Construction
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 subcontractors. This commitment, aimed at reducing the company's environmental footprint, will apply to all public infrastructure projects and private works undertaken by Laing O'Rourke. The decision comes as part of the company's broader sustainability efforts, with a focus on reducing demand for high-emissions concrete. Laing O'Rourke General Manager of Sustainability and Environment Hollie Hynes stated: "We are setting a limit to the embodied emissions that we will accept in our…
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 revolutionising the construction industry. The partnership, formalised through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will focus on the development of new low-carbon construction materials, with a particular emphasis on low-carbon concrete. Concrete is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, which is why Aecon and Concordia aim to tackle this challenge by exploring innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production. Aecon Vice President of Sustainability Prabh K. Banga…
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…
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
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…
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
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…