Moving to a circular economy is increasingly being recognised as vital to reduce waste, emissions, pollution, and ensure resource efficiency as well as competitiveness. The Australian government is working towards developing ambitious national targets to protect nature, critical next steps to transition Australia to a circular economy, and practical on-ground actions to boost conservation and leave nature better off for the future.

At the last Sustainability Committee quarterly, we were privileged to have Paul Klymenko, the Chief Sustainability Advisor and Executive Director at Planet Ark who sits on the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG). The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group was established to advise government on the opportunities and challenges to transition to a circular economy by 2030. The group consists of 15 of Australia’s most prominent circular economy experts and will be led by inaugural Chair Professor John Thwaites AM from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

CEMAG is currently working on the National Circular Economy Framework which will be finalised in December and strongly welcomes views from the member organization in the Sustainability Committee to inform their understanding of challenges and opportunities. If you would like to share your position on potential ways forward to accelerate to a low-carbon circular economy and net-zero society, please reach out to Isabel Wagner at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au by September 30, 2024.

As the appetite for sustainability has never been greater, ABB has recently released a report titled, Progressing Sustainability in Australian Business, which explores the challenges holding Australian businesses back from achieving their sustainability goals.

Following the successful Circular Economy workshop in Brisbane, planning is currently underway for a Melbourne workshop. More details on this will be shared shortly.

The SACC Sustainability Committee welcomes interest from other SACC member companies to join the Committee.

Contact:

Flavia Vaz, Chair of the SACC Sustainability Committee at Flavia.Vaz@tetrapak.com or Camilla Jennings, General Manager SACC at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and CJD Equipment have forged a remarkable 32-year partnership that has significantly shaped the Australian construction equipment landscape. This long-standing collaboration has been instrumental in bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the Australian market.

A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

The partnership between CJD Equipment and Volvo CE began in 1992 when CJD was awarded the Volvo earthmoving franchise for Western Australia. This initial venture marked the beginning of a period of expansion for CJD Equipment. In 2001, the company’s commitment and hard work were recognized when it became the National Volvo Distributor.

Milestones and Growth

Over the past three decades, the partnership has gone from strength to strength:

• National Expansion: CJD Equipment’s role as the National Volvo Distributor has allowed it to expand its reach across Australia, providing comprehensive coverage for Volvo CE products.
• Product Range: The partnership has enabled CJD to offer a wide range of Volvo’s state-of-the-art construction equipment to Australian customers.
• Customer Support: CJD Equipment has developed an extensive national product support network, ensuring timely and reliable service for Volvo CE machines.

Trends Towards Electrification in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability, with electric machinery emerging as a key player in this transformation.

Stricter emissions regulations and high fuel costs are driving the demand for electric construction equipment. This trend is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing more stringent emission standards for non-road diesel engines used in construction.

Additionally, many governments, down to the local level, are introducing low-noise requirements, especially in residential areas.

The high cost of diesel fuel is a significant factor driving the trend toward electric solutions. As fuel prices continue to rise, OEMs are looking for ways to reduce costs and stay competitive. Electric construction equipment offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution, consuming less energy and having lower operating costs.

While environmental regulations and requirements are more prevalent in Europe, they are gaining traction in Australia. Significant businesses, mining companies, and local governments increasingly embrace sustainable objectives. However, the absence of clear federal regulations on emission standards and incentives to promote the uptake of electric construction equipment in Australia means that the transformation must currently come from the industry itself [3].

Despite this, the Australian construction industry is making strides towards sustainability by leveraging advanced technologies, new building materials, and a commitment to embracing electric powered equipment. The adoption of compact excavators, and compact loaders is gaining momentum in the country, reflecting the industry’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility [3].

Case Study: Whitman Park Tramway Extension with Allworks

The Whiteman Park Tramway Extension Project represents a significant milestone in Western Australia’s commitment to preserving rail history while enhancing tourism infrastructure. This initiative aims to extend the heritage tramline, providing a unique and convenient access point for visitors to Whiteman Park’s numerous attractions.

Project Overview

The project involves the construction of a new tram platform just south of the METRONET Whiteman Park Station and extending the line eastward from the existing heritage line within the park [19]. This extension will add 1.3 kilometres of new tram line, utilising recycled materials for approximately 85% of the project.

The tramway extension offers local and international tourists a distinctive way to access Whiteman Park’s attractions. By connecting directly to the new Whiteman Park Train Station, the project aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and make the park more accessible. This integration of heritage and modern transport systems showcases a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and tourism development.

The project has garnered support from numerous industry partners, including Acciona Construction, Allworks WA, Alstom, Arc Infrastructure, BMD Constructions, Georgiou Group, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction, North Metropolitan TAFE, and WA Limestone Contracting. These partners have contributed through funding, material donations, and labour, demonstrating a collaborative effort towards sustainable development.

Electric Loader’s Impact

Allworks has made a groundbreaking purchase, becoming the first company in Australia to acquire Volvo’s electric construction machine, the L25 Electric Wheel Loader. This innovative equipment will be deployed at the Whiteman Park section of the Metronet tram extension project, where its quiet, emission-free operation is perfectly suited for the park’s sensitive environment, ensuring minimal disruption to both tourists and wildlife. The loader’s electric powertrain also eliminates idle time between material handling tasks, boosting operational efficiency. Additionally, the maintenance-free battery system reduces downtime, offering a significant advantage over traditional diesel machinery.

Projects like the Whiteman Park Tramway Extension serve as important case studies as the construction industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable practices. They demonstrate how heritage preservation can be combined with modern, environmentally conscious construction techniques, setting a precedent for future developments in the sector.

Economic Benefits of Electric Machinery

The adoption of electric construction equipment offers numerous economic advantages, making it an increasingly attractive option for industry businesses. These benefits extend beyond environmental considerations, providing tangible financial incentives for companies to switch.

Lower Operational Costs

One of the primary economic benefits of electric machinery is the significant reduction in operational costs. This cost-saving is primarily due to eliminating diesel fuel bills, which can be substantial for construction companies. The substantial difference in energy costs can lead to significant savings over time.

Moreover, electric machines have lower maintenance requirements, further reducing operational costs. With fewer components needing regular maintenance, these machines typically have longer service intervals. This translates to:

1. Reduced downtime for servicing
2. Decreased labour costs throughout the equipment’s lifespan.
3. Elimination of expenses related to oil changes and fuel filter replacements.

The absence of idling in electric machines also contributes to cost savings. Unlike diesel engines that require idle periods to warm up and maintain performance, electric machines provide instant power when needed and shut off quickly when not in use. This feature can result in significant energy savings, especially considering that on many job sites, machines may idle for 25% to 50% of their operational time.

Expanded Working Hours

Due to its unique operational characteristics, electric construction equipment opens new possibilities for extended work hours. The near-silent operation of these machines allows for work during night hours or in noise-sensitive areas without causing disturbances. This capability enables operators to work with continuous productivity on job sites without impacting nearby residents or businesses.

Furthermore, electric machines’ zero-emission nature permits their use in environments where diesel equipment is prohibited or restricted. This includes indoor spaces, underground locations, and densely populated areas. The ability to work in these environments not only enhances the work experience for operators but also expands the potential for project scheduling and completion.

New Business Opportunities

Adopting electric construction equipment has resulted in innovative business opportunities for companies willing to invest in this technology. Electric machines’ unique capabilities allow businesses to access new markets and take on projects that were previously challenging or impossible with traditional diesel equipment.

For instance, the zero-emission and low-noise characteristics of electric machines make them ideal for:

1. Indoor construction and renovation projects
2. Work in low or zero-emission zones.
3. Projects near sensitive environments, such as hospitals or schools
4. Landscaping and agricultural applications where minimal disturbance is crucial.

These capabilities open opportunities in various sectors, where companies that invest in electric equipment can position themselves as environmentally responsible contractors, potentially gaining a competitive edge in markets where sustainability is a priority.

Looking to the Future

As the partnership enters its fourth decade, both CJD Equipment and Volvo CE remain committed to innovation and sustainability. They continue to work together to meet the evolving needs of the Australian construction industry, with a strong focus on electromobility and reducing environmental impact.

The 32-year partnership between CJD Equipment and Volvo CE stands as a testament to the power of long-term collaboration in driving industry progress. As they continue to innovate and adapt to changing market needs, this partnership is well-positioned to shape the future of construction equipment in Australia for years to come.

Contact your local CJD branch to learn more about how electric machinery can transform your construction projects.

CJD Equipment Pty Ltd