Net Zero Construction Summit

Creating a clear path to reach net zero emissions requires close collaboration between government and industry. In order to reach the goal, things need to be done differently with immediate priority given to defining net zero for infrastructure, reaching alignment between public and private sectors, uplifting capability in the supply chain and procuring for net zero.  

In this session we we’ll discuss why decarbonising infrastructure has a crucial role to play in supporting Australia’s net zero ambitions and find out how key stakeholders are working together to lift decarbonisation ambitions across the sector. 

Mike Kilburn, Director, Infrastructure Net Zero, Infrastructure Sustainability Council

As a significant contributor to emissions and global warming the construction industry has taken substantial steps to address its negative environmental impact. In this engaging session, we delve into the proactive strategies that have been implemented to curb emissions, achieve greater sustainability, and bring us closer to Net Zero. 

• Assessing the impact of construction on the environment and the nexus between nature and net zero
• What are the most important considerations when developing a comprehensive net zero strategy?
• Getting buy in from management and clients to walk in the right direction
• Evaluating Scope 3 protocols to enhance your net zero objectives and sustainability outcomes
• Working with suppliers to reduce your carbon output – leveraging environmental product data (EPD) and sustainable fuels and materials
• What else can the industry do to enhance its net zero footprint across all stages of A1-5

Panellists include:

Fiona Bowie, Director of Transformation and Sustainability, North Western Program Alliance

Joe Karten, Head of Sustainability and Social Impact, Built

Matt Hunter, Group Manager Environment and Sustainability, Downer

Abigail Heywood, National Sustainability Manager, Lendlease

David Fox, Group Sustainability Manager, CPB Contractors

Facilitated by:

Carol Battle, Principal Sustainability Consultant, Autodesk Construction Solutions

In association with parent company, Bouygues, AW Edwards have joined as signatories of the Paris Agreement. As part of this they have set some ambitious targets in carbon reduction. In this case study we hear how they went about achieving these goals as part of their approach to the circular economy.  

• Unpacking the objectives of our ‘Green Light strategy’ to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon by 2030, as well as a 30% reduction in their Scope 3 
• How we worked with our in-house innovation team to implement the first hydrogen generator and battery energy storage system to achieve zero emissions 
• Developing a quarterly carbon trajectory report to measure embedded carbon reduction progress and better track emissions from 2021  
• Recognising the importance of a circular economy approach – Using worm farms and compost sites to reduce food waste onsite and recycling materials for use on other projects 

Tanzin Authoi, Senior Sustainability Coordinator, AW Edwards

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 30 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that most interests you, discuss hot topics and share ideas for solving some of the biggest challenges being faced on the road to Net Zero. 

Round Table 1: Building net-zero buildings
Moderated by: Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA 

Round Table 2: Measuring embodied carbon
Moderated by: Katie Eyles, Sector Lead; Accelerating Net-Zero Buildings, NABERS

Round Table 3: Examining the role of circular economy and systems thinking in delivering net-zero outcomes and sustainable cities
Moderated by: Alison Scotland, Executive Director, ASBEC 

Round Table 4: Carbon Accounting
Moderated by: Julia Halioua, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Frasers Property

Round Table 5: Bringing design to the forefront of net-zero

Round Table 6: Examining the nexus between nature and net zero and what as an industry we can do about it?

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 30 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that most interests you, discuss hot topics and share ideas for solving some of the biggest challenges being faced on the road to Net Zero. 

Round Table 1: Building net-zero buildings
Moderated by: Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA 

Round Table 2: Measuring embodied carbon
Moderated by: Katie Eyles, Sector Lead; Accelerating Net-Zero Buildings, NABERS

Round Table 3: Examining the role of circular economy and systems thinking in delivering net-zero outcomes and sustainable cities
Moderated by: Alison Scotland, Executive Director, ASBEC 

Round Table 4: Carbon Accounting
Moderated by: Julia Halioua, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Frasers Property

Round Table 5: Bringing design to the forefront of net-zero

Round Table 6: Examining the nexus between nature and net zero and what as an industry we can do about it?

Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA

Katie Eyles, Sector Lead; Accelerating Net-Zero Buildings, NABERS

Alison Scotland, Executive Director, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council

Julia Halioua, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Frasers Property

An overview of sustainability and climate action at BlueScope, including the key enablers for BlueScope and the broader steel industry to achieve net zero by 2050. 

Pip Stone, Sustainability Manager, BlueScope Steel

A simple route to reducing carbon emissions in the race to net-zero is to design and build smarter. By this, we mean reducing the volume of materials required in construction, reusing/repurposing where possible, and opting for high-performance materials with superior efficiency credentials.

Talk 1: Low Carbon Concrete 

• Concrete is the most used building material on the planet and worldwide demand for concrete is second only to water. In fact, concrete is responsible for 50-85% of the embodied carbon in any building project, and cement accounts for 7% of all global carbon emissions. It is therefore no surprise that the building and construction sectors have been focusing on the cement and concrete industry for solutions to decarbonise. Demand for low carbon cement and concrete has been growing steadily over the past decade and is expected to grow further in coming years. 

Talk 2:  Net-Zero Timber

• Energy-intensive materials used in construction are responsible for the bulk of carbon emissions, whereas increasing the use of timber and wood can help drive decarbonisation. In fact, life-cycle assessment studies have found that timber products absorb and store more carbon than is emitted through their production. 

Talk 3:  Biodiesel

• Discover the potential of biodiesel in Australia’s unique context. Unlike some nations, Australia currently lacks low carbon fuel policies, national biofuel programs, and government subsidies. However, two renewable diesel refineries are expected to be in production by 2025. Meanwhile, feedstock like tallow and used cooking oil is being exported overseas to be transformed into renewable diesel in markets with advanced low-carbon fuel policies. 

Talk 4:  Electrification of Buildings & EV Infrastructure

• Explore how electrification of buildings EV Infrastructure, plants and equipment are transforming the construction industry, reducing emissions, and advancing our path toward sustainability and net-zero construction goals. 

Talk 5: Sustainable tool washing and maintenance

• Washbox uses recycled water for tool washing, making it a cost-effective choice for Painters, Plasterers, Blocklayers, Tilers, and other trades.
  It features a filter system that captures solids for easy disposal. 
• The system recycles wash water for continuous use, eliminating the need for water replacement. 
• Washbox is fully mobile and requires no plumbing connections for water supply or discharge. 

A simple route to reducing carbon emissions in the race to net-zero is to design and build smarter. By this, we mean reducing the volume of materials required in construction, reusing/repurposing where possible, and opting for high-performance materials with superior efficiency credentials.

Talk 1: Low Carbon Concrete 

• Concrete is the most used building material on the planet and worldwide demand for concrete is second only to water. In fact, concrete is responsible for 50-85% of the embodied carbon in any building project, and cement accounts for 7% of all global carbon emissions. It is therefore no surprise that the building and construction sectors have been focusing on the cement and concrete industry for solutions to decarbonise. Demand for low carbon cement and concrete has been growing steadily over the past decade and is expected to grow further in coming years.
  

Talk 2:  Net-Zero Timber

• Energy-intensive materials used in construction are responsible for the bulk of carbon emissions, whereas increasing the use of timber and wood can help drive decarbonisation. In fact, life-cycle assessment studies have found that timber products absorb and store more carbon than is emitted through their production. 

Talk 3:  Biodiesel

• Discover the potential of biodiesel in Australia’s unique context. Unlike some nations, Australia currently lacks low carbon fuel policies, national biofuel programs, and government subsidies. However, two renewable diesel refineries are expected to be in production by 2025. Meanwhile, feedstock like tallow and used cooking oil is being exported overseas to be transformed into renewable diesel in markets with advanced low-carbon fuel policies. 

Talk 4:  Electrification of Buildings & EV Infrastructure

• Explore how electrification of buildings EV Infrastructure, plants and equipment are transforming the construction industry, reducing emissions, and advancing our path toward sustainability and net-zero construction goals. 

Chris Parratt, Country Director, ANZ, AMPD Energy

Talk 5: Sustainable tool washing and maintenance

• Washbox uses recycled water for tool washing, making it a cost-effective choice for Painters, Plasterers, Blocklayers, Tilers, and other trades.
  It features a filter system that captures solids for easy disposal. 
• The system recycles wash water for continuous use, eliminating the need for water replacement. 
• Washbox is fully mobile and requires no plumbing connections for water supply or discharge. 

     Andrew Crimston, Founder and CEO, Washbox 

Chris Parratt, Country Director, ANZ, AMPD Energy

Andrew Crimston, Founder and CEO, Washbox

Facilitated by:

Craig Rodgers, Built Environment Technology Lead, TSA

As the urgency for sustainability grows, the infrastructure sector’s pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions takes centre stage. In this panel we explore the industry-led transformations, technologies and innovative approaches driving the sector towards a sustainable future. 

• Defining the construction industry’s role in driving sustainability and accelerating net-zero practices? 
• Examining collaborative ecosystems’ impact on industry stakeholders and creating alignment on net-zero goals 
• Net Zero gamechangers – Which new construction technologies will accelerate the net zero infrastructure transition?
• The link between infrastructure and sustainable development – taking an integrated approach to tackle climate change 
• Addressing issues of concern in relation to global supply chain and material demand 

Panellists include:

Amy Williams, Sustainability Advisor, DT Infrastructure

Mark McKenna, Global Director ESG and Sustainability, Arcadis

Mark Simister, Head of Infrastructure, Mace Group

Tim Walker, Environment and Sustainability Operations Manager, McConnell Dowell

Facilitated by:

Alison Scotland, Executive Director, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council

This presentation explores the role of digital innovation in driving sustainability and change in major projects. Specifically it will focus on the crucial aspect of measuring and reducing carbon emissions throughout the project lifecycle. 

One key factor in achieving this goal is the effective utilisation of data during the design and construction phases. By standardising and implementing data practices, especially in the context of major projects, teams can integrate improved decision-making processes throughout the project’s duration. This approach allows for timely adjustments and optimisations, as opposed to making limited changes at the project’s end. 

Carol Battle, Principal Sustainability Consultant, Autodesk Construction Solutions

In this session we explore how a systems thinking approach creates a lasting path towards sustainability. With a focus on A1 to A5 emissions, we will highlight the critical importance of managing the industry’s ecological footprint as part of an interconnected and interdependent system. 

• Explore how a circular economy approach in design can cut waste, lengthen product lifecycles and boost resource efficiency for sustainable construction and net-zero goals 
• Managing scope 3 emissions and tackling supply chain issues to improve carbon measurement across an interconnected process 
• How innovation and collaborative partnerships can drive circular practices and holistic thinking for a sustainable construction ecosystem 

Fred Holt, Partner, Australia Director, 3XN

In this session we explore how a systems thinking approach creates a lasting path towards sustainability. With a focus on A1 to A5 emissions, we will highlight the critical importance of managing the industry’s ecological footprint as part of an interconnected and interdependent system. 

• Explore how a circular economy approach in design can cut waste, lengthen product lifecycles and boost resource efficiency for sustainable construction and net-zero goals 
• Managing scope 3 emissions and tackling supply chain issues to improve carbon measurement across an interconnected process 
• How innovation and collaborative partnerships can drive circular practices and holistic thinking for a sustainable construction ecosystem 

Panellists include:

Andrew Durant, Supply Chain Sustainability Lead, Laing O’Rourke

Jessamine Welsh, Senior Sustainability Advisor, WeBuild

Cameron Ginn, Environment & Quality Manager – Northern & Central Construction, Fulton Hogan

Valentina Petrone, Circular Economy Lead, WSP

Laura Guccione, Senior Sustainability Technical Advisor, BlueScope Steel

Facilitated by:

Monica Richter, Senior Manager Low Carbon Futures, WWF