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
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 Energy transition experts at Partners in Performance stated that the current challenge lies in the reliance on outdated assumptions in the design and building of infrastructure.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…
"Our cities are faced with an increasingly pressing problem of how to manage heat and care for the people living in them," says Dr Negin Nazarian. Western Sydney's Norwest City project integrates blue and green infrastructure to manage heat. Image courtesy of FJC Studio

Five ways to cool cities as temperatures soar

As Australia heads into an El Niño summer, UNSW’s Dr Negin Nazarian, an expert in urban climate, explains five crucial strategies to keep cities – and people – cooler. There are several factors that interact when thinking about heat in the urban environment. “First, there’s urban heat itself,” explains Dr Nazarian, “which is the change brought about by urbanisation, buildings, roads, infrastructure and the like. This is often referred to as urban heat island. Then, there’s the impact of climate change, which means that average temperatures globally, as well as in cities, are increasing across the board. "Finally, climate extremes…
ARA launches new sustainability guide

Railway association launches new sustainability guide

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has released a dedicated Sustainability Guide to support the rail industry move faster towards a net zero future. The guide — On Track to a Sustainable Future– Australasian Railway Association Sustainability Guide — launched today at ARA’s major conference AusRAIL PLUS 2023 in Sydney, offers practical solutions for small-to-medium businesses in the rail industry. ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said rail will play a crucial role in Australia and New Zealand’s sustainable development and growth and is key to achieving net zero targets. “Continued investment in sustainable transport systems is critical to achieving net zero targets…