane.

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, BNE has two major terminals servicing 34 airlines flying to 87 destinations around the world. It is a suburb in its own right, the largest airport in Australia by land size (2,700 hectares), and the third-largest airport in Australia by passenger numbers with more than 23 million passengers travelling through the airport in 2017.

With passenger numbers forecast to more than double by 2034, BNE is in the midst of the most exciting phase in its history which has seen around $1.7 billion privately invested since FY12, with an estimated further $1.8 billion ear-marked marked for airside, landside, terminal and other projects until 2022.

Projects include a new runway, new car parks and access facilities, terminal expansions, road upgrades, new aprons and aeronautical facilities and a number airport with a strong focus on community, sustainability, education, knowledge and economic growth, adopting world-leading technologies, systems and practices.

“ISCA membership provides Brisbane Airport with the tools to enable sustainable growth and to be a leader in infrastructure sustainability.” – Wendy Weir, Environment and Sustainability Manager

Limited time offer: Buy 2 tickets, get one free

The inaugural Infrastructure Sustainability Summit ‘Enabling sustainability through infrastructure’ in Auckland on Thursday June 7, 2018.

ISCA are hosting their inaugural New Zealand one-day Infrastructure Sustainability summit. The summit will explore how infrastructure can deliver better social and environmental outcomes and the most important local issues for delivering resilient, sustainable infrastructure in New Zealand. One of ISCA’s founding members, Arup, are the platinum partners for this event with Downer Soletanche Bachy and Liberty Onesteel silver partners.

With an overarching theme of ‘Enabling sustainability through infrastructure’ our three key topics, developed with industry are;

• Climate change resilience in infrastructure,
• Sustainable regional investment and local communities
• Innovation and digital technologies to drive sustainability

Learn about how the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme been implemented in more than $80billion worth of Australasian infrastructure. The IS Rating Scheme is currently mandated by almost all transport agencies in Australia and by New Zealand’s largest infrastructure project; City Rail Link.

Walk away with a deeper understanding of the economic, environmental and societal impacts realised from implementing the IS tool to the industry responsible for half of Australasia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Hear from exemplar case studies, government bodies and expert thought leaders on lessons learned, challenges and benefits of using the sustainable infrastructure.

In partnership with Liberty OneSteel, ISCA will also officially launch the latest version of the IS Rating Scheme, v2.0, the largest innovation in Australasian infrastructure sustainability standardisation tools to date.

This event is suitable for: infrastructure industry practitioners, contractors, sustainability managers, engineers as well as infrastructure investors, procurers, asset owners and key actors in the supply chain.

Confirmed speakers and topics at the summit:

• A Keynote address by the Minister for Women, Health and Associate Minister for Transport the strong>Hon, Julie Anne Genter.
• Arup – will give a global framework perspective for infrastructure resilience
• Downer – The first renewable energy project to achieve an IS Rating, the Ararat wind farm is a fine example of how regional investment has benefitted a rural community.
• Infrastructure New Zealand – Stephen Selwood will present Infrastructure New Zealand’s top ten policy recommendations to enable a step change in planning funding and delivering sustainable infrastructure in New Zealand.
• Victorian Government: Level Crossing Removal Authority – Insights in how LXRA have implemented innovative technologies in the removal of Australian level crossings.
• NZ Transport Association – NZTA discuss their evaluation of rating tools and approach to implementation of assurance framworks like the IS Rating Scheme for Transport Projects.
• Tonkin + Taylor – The pathways approach to adaptation: Clifton to Tangoio coastal hazard strategy 2120.
• Smart Cities Council ANZ–envisioning a world where digital technology and intelligent design have been harnessed to create smart, sustainable cities with high-quality living and high-quality jobs.
• Auckland Council – Sarah Sinclair will share insights into Auckland Council’s approach to climate resilience and coastal hazards.
• City Rail Link – CRL’s engagement and collaboration with Mana Whenua in order to meet the demands of local communities in Auckland.
• EKOS – Dr Sean Weaver offers an ecological perspective on how to combat the risk to infrastructure associated by climate change.
• Thinkstep – Hydrogen; part of the puzzle for New Zealand’s transition to 100% renewable energy?
• Watercare – Circular economy in the wastewater industry – Resource recovery and energy neutrality at Auckland’s wastewater treatment plants.

We’ll be adding more speakers in the coming weeks – stay tuned.

Feedback from recent Premier’s Sustainability Awards’ entrants confirms their involvement has led to wide-ranging benefits for staff, customers and communities.

“In the Awards’ 16-year history, businesses, organisations, schools and community groups have enjoyed the opportunity to not only demonstrate their sustainability work, but to promote it with their broader stakeholders,” Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan, said.

Mr Krpan said that there were a range of reasons why built environment projects should enter the Premier’s Sustainability Awards in 2018.

“Previous finalists and winners report that completing the entry leads to reflection and pride in what they have achieved. It’s great for staff and partners, customer and community morale!”

“Many projects involve a range of stakeholders. The recognition gained from the Awards helps strengthen these existing relationships and supports future engagement.”

“Having your green credentials acknowledged promotes your reputation and can give you a marketing edge. Sustainability Victoria supports finalists and winners with media releases and promotional collateral.”

“Involvement in the program offers unique opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and create new opportunities. The Awards ceremony is the night of nights for Victoria’s sustainability sector,” Mr Krpan said.

Being recognised as a finalist in the Government category in 2017 was an honour for CASBE (Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment).

“It drew focus to our work in sustainable built environments. To be amongst the other finalists, participating in such an esteemed event, emphasised the important role we all have to play in the larger collective effort,” said Natasha Palich, MAV (CASBE).

The Cape housing development was a finalist in the 2017 Built Environment and Environmental Protection categories. Director, Brendan Condon says, “The Premier’s Sustainability Awards is a peak event for sustainability practitioners and innovators in Victoria … Our experience has been really positive, including the media and publicity generated for our project, and the credibility that they bestow on those who participate. I highly recommend these awards to anyone who is working in the sustainability field, whether small or large business, community group or not-for-profit.”

Entries in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards close Thursday, 7 June, 2018.

To enter, learn more about the awards and to register for a free Information Session (Monday 30 April 2-3pm and Wednesday 16 May 10-11am), visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au