Leading Australia’s Net Zero Future: How the Construction Industry Can Drive Sustainability

The construction industry delivers projects that will last well into the next century and should lead the way in net zero design and delivery.

While new technologies are already leading the next wave of innovation, more needs to be done to drive Australia’s sustainable growth from a construction and development standpoint. Specifically, the construction industry needs to improve on three aspects: green electricity, green vehicles, and green materials. Incorporating solar and renewable energy into major developments will be key to achieving this goal.

The electric grid is becoming greener, and we must support its evolution to a clean, emissions-free grid at the lowest possible cost. Similarly, electric vehicles, whether fully electric or plug-in hybrids, will offer a wider range of utility-class options in the next five years. Workers and technicians are already adopting electric tools, and adding a battery to their utility vehicles will be a valuable addition to their toolkit.

The construction and development sectors specifically also need access to green materials to reduce the embodied emissions of the things they build. Technologies for green steel, green cement, and other building products are already available.

However, Australia’s small market means manufacturers need a steady demand to invest confidently in these new processes. Government procurement support is essential to create the demand, and consequently the supply, of these materials for the broader market.

By embracing these advancements and fostering a collaborative effort, the construction sector can not only meet but exceed sustainability goals, ensuring a greener future for Australia.