Construction

  • Graphene proven key to recycling concrete

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    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 ma... more

  • New initiative launched to promote urban design excellence in Australia

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    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 Hou... more

  • ACA push for renewable diesel to meet net-zero targets

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    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. ... more

  • How innovative energy solutions are driving sustainability in construction

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    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. ... more

  • Flinders University develops new concrete formula to combat ASR
  • New initiative launched to promote urban design excellence in Australia
  • Construction sector targets renewable diesel to meet net-zero
  • How innovative energy solutions are driving sustainability in construction
Updated energy and liveable requirements for new ACT buildings

Updated energy and liveable requirements for new ACT buildings

New requirements for the building and construction industry to improve the energy efficiency and accessibility of new ACT buildings will come into effect on 15 January 2024. The updated National Construction Code in the ACT was initially supposed to be implemented in October 2023. However, the date had to be pushed back due to the late delivery of the software to measure energy ratings under the new House Energy Rating Scheme from the Commonwealth government. ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti said: “The additional time will give the building and construction industry a greater opportunity to become…
Why 2024 Is the Year of Green Commercial Construction

Why 2024 is the year of green commercial construction

In the ever-evolving world of commercial construction, sustainability has emerged as a defining force, reshaping the way we build our cities and communities. As we look ahead to the near future, it's evident that 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for green commercial construction. In this article, DG Jones & Partners ME Limited explores the dynamic landscape of green commercial construction, unraveling the reasons behind its growing prominence and why 2024 stands out as a pivotal moment in this eco-conscious revolution. The growing emphasis on sustainability in construction The construction industry, traditionally associated with robust structures of concrete…
Energised climate calls for changes in Australia’s infrastructure assumptions

Better planning needed to improve infrastructure resilience

For several decades, the scientific community has sounded the alarm about the potential impacts of climate change. However, despite the warnings, the repercussions are becoming evident in the damage inflicted on societies and critical infrastructure. Energy transition experts at Partners in Performance stated that the current challenge lies in the reliance on outdated assumptions in the design and building of infrastructure. To address this, a paradigm shift is needed in the way essential systems are planned and fortified against the unpredictable challenges posed by increasingly volatile and extreme weather events. The urgency of this shift becomes apparent when considering the…
Graphene proven key to recycling concrete

Graphene proven to be key to recycling old concrete

Experts from Flinders University and The University of Melbourne are now researching a more sustainable method to the management of old concrete resulting from the demolition of aging buildings and other infrastructure. While concrete remnants are often taken to landfill or pounded into rubble for roads, experts from both universities have discovered that hardened broken concrete can be upcycled when combined with graphene to produce a strong, durable and workable concrete. New graphene deposits are being discovered and mined every day, which has helped to lower the price of the material as the cost of cement and aggregates continues to…
Graphene oxide study strengthens smart concrete

Graphene oxide additive strengthens case for smart concrete

Engineers from RMIT University and the University of Melbourne have added graphene oxide to cement mixture to make stronger 3D printed concrete that is easier to print — paving the way for the creation of potential ‘smart’ walls that can monitor structural cracks. The research conducted by both universities is the first to investigate the effects of graphene oxide on the printability and compressive properties of 3D printed concrete. It found the addition of graphene oxide — a nanomaterial commonly used in batteries and electronic gadgets — gave concrete electrical conductivity and increased the strength of concrete by up to…
Hoffmann Green and Spie Batignolles sign carbon-free cement supply contract

French construction major to specify carbon-free cement

French construction company Spie Batignolles has announced it will use carbon and clinker-free cement to replace its traditional cement sourcing for its projects. With sales of €2.3 billion (AU$3.8 billion) in 2022 and more than 8,000 employees, Spie batignolles operates in six major business areas: construction, civil engineering, energy, public works, real estate and landscaping and environmental development. Spie Batignolles Performance, Group Purchasing, CSR and Carbon Plan Director Aude Maury said the supply of the cement is in line with its commitment to environmentally-friendly construction. “We want to bring meaning and create sustainable value for our customers, employees and shareholders,…
Sustainability on the rise with biggest increase in Green Star certifications

Construction sector sees biggest increase in Green Star certifications

Green Star certifications increased by more than 80 per cent in the 2022-23 financial year, with over 800 certifications issued across Australia, showing sustainability is on the rise. Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) A year in focus FY 2022-23 report shows Green Star reached over 4500 certifications, as it celebrated 20 years of Green Star, a clear indication of industry’s eagerness for a future-ready society. GBCA Chief Impact Officer Jorge Chapa said: “The idea behind Green Star was always to drive sustainability at scale, and the numbers and geographical spread in this report show just how much Green Star…