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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

LIFTING CONSTRUCTION THROUGH WORKPLACE CULTURE

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

At the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, we help our members drive sustainability outcomes during the planning, design, delivery and operation of infrastructure that can positively impact the planet, people and their prosperity and progress a world class industry. A strong construction industry is essential to the delivery of sustainable, impactful infrastructure. We welcome the draft Culture Standard for the Construction Industry and encourage all stakeholders to provide feedback into the consultation process. 

The Culture Standard is being developed by Culture in Construction, an initiative of the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce, comprising the Australian Constructors Association, the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria and Australia’s leading workplace researchers. 

Projects are an ideal environment for applying new and emerging technologies and are fertile ground for sustainability innovations, demanding a wide range of skills and professions. A career in construction should be a very attractive proposition to skilled and talented people. 

But projects are often long and challenging and can require working away from home, and the industry workforce lacks diversity. Roles in organisations whose business models rely on winning highly competitive projects or working on a gig economy basis can be insecure. The majority of people in the sector work more than 50 hours per week, with a significant element of presenteeism involved, causing a poor work life balance. Stress and burn out rates are high, as are levels of family violence and divorce, and the industry is suffering twice the national average suicide rate. Not unconnected to the suicide rate, construction is the most male dominated industry in Australia, with women representing 1 in 8 of the total workforce and less than 2 in 100 workers on-site. 

These factors are off-putting to many people (and their families) and the industry is uncompetitive, out of step with the needs of the present and the future of work.  

As a result, capacity and capability constraints have increased over the years with a detrimental effect on productivity, costing the industry about A$8 billion per year. So it is crucial to people in the industry, to the financial sustainability of the industry and to communities that are suffering an infrastructure deficit that underlying workforce culture issues are addressed.  

The ISv2.1 Rating Scheme tackles this head on through workforce sustainability credits, rewarding projects for effectively addressing strategic workforce planning and bringing into focus the most material issues for people in the construction workforce.  

There are four workforce sustainability credits: 

  • Wfs-1 Jobs, Skills and Workforce Planning  – intended to increase industry capacity and capability through identifying skill needs and gaps, leveraging employment opportunities and improving outcomes for people 
  • Wfs-2 Workplace Culture and Wellbeing – intended to support a positive workplace culture and employee health and wellbeing 
  • Wfs-3 Diversity and Inclusion – intended to support the development of a diverse and inclusive working environment 
  • Wfs-4 Sustainable Site Facilities – intended to implement sustainable site accommodation facilities that reduce environmental impacts and support site worker wellbeing 

Achieving against these criteria would contribute to at least five Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Culture Standard would be a key tool to help projects achieve IS Rating workforce sustainability credits as it is focused on improving culture within an organisation, providing a framework for enabling an adequate work-life balance, the prioritisation of wellbeing and attracting and retaining a diverse range of people to the industry.  

The draft Culture Standard’s ‘wellbeing’ goals for mental health, occupational health and worker wellbeing and the ‘time for life’ goals for operating hours and flexible work options would provide strong evidence in support of the ISv2.1 Wfs-2 (Workplace Culture And Wellbeing) and Wfs-3 (Diversity And Inclusion) credits. The Standard’s ‘diversity’ goals, focused on addressing gender inequality, would also strongly support Wfs-3. 

We see three areas that the Culture Standard could further address: 

  • The IS Scheme takes a wider view of diversity and inclusion, incorporating Indigenous peoples and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Industry workforces are not sufficiently inclusive of these groups, sometimes failing to reflect the communities in which projects are happening. These groups are sometimes conflicted by infrastructure projects. They also have specific wellbeing requirements linked to culture and Country, and they have cultural responsibilities that require employer flexibility. 
  • Modern Slavery is an important consideration, and we would like to see the Culture Standard promote and guide governance to reduce risks to vulnerable people on construction projects. 
  • Another concern is the nature of subcontracting, which creates multiple tiers through which good workforce cultural standards do not always cascade, reducing transparency and accountability.  

The consultation period on the draft Culture Standard closes on 17 December 2021. We encourage all stakeholders, from workers, subcontractors and suppliers to constructors and clients, to provide feedback to ensure that the Culture Standard is fit for purpose  – fit for all people, for all types of organisation and for the future of work.  

Full industry adoption and a commitment to buying services that meet the Culture Standard would lift construction to a higher plane, increasing productivity and capacity, and it would have a direct, positive impact on industry workers and their families.  

Provide feedback on the draft Culture Standard at: https://cultureinconstruction.com.au/culture-standard/have-your-say/ 

New chair for Infrastructure Sustainability Council

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

The Board of Directors of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council has announced the appointment of Deborah Spring as the Chair Elect. Ms Spring will succeed Alison Rowe who has held the position since November 2018, after serving two terms.

Deeply familiar with driving systemic industry change, Ms Spring is an independent director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board and chaired its Board for six years.

A mechanical engineer with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Ms Spring has 15-plus years’ experience as a professional director. Her extensive governance experience extends to unlisted companies, government businesses and start-ups, with expertise across the infrastructure, transport, logistics and e-commerce sectors. Her passionate is seated in business transformation underpinned by disruptive technologies.

Ms Spring has held senior executive positions with TasRail, National Rail and Australia Post. As Chair of the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board, Ms Spring elevated the organisation’s brand recognition and industry profile. She was chair of the prestigious Banksia Foundation for three years through a period of double-digit growth.

“Deborah’s extensive board experience, strong track record in business transformation and deep connections across infrastructure made her a perfect fit for the role of Chair as we accelerate toward a resilient, inclusive and net-zero future.,” said outgoing ISC Chair, Alison Rowe.

As director and chair of the governance committee of the largest tertiary education provider in northern Victoria – the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE – Ms Spring understands the importance of strategic investment in capacity and capability to deliver sectoral advancement.

“The ISC has a strong reputation for driving best practice and enabling significant intergenerational change. I am delighted to be joining an organisation set to soar, with an expanding and loyal membership. I look forward to industry continuing to be energised, skilled and connected. And importantly, standing proudly together backing our position as global leaders in sustainable infrastructure,” said Deborah Spring

Chief Executive Officer, Ainsley Simpson paid tribute to outgoing Chair Alison Rowe.

“Alison has been a fierce champion of sustainability and has driven the Council’s strategy development and governance transformation over the last three years. She led with an inclusive transparent approach through a period of great uncertainty, into a period of positive growth and acceleration of collaborative outcomes.

Ms Spring will commence the role on 1 January 2022.

 

Media contact:

Karen Jamal karen@kjcommunications.com or 0412 179 135

 

About Infrastructure Sustainability Council

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia and New Zealand’s authority on sustainable infrastructure projects and assets. The IS Council’s purpose is to ensure all infrastructure delivers cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits. The Council works with more than 20 federal, state and local government departments in Australia and New Zealand. The Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme is mandated by delivery agencies and asset operators across Australia and New Zealand with more than $200 billion infrastructure projects undertaking ratings. The Council represents 200-plus individual companies, departments and associations with a combined annual turnover of more than $50 billion. For more information, contact the IS Council on  info@iscouncil.org or visit www.iscouncil.org

Future Focus Forum – Procurement: Infrastructure that “does more”

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

At this Future Focus Forum event on procurement we examine the important role of procurement and standardised contractual provisions in driving broader outcomes and specific policy positions. What effect does clarity of intention have? Does it improve outcomes for everyone – procurers, designer, contractors and stakeholders? What needs to happen to ensure standardisation of approach?”

To watch the webinar recording, click below.

Jacobs: Waratah and Wyee stations upgrade

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

 BUILDING PATHWAYS TO A SUSTAINABLE, DECARBONISED WORLD 

Our biggest opportunity to reduce carbon emission, affect climate change and leave both the planet and society better than they are today, is through the work we perform for our clients. 

In 2021, the world’s attention remains focused on climate change, with the United Nations describing it as a ‘make or break year’ for action. To deliver the carbon emissions reductions required to keep global temperature rise below the 1.5C threshold, we must reduce carbon emissions and embed sustainable outcomes across industry and society on a global and local scale. 

At Jacobs, we know that our biggest opportunity to reduce carbon emission, affect climate change and leave both the planet and society better than they are today, is through the work we perform for our clients. We are embracing this responsibility and tackling the challenge head on through the major infrastructure projects we are delivering for our clients and the communities they serve. Every project we work on, no matter what size, presents an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions generated from its design and construction and from ongoing operations over the lifetime of the asset. We are actively working with clients to help them achieve their decarbonization goals, manage risk and improve climate resilience. 

Delivered in partnership with Gartner Rose for the NSW Government as part of the Transport Access Program (TAP), the Waratah and Wyee Stations Upgrade projects were great examples of how even small projects can deliver significant sustainability outcomes and contribute to a more climate positive future. The projects were awarded the first ‘Leading’ As Built rating under TAP, achieving numerous positive outcomes for the local environment and community. The project reduced the ongoing energy needs of the two stations by up to 31% and reduced its carbon emissions by 32% (4,367 tCO2e). This was driven by design initiatives including reconfiguring the cooling systems and undertaking cost benefit assessments and market analysis to specify high efficiency cooling systems for station equipment and service rooms. They also achieved a 9% reduction in materials footprint through material saving initiatives and implemented an increase of more than 50% in biodiversity offset requirements across both sites, providing enhanced ecological benefits. Planting was concentrated in the under-utilised space at the front of the stations and, in time, will contribute to cooling the surrounding urban environment. The use of drought-resilient native planting was one of a number of choices made throughout the design process to reduce the future water needs of the stations and deliver a 43% reduction in water use over the lifetime of the asset. 

For many organisations, decarbonising their assets and operations can seem like a daunting and complex task. To help clients navigate the challenge, we recently launched our Net Zero Lab, a collaborative and interactive program where we work with clients to understand their carbon footprint, set emission reduction targets, develop and operationalise decarbonisation strategies and manage performance to bring about lasting change. 

 

Transport for NSW, with students from nearby Callaghan College and two local artists (Nick Stuart and Bronte Naylor), completed a new artwork at Waratah Station inspired by local flora and fauna. (Image: Waratah Station Upgrade, Transport for NSW, 2021) 

Future Focus Forum – Planning

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

Starting with the end in mind, we consider current and future opportunities to embed outcomes into the infrastructure planning stage.

From Ideation/problem statements, through to a delivered asset and beyond, great opportunities exist to maximise infrastructure contribution to our communities.

It is at the very early planning stages that the greatest opportunities are realised. This future focus forum explores necessary action to realise these opportunities, both from a government investment and statutory planning perspective in Australia and New Zealand.

To watch the webinar on demand, click below.

Matching workforce capacity need with talented refugees – a new solution

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

Many refugees have valuable skills, but lack professional opportunities. Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is a non profit organisation connecting talented refugees around the world with employers in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and making skilled migration pathways accessible to this hidden talent pool.

Together with local recruitment partner, Refugee Talent, TBB provides a tailored service to ANZ businesses, including shortlisting suitable candidates, facilitating remote interviews and skills validation, and assisting with the visa application and relocation process.

There are currently more than 25,000 registrants on TBB’s ‘Talent Catalog’, including qualified and experienced engineers, trade workers, driving and logistics specialists, and technology professionals.

TBB has enabled hundreds of forcibly displaced people to find safety, security and purpose through international employment opportunities. The result is win-win at every level: for companies, local communities, the global economy, and refugees themselves.

Infrastructure accelerates towards net zero

Posted on by loren.blundell@iscouncil.org

Projects certified by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council last financial year cut energy-related emissions by 43% and materials-related emissions by 56%, says the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s 2021 Annual Impact Report, released today, confirms the sector has “crossed the chasm’’ towards net zero emissions and a future with more sustainable, resilient, inclusive infrastructure, says Chief Executive Officer, Ainsley Simpson.

“We have proven that embedding sustainability requirements in business cases, procurement and contracts we can halve our emissions – an extraordinary achievement given infrastructure has been considered one of the ‘hard to transition’ sectors of the economy. With a sustainable infrastructure-recovery, net zero emissions are well within our grasp,” Ms Simpson says.

Around 70% of Australia’s emissions are enabled by infrastructure, according to Reshaping Infrastructure, a paper published by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, ClimateWorks Australia and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council in 2020.

Over the last four years the 34 As Built projects certified by the IS Rating Scheme, have avoided 26.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by meeting best practice benchmarks for sustainable infrastructure design, construction and asset management.

“This is roughly equivalent to the 26 million tonnes of emissions eliminated across Australia’s entire economy in 2020.”

The Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme is a robust reporting standard that assures sustainability outcomes against credible benchmarks. The emissions, water, waste and energy reduction potential of each infrastructure project is determined against business-as-usual practice as part of the rating process. All outcomes are mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2021 Impacts Report confirmed impressive social, cultural, environmental and social outcomes from infrastructure projects. Certified projects diverted 95% of waste from landfill, while water used in construction and operation of IS-rated projects was roughly half that of the base case.

The list of certified projects on the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s books include the $1.2 billion CBD & South East Light Rail project in New South Wales, which replaced 33% of its emissions-intensive Portland cement with supplementary cementing materials like fly ash to reduce its environmental impact. Another project, part of Victoria’s Big Build, $1.4 billion Level Crossing Removal Program, diverted 100 per cent of its construction waste – a massive 61,817 tonnes – from landfill.

“Our message is clear. Government mandates of the IS Rating Scheme are working – we are driving down emissions at speed. Our challenge now is to remove the hand-brake with national policy that integrates sustainability into all stages of the project lifecycle for all asset classes,” Ms Simpson adds.

“We have seen the commitment to sustainable infrastructure through policy, planning and procurement double in just one year, with 55 new IS registrations for around $19.3 billion worth of infrastructure investment.

“Infrastructure has a huge contribution to make in the decade of decarbonisation. We have positive proof that a holistic and transparent approach to sustainability can drive emissions reduction, workforce capability and stimulate local and regional economies,” Ms Simpson concludes.

Download the 2021 Impact Report: https://www.iscouncil.org/2021-impact-report/

Note for editors:

Australia’s carbon emissions fell by 26 million tonnes or 5% in 2020 to 499 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the previous year. See: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/australias-carbon-emissions-drop-5-2020-2021-05-31/

 

Media contact:

Karen Jamal karen@kjcommunications.com or 0412 179 135