In an attempt to ensure that all infrastructure delivers cultural, social, economic and environmental benefits, the Burleigh to Palm Beach highway upgrade project in the Gold Coast adopted the Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme as developed by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. Through deliberate targeting of Energy and carbon monitoring and reduction (Ene-1), Discharges to air, land and water (Dis 1-5), Habitat Connectivity (Eco-1&2) and Innovation (Inn-1,2,4), the project was able to achieve a Leading Score of 81.74 which remains the highest ISC rating in Qld for Transport related projects.
Ene-1 concluded in a 17.4% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gasses through use of innovative construction methodologies and use of alternative materials, retention of bridges, use of energy efficient lighting and enhanced pavement design life. Discharges to air, land and water were managed through detailed assessment, modelling, design mitigation responses and management of water quality discharge, operational and construction noise emissions, construction vibration, construction air quality management and design to limit light spill.
Habitat connectivity (Eco-1&2) and Innovation (Inn-1) were the most bespoke design responses. Habitat connectivity and biodiversity values were enhanced through the implementation of direct land-based offsets and the provision of compensatory measures including improvement of fish passage and provision of a dedicated fauna underpass. Through the use of creative landscaping design and planting regimes, connectivity for the threatened Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and locally extinct Swordtail Brown Butterfly was improved.
In terms of innovation credits the project designed a Koala exclusion shield that would be fitted to the noise barrier H beams to prevent Koala (or other arboreal species) from climbing these barriers and becoming trapped. The design of the shield was confirmed to be the first of its kind within the industry. A second innovation explored and adopted was use of a construction methodology called pavement rubblisation which allows existing base material to remain in situ. This technique has previously been used overseas but had never been adopted in Australia. The Burleigh to Palm Beach project was also the first project of its kind to use the DTMR waste calculator that resulted in market transformation. The waste calculator enable estimates of waste generation pre-construction and capture actual waste quantities during construction while concurrently capturing quantities of recycled materials utilised on a Project. As an addition, the waste calculator innovation also serves to generate evidence required to meet the Was-1, Was-2 and Was-3 IS credits. The final innovation credits were achieved through various enhanced knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives undertaken through holding regular sessions between the Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professionals (ISAPs) on each package design package, the ISAPs and TMR Sustainability Coordinators, the ISAPs across TMR through their Environmental and Sustainability Forums and presentations at the Queensland Infrastructure Sustainability Working Group which included wider industry. Out of a possible score of 10, B2PB scored 10.
This presentation explores and details the specific designs, challenges and outcomes of a select number of credits that culminated in achieving a Leading Score of 81.74.
