Month: October 2018

Photos from the 2018 Annual Conference

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Click here for awards photos.

Photos from the 2018 IS Awards

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Click here for conference photos.

The Winners of the 2018 IS Awards

During a resoundingly successful evening of celebration in Sydney last week, the winners of the 2018 IS Awards were announced.

Four of the awards were adjudicated by a panel of five highly esteemed judges, and the Outstanding Achievement awards were based on the projects which achieved the highest IS Score in the previous 12 months.

The event was hosted by Logie-Award winning comedian Dilruk Jayasinha, and catered by Doltone House Hyde Park. To start off the evening, ISCA presented IS Rating certificates to:

• Canberra Metro Light Rail (Design, Excellent)
• Citylink Tulla Widening (As Built, Excellent)
• Level Crossing Removal Project: Mernda Rail Extension (Design, Excellent)
• Level Crossing Removal Project: Western Program Alliance – Kororoit Creek and Abbotts Road
• Level Crossing Removal Project: Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrade (Design, Excellent)
• Level Crossing Removal Project: Bayswater Alliance (As Built, Leading)
• Metro Tunnel Early Works (Design, Leading)
• Rail Network Operations (Operations, Commended) – The first IS Asset to receive an operations rating!
• Port Drive Upgrade (As Built, Excellent)
• Sydney Metro North West – Program (Design, Leading) – The first Program to receive an IS Rating!
• Sydney Metro North West – Surface and Viaduct Civils (As Built, Leading)
• WestConnex M4 East (Design, Leading)
• WestConnex Stage 1a: M4 Widening (As Built, Excellent)
• Wickham Transport Interchange (As Built, Excellent

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The IS Organisational Leadership Award was presented by John Holland. The three finalists for this award were:

• CPB Contractors & EIC Activities (CIMIC Group)
• Main Roads WA
• Sydney Metro

The winner of the 2018 Organisational Leadership award was Main Roads WA. In collecting the award, Leo Coci congratulated his team for their hard-work, perseverance and great achievements this year. This is the second time Main Roads WA have won this award, having previously won it in 2014. Other previous winners include Aurecon, Edge Environment, and Level Crossing Removal Authority.

The IS Individual Leadership Award was presented by Lendlease. The three finalists for this award were:

• Jim Appleby (Downer Group)
• Rebecca Miller (AECOM)
• Trevor Cohen (Downer Group)

The winner of this award was Rebecca Miller. Infrastructure resilience expert Rebecca acknowledged AECOM in the acceptance of her award. In the past 12 months, Rebecca has been pivotal in the development of the resilience category of the ISv2.0 rating scheme, and has worked on Paramatta Light Rail, Sydney Metro and Parkes Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Plants. Rebecca has been involved with ISCA since the very beginning, and has shown leadership across the sector.

Previous winners of this award include Katrina O’Mara (formally of AECOM), Scott Losee (Losee Consulting), Glenn Hedges (EIC Activities) and Nicole Neal (Cardno).

The IS Emerging Young Leader Award was presented by McConnell Dowell. This was the first time this award has been presented, and celebrates the person aged 30 years or younger best demonstrating leadership in infrastructure sustainability.

The three finalists for this award were:

• Duncan Blackburn (Arup)
• Sam Donaldson (Laing O’Rourke)
• Laura Pritchard (Sydney Metro)

The winner was Laura Pritchard, Sydney Metro’s sustainability officer.  In her acceptance speech Laura acknowledged the amazing mentoring from Jo Haggerty and the team at Sydney Metro, and recognised the importance of female leaders as role models and mentors for the next generation.

Laura was nominated for her work in streamlining the application of the ISCA rating tool to Sydney Metro City & Southwest project and because she goes above and beyond in driving innovation including partnership with Social Traders, research into low carbon concrete and research into modern slavery.

The IS Innovation and Impact Award was re-imagined this year, having previously been the IS Impact Award. This award now celebrates the project which has best implemented an innovation. With 13 submissions, this award saw the greatest uptake from the community.

The three finalists for this award were:

• Metro Tunnel Early Works (The Energy Foundations Pilot Program)
• Level Crossing Removal Authority (Training for the future)
• Western Program Alliance (Reuse of PFAS impacted soils)

The winner of this award was the Level Crossing Removal Authority. Training for The Future (TFTF) is an innovative Victorian Government skills and industry development program creating a sustainable and inclusive talent and supply chain pipeline for major rail infrastructure projects in Victoria. Capitalising on the infrastructure boom to maximise impact for prosperity, people and planet, the program was created in response to the impending labour requirements and opportunity for economic inclusion of our most disadvantaged communities.

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The IS Outstanding Achievement Award was split in two this year, as demanded by our members. The first of these awards was the Design Award. The three projects which achieved the highest Design score this year were:

• Metro Tunnel Early Works
• Northwest Rapid Transit: Operations, Trains and Systems
• WestConnex – Stage 1b: M4 East

The winner was Metro Tunnel Early Works. The project achieved a Leading IS Design Rating, and demonstrated great sustainable outcomes with a predicted energy reduction of 39%, showed a creative approach to heritage assessment and interpretation, and demonstrated a forward thinking supply chain engagement strategy.

The $324 million Early Works Package for the Metro Tunnel Project is the first major expansion of Melbourne’s underground rail network since the City Loop was constructed 30 years ago.

The Outstanding Achievement Award (As Built) celebrates the completed project which achieved the highest IS Rating score in the past 12 months.

The three projects which achieved the highest As Built score this year were:

• Level Crossing Removal Project: Bayswater Alliance
• Port of Brisbane: Port Drive Upgrade
• Sydney Metro North West: Surface and Viaduct Civils

The winner was Level Crossing Removal Project: Bayswater Alliance. The project achieved a Leading IS As Built Rating. Highlights included a 44% reduction in energy use, a comprehensive approach to climate change risk and adaptation measures and the successful implementation of indigenous heritage through the collaboration of three local groups into a beautiful mural.

The Bayswater level crossing removal project involved the construction of a brand new Bayswater station and the removal of two dangerous and congested level crossings at Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road.

This project won the outstanding achievement award in 2016, with its leading design score. Other previous winners include the Gold Coast Light Rail, Sydney Metro Northwest, and Northlink WA, Southern Section.

A congratulations is in order to all of the 2018 IS winners, finalists, and submissions.

Transport for NSW: Platinum Sponsors for the 2018 IS Conference and Awards

Transport for NSW are platinum sponsors for the 2018 Annual Conference and Awards. We caught up with the team at TfNSW prior to this week’s event:

Why did you decide to partner with ISCA for the Infrastructure Sustainability Conference ‘Accelerating Positive Change for People and Planet’? 

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has been a long-time supporter of ISCA. The NSW Government, including TfNSW, provided initial funding to support the development of Version 1.0 of the IS Rating scheme. We’ve continued to support ISCA financially, and numerous employees have provided technical support, to develop version 2.0 of the scheme, in conjunction with other Government and industry partners. Further, with an extensive pipeline of NSW largest infrastructure projects, TfNSW recognises the importance of building infrastructure that conserves our natural resources, is built to adapt and be resilient, while also improving social outcomes. Our close and long-standing partnership with ISCA will help us to achieve our sustainability objectives. By supporting this year’s ISCA conference, we’ll continue our contribution to building valuable industry knowledge and innovation.

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Which of this year’s Conference themes/topics are TfNSW most passionate about?

TfNSW is committed to driving industry and sustainability advancements in all themes represented the ISCA conference. Three key themes we’re actively working on are: the road to carbon neutrality; regional investment in infrastructure; and social sustainability and the supply chain.

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What are some of the other ways TfNSW is demonstrating sustainability leadership?

At TfNSW, we’re working hard to embed sustainability into the DNA and culture of our organisation.  Our long term strategy ‘Future Transport 2056’ identifies sustainability as one of six key outcomes. We’re taking a whole-of-life approach, incorporating sustainability early in the strategic business case, and addressing sustainability by applying IS Ratings to all projects above $50 million. We’re focussed on training our supply chain and staff on sustainability, and  committed to demonstrating real and meaningful outcomes.

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TfNSW is currently delivering the largest transport infrastructure program Australia has ever seen. There’s a huge opportunity to have a positive impact for people and planet; what are some of the ways you’re achieving this?

At TfNSW, we’re proud to say that we were one of the first to mandate IS Ratings in our projects. Our contractors on Sydney Metro Northwest were tasked with achieving a minimum IS score of 65 (excellent ratings). We believe this set the benchmark within the industry, with many others following in our footsteps by mandating IS Ratings and minimum scores in projects across Australia.

Beyond the IS Rating scheme, TfNSW applies its own Sustainable Design Guidelines as a requirement for projects. So, whether projects pursue an IS Rating or apply our Guidelines, all TfNSW projects have a minimum requirement to apply sustainability approaches. Additionally, we’re working closely with other government agencies to implement social procurement and workforce targets. Along the way, we’re sharing our learnings with each other, and the broader industry, to ensure that we continue to learn and improve.

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What role do you see infrastructure playing in how we respond to climate change?

The transport sector is ranked globally as the third highest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. TfNSW is currently delivering the largest transport infrastructure program Australia has ever seen. Therefore, we have a significant role to play in how we design and build and operate those projects. Our first step has been to gain a deep understanding of our climate risk early in the design process for each project. By using the best available scientific data, we can make informed decisions to adapt the design, and therefore operation, of each unique project to ensure that they are resilient for the future. We’re also working with other government agencies to pursue alternative energy as a means of reducing our operational impacts.

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What does the industry in Australia need to do to realise the SDGs by 2030?

IS Version 2 embeds the SDGs – so as projects use this rating tool, then industry will work towards the realisation of the SDGs in infrastructure projects in Australia.

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How are you currently deploying the IS tool on your projects and what have been the challenges. Learnings and successes?

We’re working closely and collaboratively with ISCA to incorporate the IS Rating scheme across many of our projects.  Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to use the IS Rating scheme to identify gaps and opportunities to continuously improve our management systems and practical opportunities. This approach is enabling us to improve sustainability performance on our projects.  Some example projects that have applied the IS rating scheme are:

• Wynyard Walk,
• New Intercity Fleet,
• Newcastle Transport Interchange,
• 3 Light rail projects including – Newcastle Light Rail, CBD South East Light Rail, & Parramatta Light Rail,
• Regional Rail,
• Transport access projects,
• Sydney Metro Northwest and Sydney Metro City and Southwest

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Which project are you particularly proud of and why?

All of our projects are making contributions to Sydney’s modern and integrated transport system, which includes trains, buses, light rail and active transport. The project we’re most proud of to date is the Sydney Light Rail. Despite the challenges in construction, once complete, it will showcase our commitment to innovation and sustainability, as well as transform the CBD.

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How has using the ISCA framework helped to drive more sustainable outcomes for TfNSW?

Since the launch of Version 1.0 of the scheme, we’ve certainly seen the benchmark for best practice in sustainability lift in all our projects and within the industry. We see the scheme as invaluable in helping us drive sustainability internally and on our projects. Even better, a rating certainly helps us to communicate our achievements to a variety of stakeholders, including our valuable customers.

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What’s next for TfNSW? 

We’re continuing on our steep learning curve and having to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment. Like many in the industry, we know there are certainly areas for improvement, but we welcome that challenge to drive better outcomes for our organisation, people and the planet. Through our ‘Future Transport 2056’ strategy, we’re committed to embedding sustainability into our organisation and culture and aspire for it to become business as usual.

Liberty: Gold Partners for the IS Annual Conference & Awards

Why did you decide to partner with ISCA for the Infrastructure Sustainability Conference ‘Accelerating Positive Change for People and Planet’ and Awards Dinner? 

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ISCA’s annual conference is an ideal platform to showcase the sustainability credentials and opportunities for the construction sector and the aligned supply chain. As such it is a natural fit for Liberty and our core value of Sustainability.

ISCA is driving profound positive change in the built environment and the construction sector in general. As approximately 80 per cent of the steel Liberty manufactures is used by the construction industry,  the company is on the front line in the delivery of resilient infrastructure that meets recognised sustainability targets. ‘Sustainability’ is one of Liberty’s core values and aligns with ISCA’s core value of ‘Improving the productivity and liveability of industry and communities through sustainability in infrastructure’.

The ISCA framework provides a platform for early engagement and collaboration at all levels of the supply chain which, in turn, provides opportunities to develop and deliver more sustainable outcomes for projects and for steel. Liberty takes a proactive approach to sustainability by striving for continuous improvements in environmental performance and by taking its social responsibilities seriously.

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Which of this year’s Conference themes/topics are Liberty most passionate about?

Liberty is passionate about all themes but in particular, collectively, we have a key role to play in:

• Resources, Materials & The Circular Economy
• Social Sustainability and the Supply Chain
• Resilience and Climate Change Risk
• The Road to Carbon Neutrality

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What are some of the other ways Liberty is demonstrating sustainability leadership?

In Australia and around the world, GFG Alliance, Liberty’s parent entity, supports local communities by investing in local industry. The company’s mission here in Australia is to transform metals manufacturing, engineering and mining by building on local resources, sustainable energy, new technology and enhanced skills.

Liberty Steel also makes it easy for its industry partners to understand the sustainability impact of using steel in construction projects by supplying Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) with its range of hot rolled structural, rail, merchant bar and reinforcing products.

Liberty Steel’s EPDs provide transparent information about the environmental impacts of the company’s steel products throughout their life cycle. Liberty Steel’s construction partners can boost their projects’ sustainability ratings by procuring Liberty Steel’s products and services, and leveraging these EPDs.

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Liberty is Australia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of structural and reinforcing steel, boasting over 5,000 Australian employees. There’s a huge opportunity to have a positive impact for people and planet; what are some of the ways you’re achieving this?

Liberty focuses on increasing the use of renewable energy, promoting greater use of recycled materials and operating facilities close to key markets.

The results of that strategy can already be seen with Liberty increasing the proportion of energy from renewable sources it uses in its manufacturing mix, and by investing significantly in renewable energy assets through GFG Alliance company SIMEC ZEN Energy. Earlier this year SIMEC ZEN Energy signed a 15-year power purchase agreement to take most of the output from French renewable energy company NEOEN’s Numurkah Solar Farm in northwest Victoria. The landmark deal will supply sufficient renewable energy to operate the Liberty Steel Laverton steelworks in Victoria.

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What role do you see infrastructure playing in how we respond to climate change?

ISCA is driving profound positive change in the built environment and the infrastructure construction sector in particular. As approximately 80 per cent of the steel Liberty manufactures is used by the construction industry,  the company is on the front line in the delivery of resilient infrastructure that meets recognised sustainability targets. ‘Sustainability’ is one of Liberty’s core values and aligns with ISCA’s core value of ‘Improving the productivity and liveability of industry and communities through sustainability in infrastructure’.

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How has using the ISCA framework helped to drive more sustainable outcomes for Liberty?

The ISCA framework is central to the drive for more sustainable outcomes for steel.

Liberty Steel will continue in its collaboration and communication efforts as it seeks to invest in renewable energy, support local communities, and embed and enhance the company’s core values of Family, Sustainability and Change.

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What’s next for Liberty? 

SIMEC ZEN Energy – a member of GFG Alliance – has launched its landmark US$1 billion, one‐gigawatt dispatchable renewable energy program in the Upper Spencer Gulf, unveiling details of its first project – the exciting Cultana Solar Farm project.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer, and SIMEC ZEN Energy Chairman Sanjeev Gupta were on hand to launch the first of many renewable energy projects planned for the region by SIMEC ZEN Energy, including cogeneration at GFG’s Liberty Primary Steel operations using waste gas; the world’s largest lithium‐ion battery; and trailblazing pumped hydro projects at GFG’s Middleback Ranges mining operations.

Mr Gupta believes there is a great future for energy‐intensive industries in Australia, with this the first step in GFG leading the country’s industrial transition to more competitive energy.

The project boasts an impressive 600GWh of energy generation per year – enough to power almost 100,000 average homes – drawn from 780,000 solar panels across an area 550 times larger than Adelaide Oval.

Mr Gupta said this project – together with SIMEC ZEN’s second solar project, in development to be built nearby – will make this one of Australia’s largest solar farms, with even larger projects to follow in other states.

“All of these projects will not only improve reliability and greatly reduce the cost of electricity in our own operations, they will also provide competitive sources of power for other industrial and commercial users, while at the same time playing a key role in the market’s transition towards renewables,” he said.

“We have a strong conviction that traditional carbon‐intensive generation sources do not have a long‐term future as the predominant source of power in Australia and globally.”

An Evening with Dilruk Jayasinha

We caught up with Dilruk Jayasinha, the host of the 2018 IS Gala Awards. The Sri-Lankan born Melbourne based stand-up comedian and Utopia star recently came back from touring Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Edinburgh. Dilruk won the 2018 Outstanding Newcomer Logie Award for his roles in series 3 of ABC’s Utopia and Channel Tens’ CRAM! Inspired by Ricky Gervais’ The Office, Dilruk began his working career as an accountant before taking the plunge into full-time comedy.

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What does sustainability mean to you?

Not to throw Sri Lanka under the bus, but there certainly wasn’t a big focus on sustainability growing up – I lived there during the civil war. When I came to Australia as a 19-year-old, recycling was a fairly new concept. I’m a sheep when it comes to changing behaviours – I trust the experts. You guys tell me to use a keep cup, I’ll use one. We’re not using straws now? Cool! Plastic bags, ditched. You keep the rules coming, I’ll keep following them. I guess we take it for granted that someone else is looking out for us.

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Can you tell us a bit about yourself; your background, your transition to comedy?

I came from Sri Lanka to Melbourne University to study accountancy, which was pretty tough, but I was quite studious and hardworking.

My first job out of Uni was as a corporate tax consultant. I spent most of my time with my head in Australian tax legislation books, reading small print, and having little human interaction. That’s just not me though, I love people.

In hindsight, it was lucky that they let me go after 6 months. Maybe I wasn’t performing to the optimum level. I was just doing it for the money anyway.

I thought to myself, ‘What would I do if money wasn’t my motivation’, and the answer was simple. Comedy.

I remember my first gig. I was so bad. It was a five-minute set at an open mic night in Melbourne, at a venue with a capacity of 400. Only 20 people turned up in the audience. I pretty much choked on stage. It was embarrassing. However, I really enjoyed the whole process.

After that I just immersed myself fully in stand-up comedy. I knew that I was going to be in this for the long run, I was happy to see success in 15-20 years. I went to the comedy show every night, hung around with the other comedians. It took me a long time. My peers were funnier and were better writers, but I had conviction.

I draw parallels with learning a new language – I was in and around comedians day in day out, so I just eventually learned to speak ‘funny’ better. The gigs went from 5 to 10 mins, to 20, to half an hour and then headlining for an hour. I started to get a name for myself at the comedy festival.

My first TV role was in an ABC Comedy with Sammy J and Randy, I was a recurring minor character.

Two years later I was invited to be on the panel for ‘Have You Been Paying Attention’. That was awesome. It’s great to be on TV and being able to be yourself, not acting. It really grew my following too. HYBPA is produced by Working Dog, who also produce Utopia, so that’s how I made the transition there.

They asked me if I wanted to go on Utopia, and I tried not to squeal when accepting. I’m such a fanboy.

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In order to prepare for Utopia, did the cast receive any ‘work experience’ in the infrastructure industry?

Absolutely Zero – All the research about infrastructure and all the gags around it were written by the producers. We may take a lot of the credit, but they’re the real funny guys. They trust us to play the characters that they’ve created.

The humour is driven by the human element. It’s the macro and minor frustrations associated with office life. New office initiatives, difficult people, egos in the hierarchy.

I drew on my years as an accountant, there were always new regulation being introduced. There was one scene where my character was asked to introduce an online tax app and got so bugged down with irrelevant minor details. The over explanation frustrates everyone in the room as well as the audience at home, and that’s Utopia.

What were your highlights from the Utopia series?

As I said, I’m a total fanboy of the show. I first met Kitty Flanagan as Kitty, my colleague on set. But then she went away and got her hair and makeup done, and came back as Rhonda, I got a bit star struck – I’m not watching this from home anymore – I’m starring in this too! Oh god what are my lines? It’s awesome to live in the world you enjoy consuming from afar.

Another distinct memory was of a talent show scene where I played a crap magician. There was a dance group who set off the fire alarm, and we had to evacuate the building and have the fire brigade come. The scene lasted minutes on the screen, but it was such a long, meticulously planned, fantastic day. There were so many people involved, so much planning, and so much effort.

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Could you tell us a bit about your Logie award?

The Logie award was linked to Utopia and CRAM! as best new talent – I was genuinely so excited to be nominated. TV Award ceremonies are so far removed from the stand-up world set in grungy pubs. This was national TV at its best, with a room full of stars.

It was nice to be nominated, but I never thought I was going to win. As time got closer to the awards, my betting friends kept telling me that my odds were improving – and then eventually the bookies had me as a favourite. It was at that point that it became apparent that I might actually win. I wasn’t even going to bother writing a speech because I didn’t think it would see the light of day.

It was so nice to win. Lots of people and small associations I’d been involved with in the past rallied behind me – small charities, Sri Lankan social media pages – all posted such kind congratulatory messages. I always thought social media was a place for trolls – it was great to see the outpour of positivity.

My family back home in Sri Lanka somehow managed to live stream the awards. It was a special moment for me and my family. You never know how long any of this will last, so it’s important to enjoy it whilst you have it.

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What are your plans for the near future; what’s in the pipeline?

Stand up is my first and number one love, and where I’m focusing my attention. I’m putting together next year’s tour – Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Edinburgh and London.

To be a successful stand-up you need to write lots of material. The creative process is a long one. I did my last show 72 times, and it was slightly different each time. You evolve as you go – you learn which jokes are better received, and how you can slightly tweak the delivery of other material in order to get a better reception. I just try to make sure people will want to come back next year.

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Here’s Dilruk live in action – language warning!

There are still tickets remaining for the IS Gala Awards.

Holcim ViroDecs^TM. A first for Australian Concrete

Holcim Australia (Holcim) has become the first concrete company in Australia to embark on developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its Readymix Concrete.

A range of EPDs, under the ViroDecs^TM brand name, will be developed and registered under the Australasian EPD Programme in early 2019.

The initiative constitutes a major investment in comprehensively analysing and communicating to customers the embodied environmental impacts of Holcim’s Readymix Concrete. Data was collected from across Holcim’s Australian operations, which includes over 190 Holcim concrete batching plants and 65 Holcim quarries in Australia earlier this year, to meet the rigorous data quality requirements in the ISO and EN standards for Environmental Product Declarations. The data will feed into an ISO14044 compliant Life Cycle Assessment, to be carried out by specialist practitioners and independently reviewed by an approved, third-party verifier. Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM will be the culmination of this work: verified documents that detail the ‘cradle to gate’ environmental impacts of Holcim’s Readymix Concrete.

The development of a concrete EPD is a critical  ‘missing’ piece to having all key infrastructure and building products represented by an EPD. Its publication will support designers and developers to drive improved  sustainable procurement and materials selection.

“The advent of Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM will help shape the way the construction industry analyses the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure in the future,” says National Sales and Marketing Manager Glenn Simpkin.

“By bringing concrete products on board to the EPD program in Australia, Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM will vastly increase the accessibility of life cycle data for construction  materials  and thus the speed of life cycle assessments, enabling greater depth of analysis in the same timeframe. Going from generic environmental information to product, company and geographically-specific information will allow for deeper, broader and more bespoke analysis with greater confidence in the results.”

Beyond providing greater transparency, Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM also provide a rigorous, science-based framework for driving environmental improvement throughout Holcim’s sites and supply chains. It will lead the way for other concrete providers to follow suit, fostering a whole-of-life approach in the Australian building products sector.

Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM also has the potential to challenge views on environmental sustainability, by supporting the standardisation and transparency of environmental claims.

Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM can be directly taken up by a range of existing tools and rating schemes. The data can be imported into digital industry tools such as eTool – a web-based Life Cycle Design app for the built form used by ESD designers and developers and the IS Materials Calculator, used to assess a project’s embodied GHG emissions from materials use and their Mat-1 IS points. EPDs can also be used to gain points under the Mat-2 credit of the IS Rating scheme and Credit 21 of the Green Star As Built rating scheme, which Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM will enable for Readymix Concrete as an industry first upon publication.

As a result, Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM will offer an advantage to customers wanting to be leaders in the sustainable infrastructure and building industry, currently led by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, and Green Building Council of Australia. This topic will be explored by Holcim’s National Approvals and Sustainable Development Manager, Cyril Giraud, at the Innovation Panel on Day 1 of the ISCA Conference 2018 next week.

“The information from Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM can be used by a range of our customers and their associates, from architects, engineers, developers and builders, to drive reductions in the embodied environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure at the design and specification stage,” says National Approvals and Sustainable Development Manager Cyril Giraud.

“To build infrastructure and buildings that have a lower environmental impact requires smarter design, informed by accurate and relevant environmental data. Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM set a very clear commitment to providing accurate and transparent environmental data for our customers and a framework for continued improvement on Holcim’s part,” says Cyril.

Holcim’s ViroDecs^TM is just one of a series of new sustainability measures driven by the objectives of the global LafargeHolcim 2030 Sustainability Plan. The 2030 Plan supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, while articulating our own commitment to improving sustainability outcomes for our operations and customers.

The LafargeHolcim 2030 Plan is available to view online, and incorporates sustainability targets across matters of innovation, climate, circular economy, water, nature, people and communities.

CPB Contractors: Influencing and Accelerating Positive Change

We caught up with David Fox, Group Manager Sustainability at CPB Contractors. CPB Contractors are one of the gold partners for the 2018 IS Annual Conference, and David is the moderator of the Materials, Resources and the Circular Economy Panel. CPB Contractors’s Julian Sharp will also be talking about the innovative use of recycled plastic in rail infrastructure at the Innovations and Impact Workshop.

What are some of the  ways CPB Contractors is demonstrating sustainability leadership?

Through leadership and collaboration, CPB Contractors is seeking to influence and accelerate positive change to protect and preserve the world around us. CPB Contractors has commenced a national Sustainability Awareness and Training Program to increase the knowledge and capabilities of our staff and promote the benefits of sustainability. Although open to everyone, the training specifically targets senior leadership, project managers, tendering teams and sustainability professionals.

In partnership with CIMIC Group’s engineering and technical services business, EIC Activities, we also recently organised two industry breakfast events in Brisbane and Sydney with independent think tank Beyond Zero Emissions advocating the need for the construction industry to initiate and adopt lower carbon concrete solutions.

CPB Contractors is one of the largest contractors in Australia there’s a huge opportunity to have a positive impact for people and planet. What are some of the ways you’re achieving this?

We understand that sustainability is about ensuring the long-term success of our projects, people, communities and ecosystems by integrating environmental, social, economic and governance factors into our decision making.

In the people space, CPB Contractors was the first corporate organisation to sign a 10-year commitment with CareerTrackers, providing internships to Indigenous university students. Since 2011, more than 100 Indigenous students have completed internships at our projects and in our offices, with many being accepted into the CIMIC Group Graduate Program or into employment with our company.

At project level, CPB Contractors is committed to reducing our impact during construction activities as demonstrated by recent Australian first initiatives including:

• The first large scale use of EME2 Asphalt pavement
• Use of hybrid solar powered generators
• Implementing soft plastic recycling schemes
• Reuse of crushed glass in road pavements and earthworks

What role do you see infrastructure playing in how we respond to climate change?

Infrastructure helps to shape our world, the way we move and interact, and the way we live our lives. Many of our projects are critical to the day-to-day operation of our cities and communities. But our climate is changing and the way we design and build has become critically important. For example, as climate change is forecast to cause an increase in the number and severity of extreme weather events, the infrastructure we deliver must not only mitigate these expected impacts, but provide adaptive solutions, such as carbon  sequestration, flood detention and consideration of emergency response scenarios to extreme events.

What does the industry in Australia need to do to realise the SDGs by 2030?

As a member of the CIMIC Group, CPB Contractors recognises the global commitment of governments and businesses to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our commitment is reflected in CIMIC’s Sustainability Policy which notes that ‘the Group will abide by the principles of the UN Global Compact and acknowledges its role in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.’

The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. They include ‘Global Goals’ and identified targets. Our industry can make a significant contribution to Goal #11 – ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ by delivering sustainable infrastructure projects, and our industry can provide leadership to influence Goal #8 – ‘Decent work and Economic Growth’ through the procurement of sustainable products and mitigating against Modern Slavery in the supply chain. This will be a heightened area of focus with the implementation of Modern Slavery Legislation in 2019.
How are you currently deploying the IS tool on your projects and what have been the challenges. What learnings and successes have you had?

To date, we have deployed the IS tool on 21 projects, and achieved six ‘Leading’ and six ‘Excellent’ ratings.

Initially, awareness of ISCA was limited in some regions, however, with more than 100 staff trained as IS accredited professionals to date, ISCA has provided a common sustainability language and catalyst for sustainable decision making, which has resulted in stronger engagement and awareness across our project teams.

Senior Leadership promotion of sustainability, early integration on projects and engagement with suppliers and stakeholders, have been critical to the successful delivery of sustainable outcomes.

What project are you particularly proud of and why?

The Furlong Main Blackburn Heatherdale Level Crossing Removal Project in Melbourne achieved a Leading ISCA score of 80 which exceeded the contractual requirement of 65 and validated the many individual sustainable outcomes achieved on the project including:

Verified Australian First Innovations:

• TRINET – the use of a polymer based drainage blanket
• Biodiesel LED light towers
• Remote area power supply – solar hybrid generator

Verified reductions:

• 47% energy reduction
• 65.5% water reduction
• 21% materials reduction

The project delivered significant social sustainability outcomes including the social enterprise engagement of Yarra View Nursery Enterprise.

 

 

How has using the ISCA framework helped to drive more sustainable outcomes for CPB Contractors?

The ISCA framework provides a common language to communicate sustainability targets, benchmarks and outcomes across our projects.

CPB Contractors has utilised the ISCA framework as a catalyst for sustainable decision making by mandating ISCA management methodologies within our Sustainability Management System.

To date, sustainability-focused decision making and benchmarking have assisted CPB Contractors to identify and implement more than 17 unique innovations, including nine Australian firsts and five state firsts.
What’s next for CPB Contractors in sustainability?

We look forward to further collaborating with our clients and suppliers to identify innovative and sustainable ways to deliver projects and further accelerate positive change within our environments and communities.

 

IS Award Finalists Announced

At ISCA we reward and recognise leadership in Infrastructure Sustainability to shift the benchmark and drive positive change within the industry. We do this through our rating scheme and our annual awards that distinguish excellence in organisational, individual and project leadership.

ISCA’s panel of judges have carefully presided over the many nominations and have narrowed down the field to announce 3 finalists for each category, and they are;

• The finalists for IS Individual Leadership Award – Recognising the individual who best exhibits the most outstanding performance, leadership and greatest contribution to advancing infrastructure sustainability in Australasia are;
  • Jim Appleby – Downer Group
  • Trevor Cohen – Downer Group
  • Rebecca Miller – Aecom

• The finalists for our new award category IS Emerging Individual Leader – Recognising potential future leaders aged 30 years or younger are:
  • Duncan Blackburn – Arup
  • Sam Donaldson – Laing O’Rourke
  • Laura Pritchard – Sydney Metro

• The finalist for IS Organisational Leadership Award – recognising the organisation that exhibits the most outstanding performance, leadership and greatest contribution to advancing infrastructure sustainability in Australasia are; ‘
  • CPB Contractors & EIC Activities (CIMIC Group)
  • Main Roads WA
  • Sydney Metro

• The finalists for our new award category IS Innovation and Impact Award – Celebrating the infrastructure project which demonstrates the most impressive implementation of innovation are;
  • Metro Tunnel Early Works (John Holland & Rail Projects Victoria)
  • Level Crossings Removal Authority
  • Western Program Alliance – Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal (LXRA, McConnell Dowell, MTM, Arup, Mott MacDonald)

Our sustainability and infrastructure judges this year had an extremely difficult task with the high calibre of nominations. As the groundswell of support and capability increases with infrastructure sustainability so to does the leadership in this area. With now more than $100billion worth of projects engaged in the IS rating scheme the competition to reward the best continues to increase

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Update:

After having received the latest round of project verifications, we are proud to announce that the finalists for the 2018 IS Outstanding Achievement Awards are:

Design:

• Metro Tunnel – Early Works
• Sydney Metro Northwest – Operations, Trains and Systems
• WestConnex – Stage 1b: M4 East

As Built:

• Level Crossing Removal Project – Bayswater Alliance
• Port of Brisbane – Port Drive Upgrade
• Sydney Metro Northwest – Surface and Viaduct Civils.

Don’t miss out on this Black-Tie Gala event: Annual Conference and Awards

Nadeena Dixon’s Sustainability Story Map

To help bring to life ISCA’s mission of accelerating sustainability in infrastructure through collaboration, we engaged indigenous artist Nadeena Dixon to create a ‘Sustainability Story Map’.

Featured on the front page of our Annual Conference Program this year and on our reusable delegate bags, Nadeena’s artwork shares a story of a connection and collaboration of people, planet and pathways from past to future.

ISCA team met with Nadeena, a proud woman of the Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal people who shared her story of growing up traditionally and sharing her time by the sea on the south coast, in the snowy mountains and Sydney. Being taught traditional weaving methods by her aunties, Nadeena developed a deep appreciation for story-telling nature of art from a young age. A talented artist and casual lecturer at UTS about Indigenous Perspectives in Arts and Culture, her practice encompasses print making, multi-platform production including photography, animation, video, editing, sound, and webpage design and integration.

“I’m blessed to be able to share my work and communicate my artistic vision through my arts practice,” said Nadeena.

Speaking about the piece she created for ISCA Nadeena explains “the design fits within Indigenous knowledge systems framework using key symbols to communicate through a Visual Symbol language. I think of the work as a type of Story Map or Story world that can be read and translated through the symbols that identify what the core messages are.”

ISCA is delighted with Nadeena’s Sustainable Story Map and we hope you are too, each delegate at our Annual Conference will take home a reusable bag with the artwork printed on it.

 

Lendlease: Gold Partners at the IS Awards

ISCA are proud to have Lendlease, a founding member and continuous supporter, as a gold partner for this year’s IS Awards. We caught up with the infrastructure sustainability team at Lendlease ahead of next week’s IS Awards:

Why did you decide to partner with ISCA for the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Awards? 

As a Signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, we remain committed to managing and optimising our sustainability contribution and performance through delivering economic, social and environmentally responsible outcomes. We have a long and proud history of championing environmental, social and economic outcomes to deliver projects that respond to both our clients’ needs and community expectations. Lendlease has been a proud supporter and member of ISCA for many years now and we are committed to delivering and maintaining sustainable infrastructure in construction and operation. We currently have 12 ISCA rated projects throughout Australia and have contributed to ISCA’s development over the years with involvement in pilot projects, board representation, industry secondments and involvement in various working groups and IS V2.0 review groups.

Support for ISCA and the IS Awards, which showcase best practice for implementing sustainability for infrastructure projects, is another way that we can demonstrate our commitment and support for sustainable infrastructure. Acknowledging achievement and best practice within the industry is crucial to ensure that the outcomes can be shared and implemented on a wider scale.

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What are some of the ways Lendlease is demonstrating sustainability leadership?

Lendlease continues to build on our extensive sustainability expertise, consolidating our focus around two principal areas, namely environment and community.  Lendlease is recognised by GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) as an international leader, with the Lendlease managed Australian Prime Property Fund (Commercial) ranked first. In FY18, Lendlease achieved 99% green certification of our development pipeline and we are delivering the IS framework on several projects around Australia. We remain focused on a 20% reduction in the consumption of energy, emissions, water and waste by 2020. We are implementing the recommendations of the Taskforce for Climate related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) and are a Signatory to both the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and the UN Global Compact (UNGC).

Through our work, we also aim to leave a social legacy in creating jobs, building skills and supporting local and marginalised communities. There are numerous programs and initiatives underway across Lendlease and we are particularly proud of our RAP, which achieved Elevate status.  Additionally, we continue to drive positive outcomes through the numerous skills and training ‘Hubs’ across our projects and through partnerships with organisations like CareerTrackers and CareerSeekers.  We are also proud of our leadership in health and wellbeing, including the provision of leading mental health training, flexible work options and the provision of healthier work environments.

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Lendlease was founded in Sydney, Australia, and is now a leading international property and infrastructure group with approximately 12,740 employees internationally. There’s a huge opportunity to have a positive impact for people and planet; what are some of the ways you’re achieving this?

Two examples that demonstrate our positive impact to people and planet is our work around Indigenous reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan and our recent partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

As an Australian company, our vision for reconciliation remains one that drives all employees to acknowledge and celebrate the proud heritage of Australia’s First Peoples. It also promotes opportunities for career development, sustainable business growth and economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. In 2016, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) achieved ‘Elevate’ status, the highest level to be awarded by Reconciliation Australia. In the last financial year, Lendlease has engaged with over 50 Supply Nation certified or registered Indigenous businesses (to the value of $68.3M), several of which have signed partnership MoU’s to participate in Lendlease’s Gymea Program to deliver enhanced economic and social outcomes through our partnerships.

In April, our Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Steve McCann joined His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, on Queensland’s Lady Elliot Island, to announce a $5 million, 10 year partnership between Lendlease and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF).  This partnership will support a range of programs to protect and build resilience in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. One of the ways we will activate our support is through Springboard, our flagship global Foundation program. Lendlease employees from around the world will have the opportunity to work with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and engage with local Indigenous communities, in on-ground conservation projects. This support aligns with our Elevate RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) commitments, which are focused on providing meaningful and sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

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What role do you see infrastructure playing in how we respond to climate change?

Infrastructure plays a critical role in how we can manage, adapt and be resilient to the impacts of climate change. If we do not design and build infrastructure for future climate trends and predictions, the asset will be susceptible to climate change risks and will not service the community and society in the way it was intended. It is all too common these days to see vital pieces of infrastructure impacted by the extremes of climate change and the associated devastating impact this can have on the community. The infrastructure that we deliver today needs careful consideration of climate risks, the incorporation of sustainable material choices and processes; and the agility to respond positively to the adoption of new technologies such as autonomous and electric vehicles, the internet of things and other disruptive technologies.

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What does the industry in Australia need to do to realise the SDGs by 2030?

Industry influence on the adoption and implementation of SDGs should not be underestimated. Industry can take a leadership position through the adoption of SDG targets, and other sustainability performance rating tools such as IS and Green Star, to continually drive business improvements internally and deliver quality assets that meet economic, social and environmental expectations for our clients. Industry can also assist by improving collaboration and actively sharing innovations and lessons learned to build momentum within the industry and reassure other organisations starting their sustainability journey that positive change is possible and makes strong business sense.

Investment in infrastructure is at a record high within Australia, and our ability to work collaboratively with our clients to achieve exceptional sustainability outcomes through the assets we design and deliver has never been greater. Ensuring that we use our internal experience and expertise to identify sustainable opportunities and overcome sustainability challenges will help lift this industry to new heights. That’s why the advocacy and adoption of SDGs, IS and other rating tools such as Green Star are important for our business and our clients and stakeholders.

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How are you currently deploying the IS tool on your projects and what have been the challenges. Learnings and successes?

All of our IS rated projects have a dedicated team of sustainability professionals that help to coordinate and deliver the IS rating scheme. As we all know, sustainability is a team sport and requires each discipline of the project delivery team to activity participate and contribute to enhanced sustainability outcomes. Without their ongoing dedication and passion, some of our success stories would never have materialised. Building on that passion to improve the industry, monthly national sustainability forums are held with all our sustainability leads to help facilitate the transfer of knowledge between projects and team members. In addition to these forums, project sustainability leads are often invited to participate in other project sustainability start-up workshops to impart their knowledge and experience with the IS rating process. Often our sustainability leads will audit other IS rated projects to provide a “second opinion” on our submissions and ensure that our procedures are sound and robust. All our projects have found that early engagement with the ISCA team and communication about the roles and responsibilities of the wider project team in implementing sustainability, enables the best outcomes for the project.

From a corporate perspective, we are continually refining our management system and procedures to support the IS rating scheme, and facilitate the implementation of a consistent approach across the business.

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What project are you particularly proud of and why?

We have a lot of great projects, but more importantly, many experienced and dedicated people who are delivering truly amazing outcomes on our projects. Projects such as Melbourne Metro Cross Yarra Partnership are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and showcasing what is possible through good planning and commitment to sustainable practices. Northconnex, which was our first project to achieve a leading rating, has implemented best practice in water treatment and recycling with a treatment plant that has recycled up to 50% of water used for tunnelling operations. Other significant projects include our Northern Connector project that is achieving amazing outcomes though our Employment and Skilling Hub (NorthHub) and our Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Projects that are continually pushing boundaries and striving for best practice as seen within the latest ISCA impacts report. While not a project, we’re also proud of our concrete precast facility (Australian Precast Solutions) that has been producing precast concrete structures with significantly less cement content than traditional concrete mixes.

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How has using the ISCA framework helped to drive more sustainable outcomes for Lendlease?

For the first time within our industry, the ISCA framework has brought consistency to the way industry implements, reports and measures sustainability performance. This consistency, along with the widespread adoption of the framework by our key clients, has cemented sustainability as a key component of infrastructure delivery. It has also provided the industry with a mechanism to continually improve sustainability performance and challenge traditional industry norms.

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What’s next for Lendlease? 

Our vision is to create the best places, and we recognise that we are uniquely placed in the type and scale of work we deliver and the locations we work in, to be able to positively contribute to global scale agendas, like the UN Sustainable Develop Goals.  We can achieve this not only through ‘what’ we do, but also ‘how’ we do it.  To this end, Lendlease remains committed and focused on delivering long term value as governments, investors and the private sector seek trusted partners who can deliver efficient, healthy and resilient outcomes that are financially, environmentally, culturally and socially inclusive.

Liberty Steel: Delivering on its Sustainability Promise

This article is taken from the 2018 ISCA Impacts Report.

Liberty Steel and ISCA are united in their pursuit of sustainable outcomes for Australia’s infrastructure. 

Liberty Steel is proud to partner with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia to facilitate infrastructure that can deliver optimum social and environmental outcomes.

The company is Australia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of structural and reinforcing steel, including hot rolled structurals, pipe and tube, rod, reinforcing bar, wire products and rail. Liberty Steel’s structural and reinforcing steel and rail products enable the construction of steel-framed buildings, buildings framed in concrete and nation-building infrastructure projects.

The company is a key supplier and partner to the construction industry. Approximately 80 per cent  of the steel Liberty Steel manufactures is used by the construction industry, which places the company on the front line in the delivery of resilient infrastructure that meets recognised sustainability targets. ‘Sustainability’ is one of Liberty Steel’s core values and aligns with ISCA’s core value of ‘Improving the productivity and liveability of industry and communities through sustainability in infrastructure’.

The important role played by Liberty Steel in delivering better outcomes for communities and the natural environment is recognised by ISCA, with Acting CEO Ainsley Simpson stating: “Liberty Steel actively find ways to play their part as integral partners in infrastructure through the provision of sustainable steel products – this is enabling the delivery of better outcomes for Australian communities.”

Taking the lead in sustainability

Liberty Steel takes a proactive approach to sustainability by striving for continuous improvements in environmental performance and by taking its social responsibilities seriously.

In Australia and around the world, GFG Alliance, owner of Liberty Steel, supports local communities by investing in local industry. The company’s mission here in Australia is to transform metals manufacturing, engineering and mining by building on local resources, sustainable energy, new technology and enhanced skills.

Liberty Steel’s efforts are informed by its GREENSTEEL strategy, which focuses on increasing the use of renewable energy, promoting greater use of recycled materials and operating facilities close to key markets. The results of that strategy can already be seen with Liberty Steel increasing the proportion of energy from renewable sources it uses in its manufacturing mix, and by investing significantly in renewable energy assets through its sister company SIMEC ZEN Energy.

In May of this year, SIMEC ZEN Energy signed a 15-year power purchase agreement to take most of the output from French renewable energy company NEOEN’s Numurkah Solar Farm in northwest Victoria. The landmark deal will supply sufficient renewable energy to operate the Liberty Steel Laverton steelworks in Victoria.

Liberty Steel also makes it easy for its industry partners to understand the sustainability impact of using steel in construction projects by supplying Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) with its range of hot rolled structural, rail, merchant bar and reinforcing products.

Liberty Steel’s EPDs provide transparent information about the environmental impacts of the company’s steel products throughout their life cycle. Liberty Steel’s construction partners can boost their projects’ sustainability ratings by procuring Liberty Steel’s products and services, and leveraging these EPDs.

One of the projects currently maximising the benefits of Liberty Steel’s EPDs is Victoria’s $1.6 billion Caulfield to Dandenong (CTD) Level Crossing Removal project. Liberty Steel has supplied 4000 tonnes of prefabricated reinforcing steel to the project, which is elevating sections of rail line and removing nine dangerous and congested level crossings. The use of Liberty Steel’s Australian-made reinforcing steel is helping the CTD project accrue points in the materials category of the IS rating tool, with the project targeting an ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating.

Collaboration with ISCA

Liberty Steel’s Rob Johnson says the ISCA framework is central to the drive for more sustainable outcomes for steel.

“The ISCA framework provides a platform for early engagement and collaboration at all levels of the supply chain which, in turn, provides opportunities to develop and deliver more sustainable outcomes for projects and for steel.”

He says Liberty Steel is pleased to act as an Australian and New Zealand official partner for ISv2.0 launch events.

“ISv2.0 represents a great step forward in respect to sustainability ratings for infrastructure, incorporating a more holistic approach to sustainability via the inclusion of key elements such as economic and social sustainability, as well as a focus on sustainable procurement,” Rob says.

“ISv2.0 encourages and promotes greater collaboration and communication across all supply chain partners for infrastructure projects. Collaboration, early engagement and communication are fundamental to successfully driving improved sustainability outcomes.”

He says Liberty Steel will continue in its collaboration and communication efforts as it seeks to invest in renewable energy, support local communities, and embed and enhance the company’s core values of Family, Sustainability and Change.

“Our intention is to operate our business for the long term and build a legacy for the future,” he says.