It’s no secret the world is heating up, quite literally. The recently released State of the Global Climate 2024 report by the World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2024 may be the first year global temperatures officially breach the 1.5°C threshold, albeit temporarily. Sea levels are at record highs, oceans are warming rapidly, and climate-related disasters are intensifying around the world. It’s sobering reading and it’s not something we can ignore, especially in construction.
On the home front, Australia is stepping up. The federal government recently committed to cutting emissions by 62–70% by 2035, setting a 2035 target and path toward net zero 2050.
These two announcements, one global, one local, signal major change. For the Australian construction industry, it’s a call to action. Rising costs, climate pressure, and regulatory shifts will shape how we build in the coming years. But it’s also a huge opportunity: to modernise, to innovate, and to lead.
This blog explores my thoughts on what it means for our sector, what we can look to do now (without breaking the bank), and how some Australian companies are already paving the way.
The Shift: Construction in a Climate-Conscious Australia
Whether you’re a project manager, business owner, site supervisor or part of the extended supply chain, these changes affect you.
We’re already seeing:
- Material prices rising, especially for carbon-intensive products like steel and concrete
- Weather-related disruptions — flooding, extreme heat, and storms impacting build time and safety
- Clients and governments expecting sustainability performance as a baseline
- Compliance tightening — embodied carbon, energy use, and waste are now being scrutinised more than ever
Construction is a high-impact industry. But it also holds enormous potential for positive change.
Getting Smart: Where Investment Can Really Pay Off
Not every improvement needs to be large or complex. But it helps to think strategically about where to spend and where to start.
Clean Site Power: Off-Grid, Off-Diesel
Companies like Blue Diamond (BlueDM) are leading the charge here. They’re already delivering hydrogen-powered generators, solar + battery hybrid systems, and zero-emissions site power solutions to projects around Australia.
These aren’t theoretical. Their hydrogen generator powered part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, and they’ve supplied ACCIONA’s major Victorian road project with battery-backed hybrid systems to replace diesel.
Why it matters:
- Lower emissions
- Reduced fuel costs over time
- Less noise and air pollution
- Readiness for future procurement rules or carbon reporting
If you’re running temporary works or remote projects, these hybrid and hydrogen units are worth exploring now.
Materials Matter: Low-Carbon Concrete and Reuse
Materials carry a huge climate load, especially concrete and steel, which contribute heavily to embodied emissions.
Good news: companies like Holcim and Boral now offer low-carbon concrete mixes that reduce emissions without sacrificing strength.
- Holcim’s ECOPact concrete can reduce carbon content by up to 70%.
- Boral’s ZEP technology cuts embodied carbon while keeping high performance.
- Researchers at Smartcrete CRC and groups like MECLA have released practical guidance for builders on how and when to specify greener concrete.
MECLA’s Guide to Low Carbon Concrete
Then there’s the idea of material reuse and saving high-value materials (beams, slabs, precast) for future use.
Smarter Construction: Modular, Efficient, Digital
- Modular and prefabricated builds reduce site time, waste, and emissions.
- IoT sensors and energy metering help track and reduce energy use on site.
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) lets you simulate carbon impacts before ground is even broken.
All of these are tools for staying competitive in a carbon-conscious market. They’re not always “cheap”, but over time, they save money and carbon.
Small Steps, Big Impact: What You Can Do Today
Not every change has to be revolutionary. There are low-cost, low-impact actions you can start now that position your business well for the future.
Quick Wins for Today
| Action | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Talk to suppliers about low-carbon concrete or recycled materials | Early engagement improves availability, pricing, and performance outcomes |
| Pilot solar + battery at site offices | Easy entry point to cleaner site power |
| Audit energy use on site | Even a basic audit can help spot waste and save costs |
| Track fuel consumption and idle time for site machinery | Reducing idling cuts costs and emissions |
| Start a material reuse log | Know what you’ve got, reduce future waste |
| Use a sustainability checklist for project planning | Keeps your team aligned and proactive |
Stories from the Field: Inspiration from Innovators
We’re already seeing businesses get ahead and get noticed.
- BlueDM powering high-profile events and major infrastructure with zero-emissions hydrogen
- Holcim and Boral offering scalable, performance-ready green materials
- Smartcrete and MECLA creating real-world tools to help builders transition
These are businesses saying: “We don’t have to wait for the rules to change, we’ll lead the change.” That’s worth paying attention to.
A Final Word: Why This Matters to Me
I’m not a sustainability expert. I’m an Environmental Professional working mostly in the practical day-to-day of construction, compliance, approvals, and mitigation plans. But I love learning about what’s possible especially when it comes to reducing impact without compromising outcomes.
I’m fascinated by the smart tech, the clean energy systems, the practical on-site tools that companies are trialling to stay ahead. This blog is a reflection of the kind of thinking I enjoy doing and the kind of work I believe will shape the future of construction in Australia.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope it’s given you a few things to think about, a few ideas to explore, and maybe a sense that progress is possible — and already happening.
Let’s build for that.
TIH Consulting 
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