SEVEN peak bodies and three federal agencies have launched Infrastructure Net Zero, a public-private decarbonisation initiative.
The Australasian Railways Association; Roads Australia; Infrastructure Australia and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts are among the ten founders of the initiative.
The founders together form the steering committee, which intends to provide direction on a plan addressing issues across infrastructure sub-sectors with a focus on supply chain capability.
The Australian Constructors Association, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Consult Australia, Green Building Council Australia, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and Infrastructure Sustainability Council are also on the committee.
Infrastructure Net Zero said the committee recognises the opportunity to create an aligned use of collective time, resources and expertise to accelerate high-priority initiatives and policy change.
At an official launch on 23 August, federal infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King said governments’ work with industry would ensure Australia’s transport and transport infrastructure sectors play their part on the path to net zero.
“This builds on the recent decision by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers to establish the new Infrastructure Decarbonisation Working Group, which will explore ways to reduce embodied emissions in transport infrastructure, while strengthening the global competitiveness of Australia’s infrastructure and transport sectors.”
Nicole Lockwood, independent chair of Infrastructure Net Zero and chair of Infrastructure WA, said infrastructure embodies, consumes and enables 70% of Australia’s carbon footprint.
“The tightened targets for 2030 and 2050, the huge pipeline of new projects and the need to adapt to increasing climate shocks have brewed the perfect storm,” she said.
“The time for decisive action is now. Infrastructure Net Zero will help the whole sector go further and faster – together.”
The initial work plan for the steering committee comprises four work streams.
The work streams are defining net zero for infrastructure, public/private sector alignment, uplifting capability in the supply chain and procurement for net zero.
