The Australian Constructors Association has joined forces with other private sector bodies and federal agencies in launching the ‘Infrastructure Net Zero’ joint initiative for Australia
With infrastructure in Australia directly and indirectly contributing up to 70 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions through its energy use and materials employed, several organisations have come together to develop the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative.
With the challenge being to deliver decarbonised infrastructure over the next decade and to achieve net zero by 2050, Infrastructure Net Zero brings together key stakeholders involved in Australia’s infrastructure development to co-ordinate and report on what the pathway should look like.
The steering committee includes organisations such as the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), Green Building Council Australia, Roads Australia and Infrastructure Australia.
ACA CEO Jon Davies says the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative underscores the close collaboration between government and industry in creating a clear path for the sector to reach net zero emissions.
“We are entering a time where we need everything all at once – net zero, decarbonisation, sustainability – and navigating the policy landscape is challenging,” he says.
“This initiative will help to join the dots.
“If we are to reach our goal, we need to start doing things differently now.
“The immediate priority areas will include defining net zero for infrastructure, reaching alignment between public and private sectors, uplifting capability in the supply chain and procuring for net zero.
“The path to net zero is a collaborative one and we are already on our way.”
Working groups of industry supporters will collaborate on initial areas of work organised around key stages of the asset lifecycle: investment, procurement, design, construction, operations and asset management.
These will take into account and be tailored for major infrastructure sectors, including transport, utilities and social, and key sub-sectors such as rail, road and water.
Web link www.infrastructurenetzero.org