Today the ACT Government has committed to using low carbon concrete in all future government construction projects, where it is appropriate for the needs of the building.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the ACT Government's 'Low Carbon Concrete Policy' is a practical way that the government can reduce emissions without adding any significant costs to future construction projects.
"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," Minister Rattenbury said.
"Across the globe, concrete is estimated to produce eight percent of all emissions. Using low carbon concrete is a simple and effective way we can reduce these emissions while supporting local industry.
"Many people may not have heard of it, but low carbon concrete is created when producers replace the cement in concrete with a lower emissions material like fly-ash so that we can cut emissions and reduce our reliance on materials which have a detrimental impact on the health of our planet.
"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.
"555 Collins Street in Melbourne, a large commercial building project led by Lend Lease, 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."
Today's announcement was developed in close consultation with industry and will be implemented in a phased approach. This also aligns with, and supports, broader commitments by the cement and concrete industry in Australia and internationally to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Phase 1 of the policy commences from 1 January 2025. From this date, designers, engineers, and builders will be required to provide options for using low carbon concrete in government projects, including detailed specifications where applicable.
Today's announcement complements the recently announced 10-year ACT Sustainable Building Pathway, which will help guide Canberra's building and construction sector to consider and embed more sustainable practices over the whole building life cycle.
