Austroads has established a new program which will focus on addressing environmental and sustainability issues.
As part of the program, Austroads has established an Environment and Sustainability task force, which features key figures from the Australian and New Zealand transport agencies.
The task force will provide guidance to projects to improve environmental-friendliness and sustainability.
Austroads Chief Executive Geoff Allan said the program will help to ensure that Austroads practices are consistent with sustainability.
“The Program will play an important role for our member organisations as it works to ensure that environment and sustainability outcomes are at the heart of transport decision-making,” Allan said.
Sustainability was a key issue which was addressed by the Austroads Board in its 2020-2024 Strategic plan.
The new program will be developed around five main themes: Climate change resilience, Biodiversity, Human health, Circular economy outcomes and Greenhouse gas emissions.
Program Manager, Vibeke Matthews said the program and task force were both exciting announcements for the company and the industry.
“The task force is developing a pipeline of projects. The first project, which will start in the 2021-22 financial year, will examine best practice environment and sustainability reporting and consider changes to the Austroads Guide to Environmental Reporting,” Matthews said.
“The task force will also collaborate with other task forces currently overseeing related projects.”
“This includes a suite of projects in the Transport Infrastructure Program examining the use of recycled materials in road infrastructure, and projects being managed by the Future Vehicles and Technology Program examining the implications for transport agencies.”
Related stories:
- Austroads’ new tool helps evaluate road preservation options
- Austroads publishes pavement findings
- Austroads publishes new bridge asset management guidelines