Construction

  • Australians missing out on $9.3 billion in annual savings

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Australians missing out on $9.3 billion in annual savings

    A recent report has highlighted that Australians are missing out on significant cost savings due to untapped rooftop solar potential, with an estimated $9.3 billion in savings available annually for people livi... more

  • Sweden is boosting property values across Europe

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Sweden boosts property values through sustainable buildings

    As the world struggles with escalating energy costs and the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints, Sweden emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing how smart energy solutions can revolutionise CO2 emission redu... more

  • Laing O'Rourke sets carbon emission limits for concrete in Australia

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Laing O’Rourke sets carbon emission limits for concrete in Australia

    Laing O'Rourke has become the first construction company in Australia to establish a maximum tolerance for carbon emissions embodied in the concrete products it purchases — both directly and through subcontra... more

  • Aecon and Concordia University set to decarbonise construction sector

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Aecon and Concordia University set to decarbonise construction sector

    Aecon, one of Canada's largest construction and infrastructure development companies, has partnered up with Concordia University in Montreal to embark on a groundbreaking research endeavour aimed at revolutioni... more

  • Australians missing out on $9.3 billion in annual savings
    15 Apr, 2024
  • Sweden boosts property values through sustainable buildings
    15 Apr, 2024
  • Laing O’Rourke sets carbon emission limits for concrete in Australia
    11 Apr, 2024
  • Aecon and Concordia University set to decarbonise construction sector
    05 Apr, 2024
Victorian govt fast-tracks storm debris clean-up in Mirboo North

Recovered storm timber and debris to be turned into products

The Victorian government has stepped in to expedite the clean-up of storm debris in Mirboo North, ensuring that any valuable green waste recovered benefits the local community. Since the storms on 13 February 2024, emergency services have been on the ground in Mirboo North, removing fallen and hazardous trees, opening roads, and supporting the restoration of critical infrastructure. However, the volumes of debris collected and stored have reached capacity, requiring immediate action to process it. VIC Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced today that extra facilities will be established to process storm debris, with all proceeds from the sale…
Graphene proven key to recycling concrete

Flinders University develops new concrete formula to combat ASR

Researchers from Flinders University and international institutions have developed a sustainable concrete formula that resists alkali–silica reaction (ASR) — a common issue in concrete made with recycled materials like glass and concrete aggregates. The formula, using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash as binders, mitigates ASR effects, maintaining mechanical properties and durability. Dr Aliakbar Gholampour, an expert in sustainable construction materials at Flinders University, explained: “The results of this study point to the significant potential of combining fly ash and GGBS at an optimum ratio to mitigate the ASR effect on recycled aggregate concrete containing crushed glass…
New initiative launched to promote urban design excellence in Australia

New initiative launched to promote urban design excellence in Australia

In a significant development for Australian urban design, the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design was officially launched at the 2024 Australian Urban Design Awards ceremony, held at Parliament House. Chaired by Greens Minister for Ryan, Elizabeth Watson Brown MP, Labor Minister for Moreton, Graham Perrett MP, and Liberal Minister for Fadden, Cameron Caldwell MP, this initiative marks a collaborative effort to champion excellence in urban design and influence government policies for the betterment of Australia’s built environment. The establishment of this group highlights the commitment of key membership bodies to driving positive change within the built environment. Led by…
ACA push for renewable diesel to meet net-zero targets

Construction sector targets renewable diesel to meet net-zero

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has released a report highlighting the crucial role of renewable diesel in decarbonising the construction industry and achieving Australia’s net-zero ambition. CEO Jon Davies emphasised the sector's challenges in electrification due to technology constraints, advocating for the rapid adoption of low-carbon liquid fuels. Renewable diesel is identified as a key transition fuel, enabling emission reductions without machinery modifications. However, Australia lacks domestic production — leading to cost disadvantages compared to mineral diesel imports. ACA urges government intervention to accelerate supply and demand for renewable diesel, citing benefits such as lower air pollutants, energy security, and…
How innovative energy solutions are driving sustainability in construction

How innovative energy solutions are driving sustainability in construction

The construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by innovative energy solutions that are revolutionising the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. Integrative design, prefabricated materials, solar energy, hydrogen fuel cells, and other renewable energy technologies are playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting environmental stewardship in the construction sector. Integrative design is a holistic approach that focuses on utilising renewable energy sources like solar and wind efficiently, reducing dependence on conventional resources, and minimising embodied energy in construction materials. Companies like Skanska have implemented integrative design principles in projects…
Alumtek Minerals' red mud solution set to transform cement industry

Alumtek Minerals’ red mud solution set to transform cement industry

Alumtek Minerals (AM) has completed research and development on bauxite residue waste, known as ‘red mud’. The process extracts minerals like vanadium, titanium, and gallium, along with aluminium hydroxide and high-purity iron oxide. A key achievement is the development of a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) meeting Australian Standard AS3582.4, supported by a Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRCP) grant. Red mud, an alkaline by-product of the alumina industry, typically requires less processing than clinker in cement production. Through collaboration with Cement Australia, AM's process successfully removes alkalinity and chloride impurities from red mud. AM's SCM can function as a substitute for…
green

The role green space tech can play in combating climate change

It's been known for some time that green spaces have the power to play a significant role in combating climate change and decreasing the earth's carbon footprint. As our cities grow and our green space grows too, how do we manage the climate footprint of their maintenance? The industry has a role and responsibility to not contribute to further emissions, yet is dealing with a myriad of workforce pressures and pain points, such as high operating costs, labour shortages, and providing safe workplace environments. Technology can help play an important role with automation and robotics having the potential to be…