The way to decarbonise infrastructure projects in Australia has been laid at the feet of those working in the sector, including construction managers, engineers, architects and tradies.
A new report – Delivering Net Zero Infrastructure: Workforce Report – says decarbonisation of infrastructure is dependent on the strength of the Infrastructure Net Zero Workforce which currently stands at 130,000 people across 36 occupations.
Industry bodies like the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Engineers Australia, Consult Australia, state-based infrastructure bodies, and the Australian Government are behind the new report which outlines a new plan to overcome worker shortages.
These shortages, they say, “are holding Australia back from decarbonising infrastructure projects in the bid to reach net zero by 2050”.
The report identifies the make-up of the Infrastructure Net Zero Workforce and pinpoints recommendations to help it upskill and grow. The key recommendation called for governments, industry and educators to develop a new industry-wide training program to ensure there is a nationally consistent approach to decarbonising construction projects.
As infrastructure and buildings are responsible for almost one third of this country’s emissions, and indirectly responsible for over half, the report says these will play a critical role in Australia getting to net zero in 25 years.
Infrastructure Australia CEO Adam Copp said the success of reducing emissions will be dependent on the strength of the Infrastructure Net Zero Workforce.
“Among many white-collar professions, which have the highest impact in reducing emissions, there is a significant opportunity to extend awareness and boost confidence on how to best decarbonise infrastructure projects,” Mr Copp said. “Developing new training programs with a national skills standard would give these professionals, and others, the capability and confidence to tackle emissions across all projects.”
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com