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. 

Panellists include:

Ehssan Veiszadeh, CEO, Roads Australia

Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council Australia

Andrew Morgan, Assistant Secretary, Net Zero Unit, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Teresa Scott, Executive Director, Australian Procurement and Construction Council

Facilitated By:

Mike Kilburn, Director, IInfrastructure Net Zero Initiative

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, Former 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: Natalya Partington, Senior Carbon Planner, Slattery

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: What are the most important considerations when developing a comprehensive net zero strategy?
Moderated by: Andrew Thai, National Sustainability Manager, Frasers Property Industrial

Round Table 5: Examining what the industry can do to help reduce embodied carbon within construction materials?
Moderated by: Prof. Tuan Ngo, Research Program Leader – Building Transformation, Building 4.0 CRC & DBI

Round Table 6: Unlocking sustainable solutions: Timber’s role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions in construction
Moderated by: Dr Trevor Innes, General Manager, Technical and Sustainability, Timberlink Australia

Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA

Natalya Partington, Senior Carbon Planner, Slattery

Alison Scotland, Executive Director, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council

Andrew Thai, National Sustainability Manager, Frasers Property Industrial

Prof. Tuan Ngo, Research Program Leader – Building Transformation, Building 4.0 CRC & DBI

Dr Trevor Innes, General Manager, Technical and Sustainability, Timberlink Australia

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: Energy Sustainability 
Chris Parratt, Country Director, ANZ, AMPD Energy

Talk 2: Sustainable tool washing and maintenance
The Washbox presents an environmentally conscious and cost-effective solution for trades such as Painters, Plasterers, Block layers, Tilers, and more. Its innovative design incorporates a filter system that efficiently captures solids, ensuring easy disposal and maintenance. By recycling wash water, the system eliminates the need for constant water replacement, thus reducing both water consumption and associated costs. Additionally, its fully mobile nature means no plumbing connections are required for water supply or discharge, enhancing convenience and flexibility for users on various job sites.
Andrew Crimston, Founder and CEO, Washbox 

Talk 3: LocAl® – Lower Carbon Aluminium options for Australian Construction Projects 
Capral will introduce the audience to LocAl®, locally extruded, lower carbon aluminium and share some insight into the aluminium production process and why the specification of lower carbon aluminium options is critical for Australian Construction Projects.
Melissa Herrmann, Specifications Manager, Capral Aluminium

Facilitated by: 
Craig Rodgers, Built Environment Technology Lead, TSA 

Chris Parratt, Country Director, ANZ, AMPD Energy

Andrew Crimston, Founder and CEO, Washbox

Melissa Herrmann, Specifications Manager, Capral Aluminium

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:

Mark McKenna, Global Director ESG and Sustainability, Arcadis

Karin Wallin, Sustainability Operations Lead, Laing O’Rourke

Mark Simister, Former Head of Infrastructure, Mace Group

Tim Walker, Environment and Sustainability Operations Manager, McConnell Dowell

Matt Wilton, Offer Development and Transformation Manager, Hanson

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

This presentation aims to outline Hanson’s belief of companies that succeed in the future will be those that continuously invest in people, innovation, environment and ethical governance – and focus on delivering long-term benefits, not just immediate goals.

Matt Wilton, Offer Development and Transformation Manager, Hanson

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, Spark

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