The government’s Net Zero Plan will guide the country’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. On sites across Australia, Duratec is implementing sustainable initiatives that align with this plan.
The construction industry is one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases in Australia and there is much work to be done in order to meet the government’s ‘net zero emissions’ target by 2050.
As well as implementing sustainable initiatives in-house, Duratec’s sustainability team is working to reduce the business’ environmental impact on worksites across the country.
The following are just some of the ways Duratec is moving towards ‘net zero by 2050’.
(Clean) powering on
Conscious of the diesel and petrol used by site offices and machinery, Duratec has been trialling ways to reduce carbon emissions from site facilities. Crews have tested both hydrogen and battery-powered generators, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Hydrogen generator
During recent works to the Light Horse Bridge in Liverpool, NSW, the crew trialled the use of the GEH2 – Australia’s first zero-emission hydrogen generator, delivering optimal, reliable power.
It works by combining hydrogen with a fuel cell and battery to provide a 100kVA power output. This means it can replace a standard diesel generator without producing on-site CO2 and particulate emissions. Other benefits of the GEH2? No noise, no fumes, plus it’s low-maintenance and easy to use.
Battery-powered generator
Karratha and Melbourne crews recently implemented battery-powered generator Instagrid to assist in powering hand-tools. Benefits include reduced noise, less reliance on fuel and a saving of 320kg of C02 over two weeks.
Harvesting rainwater
The team at one of Duratec’s Melbourne projects has connected a rainwater tank to the guttering of its site shed. This innovative setup allows the crew to use recovered rainfall for on-site construction, reducing its reliance on potable water and minimising site runoff.
Duratec’s sustainability team actively encourages all sites to consider harvesting stormwater, especially seeing as the tanks are cost-effective and easy to install.
Clean-up made easy with Slurrytub
Also in Victoria, one of the teams has adopted ‘SLURRYTUB’ – a heavy-duty, recyclable, plastic tub, lined with a biodegradable paper filter. This innovative system separates water from concrete slurry for recycling and allows for easy disposal of concrete waste.
Given Duratec’s expertise in concrete remediation, this cost-effective solution has far-reaching applications throughout the industry.
Enabling circularity
Green Collect enables the reuse and recycling of office and home goods to minimise landfill. Duratec recently teamed up with Green Collect to recycle office furniture from a project in Melbourne. Through the initiative, Duratec was able to:
- Divert more than 1,000kg of waste from landfill
- Provide 23 hours of meaningful employment to individuals facing significant barriers
- Strengthen its commitment to the circular economy
