From next year, the concrete industry will be required to provide options for using low carbon concrete in the Australian Capital Territory.
As of 1 January 2025, engineers, builders and designers working in the ACT will have to provide options for using low carbon concrete in government projects, the territory’s Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction has announced.
Shane Rattenbury believes it is a practical way the government can reduce emissions without adding any significant costs to future construction projects. He said the move had been developed in close consultation with industry.
“In a climate crisis, it’s going to take all sort of actions big and small to make sure we decarbonise our economy and set our planet on a pathway to sustainability,” Rattenbury said.
“Phase 1 of the policy will commence on 1 January 2025 and industry professionals will have to provide options for using low carbon concrete in government projects, including detailed specifications where applicable.”
The Minister was glowing in his praise for lower carbon concrete.
“Already in Canberra, we have started using low carbon concrete in significant projects like the new Canberra Hospital expansion and in preparation for Light Rail Stage 2A. This is a fantastic example of how seamlessly low carbon concrete can be integrated into our everyday building projects,” he said.
Rattenbury cited a Victorian project, 555 Collins Street, Melbourne (pictured).
“… a large commercial building project led by Lendlease, achieved a 30% reduction in scope three emissions by using low carbon concrete. This also had no impact to the cost of the project making it a no brainer for many construction firms and for government.”
Image source: Hoyne
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.