Record investments create opportunities for construction to go net zero

AUSTRALIA’S infrastructure industry has 2030 emissions targets and achieving net zero by 2050 well in its sights.

According to a new report from Autodesk, the Australian Constructors Association, Consult Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council a whole-of-business, systems-based approach is needed across all asset lifecycles for the industry to reach net zero targets in a timely manner.

“The record investment in infrastructure creates opportunities for the construction industry to be part of the solution to net zero,” said Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association.

This whole-of-business approach should include key elements of projects and businesses such as procurement, materials, methodologies, technology and people capability.

“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 Andy Cunningham, regional director of Autodesk, ANZ.

The report outlines a net zero delivery framework for guide decision making with emissions reductions in mind, outlining practical implementation measures, including through lessening reliance on embodied carbon practices and materials and advancements in digital design methods, standards and technologies.

“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,” added Davies.

The infrastructure industry has already made significant strides in reducing its emissions foot print, with 24 As-Built Projects being certified in the last four years.

Under this Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme, these projects pulled down their whole-of-lifecycle emissions by 26.5 million tonnes of CO2e. This is on par with what the entire Australian economy saved over 2020.

“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.

This framework for the infrastructure industry follows the recent COP26 conference, which emphasised the need to an acceleration of current decarbonisation methods and policies ahead of 2030.

Charter Hall, ARA Asset Management, ISPT and JLL were amongst the 44 companies that joined London, Paris and Montreal as signatories to World Green Building Council, at the close of the Glasgow conference on COP26 Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day.

While ahead of the global event hundreds of property companies in the built environment sector signed on to the Race to Zero campaign, following the Australian Institute of Architects commitment to the 1.5º Climate Actions Communique in a call for a more urgent transition to net-zero emissions.

“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,” concluded Grayson.