Infrastructure Sustainability Council Of Australia

Last night at the 2016 Sustainability in Infrastructure Awards, the Bayswater Alliance received the IS Project or Asset Achievement Award.

This award demonstrates the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal Project (LCRP) has achieved the highest overall excellence and sustainability achievement in infrastructure across Australasia.

The Bayswater LCRP set a new benchmark in sustainable infrastructure, after being awarded a ‘Leading’ IS rating - scoring an unprecedented 93.5 out of a possible 105 points.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) awarded the rating to the Bayswater Alliance after assessing the sustainability performance on the project across key sustainability areas, including management and governance, using resources, emissions, pollution and waste, ecology, people and place, and innovation.

Alliance General Manager, Andrew Ackerman, said he is very proud of the team who have worked extremely hard to set new benchmarks in sustainable delivery.

"For the Bayswater Alliance Team, the project is more than a level crossing removal project - it will be a dynamic, attractive space which will deliver direct economic benefits to stakeholders, create a productive and open environment, and a place for people. This rating further supports the Alliance’s efforts and vision to Proudly shape Bayswater’s future," Mr Ackerman said.

Sam Donaldson, Sustainability Manager for the project said the goal was to create an ethical approach to sustainability.

"Rather than concentrating on the absolute minimum to meet contract sustainability targets, the project undertook a broader, deeper focus on all elements in the rating tools to reach a maximum, or optimum sustainability performance," Mr Donaldson said.

"Adopting this holistic approach to sustainability has allowed the project to capitalise on a broader range of sustainability elements to create a people-centred infrastructure which is delivered and operates efficiently.

"Tackling industry challenges by introducing strategies, such as ‘plain English’ and ‘methods to build a workplace sustainability culture’, has set up a new approach to build appreciation and engagement with the tools, generate sustainable performances, and make it easy to incorporate sustainability. This point of difference in the industry to deliver sustainability has helped position the project to achieve this rating result."

Catherine Clarke from VicRoads, Design Coordinator and Sustainability Champion for the project said; ‘Client-side understanding, knowledge sharing and building a culture for sustainability are key factors which will shape the long term sustainability direction of the industry.’

Earlier in the year, the Bayswater Alliance presented at the Western Australia Infrastructure Sustainability Conference and more recently, at the Victorian Surge of Sustainable Materials ISCA event. These commitments to share learnings and strategies across the industry is increasing traction towards sustainability but has also provided the Alliance with an invaluable opportunity to gain important lessons learned and insights from other projects and businesses.

The Alliance has also been working in the background to support other projects and organisations across the country to take the right steps towards achieving positive sustainable outcomes and adopting the tools.

Upon completion the project will generate 43% less greenhouse gas emissions and consume 70% less drinking water compared to average infrastructure assets. Approximately 6,603 tonnes carbon emissions of embodied energy will be saved through significant material reductions and selecting high performing sustainable products.

A strong focus on landscaping and urban design has also generated sustainable transport options, open and attractive spaces, and improved pedestrian and transport connectivity in the local area.

The Bayswater Level Crossing Removal Project is targeting a ‘Leading’ IS and 4 Green Star As-built rating.

Planned for completion in mid-2017 the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal Project will be the first project completed under the Level Crossing Removal Program certified with an IS and Green Star As-built rating.