12 - 2021 - ISCouncil
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Month: December 2021

Industry set to step up to the challenge of decarbonisation of transport in Australia

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

 A month after the COP26, three key transport peak bodies, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), Roads Australia (RA) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) have reconfirmed their commitment to work in partnership to help industry lead decarbonisation of the transport sector. 

The commitment will be supported by a research report to be released early next year which will provide recommendations government and industry can adopt to accelerate decarbonisation in the transport sector based on local and global leading practice. 

The three peak bodies have been working together on the joint research project, which is nearing its final stages and will be key to providing a road map to for the transport sector to lead efforts reduce emissions across the sector to support the achievement of net zero by 2050. 

The study, being undertaken by KPMG, is expected to recommend a series of actions to support a focus on place, drive emissions reduction, support investment in renewables and EV infrastructure, and promote engagement and collaboration across the transport asset lifecycle. 

The recommendations have been informed by engagement with industry to identify the challenges and opportunities facing the transport sector. 

It will build on November’s COP26 commitments to transition to zero emissions vehicles around the world and support the Breakthrough Agenda to promote collaboration on clean and sustainable solutions before the end of the decade. 

RA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said, “COP26 has unquestionably built further momentum for decarbonisation across the transport sector. This study will highlight opportunities for our industry to coalesce around the type of practical actions that will deliver meaningful and sustained change.” 

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said, “There is a huge opportunity for the transport sector to be a driving force in achieving our net zero future. This report will help set the agenda for industry to work together to deliver tangible and positive change for the long term.” 

ISC Chief Executive Officer Ainsley Simpson said, “Climate action is a shared responsibility that no one organisation or stakeholder group can solve alone – it is going to require a truly collaborative approach focussed on impact for people, planet and the economy. We are excited by this pioneering partnership with ARA, RA and ISC bringing together a network of shared members to lead our industry to transition. We welcome and encourage others to join us on this journey,’’ 

The joint research project was launched in September with the support of report sponsor Arup, a firm committed to accelerating reduction in carbon emissions and creating effective sustainability outcomes for their clients. 

The report, which will feature a range of local and international case studies highlighting the opportunity for more sustainable approaches across the transport sector. 

The report is expected to be released early next year and will be followed by a Spotlight on Sustainability event that will expand on the themes and opportunities identified. 

Joint announcement of NELP’s adoption of v2.1

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

In an industry first, North East Link has adopted version 2.1 of the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Tool to ensure the project continues to achieve excellent environmental, social and economic outcomes as it moves into delivery.

With the Spark Consortium recently announced as the delivery partner for the North East Link Tunnels, the tunnelling package will be the first to implement IS v2.1 Design and As Built. Future works packages for the North East Link will also be required to implement IS v2.1.

This announcement marks the culmination of months of detailed planning and reviews of the Technical Manual to ensure it will drive strong sustainability outcomes for NELP in accordance with its sustainability objectives and targets.

The IS Rating Scheme brings together world best practice for designing and building sustainable infrastructure. The revised version of the tool, officially launched in September 2021, sets new ambitious standards for users with new methodologies and higher benchmarks.

Adopting IS v2.1 is a major step change for infrastructure sustainability as the newly released technical manual includes credits that promote best practice in the design and construction of horizontal infrastructure in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition, ISv2.1 acknowledges the necessary adjustments required to meet the current sustainability challenges and opportunities faced by the industry.

With the adoption of this new rating version, North East Link plans to support the wider construction industry to move away from business-as-usual approaches and reward approaches that deliver positive sustainability outcomes.

“By adopting IS v2.1 North East Link is signalling its desire to achieve beyond business-as-usual outcomes and we commend the project for its leadership in sustainability performance” says Ainsley Simpson, CEO of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

“As the first rating partner to adopt IS v2.1, the team at North East Link will leave a lasting legacy in infrastructure sustainability, which should be celebrated and commended”.

As Victoria’s largest ever road project, North East Link has worked closely with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council during the final stages of development for the revised rating tool.

North East Link is also engaging early with the market to support the infrastructure sector’s transition to the latest version of the rating tool and alongside the Infrastructure Sustainability Council are working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to support the transition and adoption.

“Adopting IS v2.1 is a testament to North East Link’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and we look forward to working alongside the team throughout the process” says Ainsley Simpson, CEO, Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

Achieving Sustainable Growth through Environmental Intelligence

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

Watch the discussion with Envirosuite, where we explore why ensuring ESG and Innovating to zero have never been so prevalent in global business operations. Particularly now in a post pandemic world, businesses continue to face challenges in meeting environmental expectations whilst driving growth. Using Environmental Intelligence, industries can shift from a management to modelling approach, producing operational efficiencies and cost benefits for their business.

Environmental Intelligence (EI) is a technology-driven process which harnesses the power of big data, machine learning and analytics tools to produce real-time visualisations, predictive modelling and actionable insights.

Join Ivan Fernandez, Industry Director at Frost & Sullivan and Ben Rippingale, Senior Environmental Intelligence Advisor at Envirosuite in a discussion that explores the recent Environmental Intelligence report and addresses:

– Macro drivers in a post pandemic world

– Challenges industries face to transform operationally to meet environmental expectations

– How EI can be used to shift from a management to modelling approach to provide significant business benefits

ANZ infrastructure industry well-positioned to meet 2030 benchmarks and achieve net zero by 2050

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

In a first-time collaboration Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK), Australian Constructors Association, Consult Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council have released a joint report to support industry in accelerating a net zero future through the design and construction of the infrastructure pipeline.

The report, A net-zero future delivered through our infrastructure pipeline, signals that a whole-of-business, systems-based approach across asset lifecycles is required to accelerate the journey to net zero. This includes pulling key levers such as procurement, materials, methodologies, technology and people capability.

Jon Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Constructors Association said, “The record investment in infrastructure creates opportunities for the construction industry to be part of the solution to net zero.

“We all have a role to play, and it must be performed in partnership. The report sets out the options and enablers for government and industry to use in mapping the path to low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Mr Davies.

Although the industry has a significant footprint it has already started to demonstrate the influence it can have on the reduction of emissions said Ainsley Simpson, CEO, Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

“The 24 As-Built Projects certified over the last four years by the Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme reduced their whole of lifecyle emissions by 26.5 million tonnes of CO2e, which is equivalent to the 26 CO2e saved by the whole Australian economy in 2020,” said Ms Simpson.

There are many tools identified in the report which also map key enabling levers against asset lifecycle phase, as well as a net-zero delivery model to prompt and guide decision-making – from rethinking and redefining problems and solutions through to reducing carbon intensive materials and ensuring regenerative approaches are integrated in asset design and construction.

The report also presents real-world case studies to inspire project teams to utilise, adapt, scale and accelerate further innovation.  Technology is also identified as a key enabler of decarbonisation.

Andy Cunningham, ANZ Regional Director, Autodesk, said technology supports the infrastructure industry with the tools they need to unlock insights, make better decisions, and achieve superior outcomes.

“Software helps automate complex processes and transform data into actionable insights that empower innovators to improve the impact of everything they design, make, own, and operate. Cloud solutions and connected data environments fuel innovation—across technology, processes, supply chains, and industries. This opportunity is only accelerating,” said Mr Cunningham.

The release of the framework follows the COP26 climate talks which called for accelerated decarbonisation before 2030 to keep global temperature within 2-degree limits, and preferably to 1.5 degrees.

“Strong leadership and collaboration across the industry is going to be required to achieve accelerated net zero and keep our sector globally competitive,’’ said Nicola Grayson, CEO of Consult Australia.

“Net zero is a shared responsibility. Through the collective members of the Australian Constructors Association, Consult Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, in collaboration with Autodesk, we are committed to working with industry and government stakeholders to drive the continuous improvement required to achieve this shared outcome. We look forward to working together to take action at scale and at pace,’’ concluded Ms Grayson.

Transdev John Holland Joint Venture Sets Pathway to Greener Connections in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

Commuters in Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs can look forward to a greener, more reliable commute from next year.

A new fleet of 136 zero emission buses will service the region as part of a new contract awarded by the NSW Government to Transdev John Holland Buses (NSW) to operate Greater Sydney Bus Contract 9 (Region 9) until 2030.

The region includes some of the city’s busiest bus routes, with a patronage of 67 million customer journeys in a typical year.

Routes connect Sydney’s CBD to the Eastern Beaches, La Perouse to the south, the suburban centres of Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, Randwick, Redfern, Waverley, Bondi, Coogee and Mascot, and the harbourside suburbs of Elizabeth Bay, Double Bay and Vaucluse.

Transdev Australasia Chief Executive Officer, Luke Agati, said sustainability and keeping people and customers at the heart were critical to securing the contract.

“We are delighted to partner with John Holland to operate Region 9. We will bring our collective know-how to help Transport for NSW continue to set the pace in the transition to zero emissions fleets in Australia and deliver broad benefits to the community,” Mr Agati said.

John Holland Executive General Manager Rail and Transport Operations, Steve Butcher, said the team was excited to build on the region’s strong customer service record.

“We are proud to be joining Transdev and will bring our experience operating customer-focused networks like Sydney Metro, Canberra Metro and Metro Trains Melbourne to make sure customers are the biggest winners out of the transition,” Mr Butcher said.

Transdev John Holland Buses (NSW) Managing Director Rachel Spencer said key workers, including all operational employees, will be offered employment with the company on their current terms and conditions of employment with full recognition of service.

“We are looking forward to meeting the team in Region 9 and coming together to deliver customer focused, safe, reliable and sustainable journeys – carrying on State Transit’s legacy of connecting people and communities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“As an Eastern Beaches local, I’d like to acknowledge State Transit for providing a safe and reliable bus network over many years and thank them for working with us over the next five months to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers,” Ms Spencer said.

Transdev John Holland Buses (NSW) is an integrated joint venture partnership between Transdev Australasia and John Holland combining the know-how of one of the world’s leading mobility companies and one of the nation’s leading integrated infrastructure, transport and building companies.

The company will commence contracted services from Sunday 3 April 2022, following a period of transition with State Transit Authority.

 

Media contacts:

Transdev Australasia: Dom Costello | Dom.Costello@transdev.com.au |+61 428 957 214

John Holland: Matthew Vane-Tempest | Matthew.Vane-Tempest@jhg.com.au | +61 409 262 981

 

Greener Connections in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs