Auckland Rail Project Given Another Top Sustainability Rating
Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) project has been recognized for a “world first” — embedding cultural values into its sustainability approach.
The CRL was awarded a “Leading” Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Design rating by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA), the highest possible achievement in the IS scheme.
The rating is for the design and construction planning of Contract 1 — the work through and under Britomart Station and Lower Queen Street to the former Downtown Shopping Centre site. A Downer/Soletanche Bachy joint venture is the delivery partner for this contract. The designers are Aurecon, Mott MacDonald, Grimshaw, Jasmax and Arup.
This is only the second “Leading” rating awarded in New Zealand, the first also went to the CRL. It was for the design and construction planning (with Connectus) of Contract 2 — the Albert Street tunnels and a new stormwater main under Albert Street.
In awarding the Contract 1 Design rating, ISCA considered project performance across six themes: Management & Governance; Using Resources; Emissions, Pollution & Waste; Ecology; People & Place; and Innovation.
ISCA noted several highlights for Contract 1:
- The CRL’s initiative collaborating with Mana Whenua to embed Māori cultural values across the IS framework: a first globally
- Water-efficient fittings specified for the refurbished Britomart station are projected to reduce water usage by more than 50 percent, with associated reductions in utility bills
- A projected reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by over 25 percent through efficient construction techniques, including replacing diesel generators with grid electricity, and the specification of energy-efficient equipment for the refurbished station
- Reducing waste by recycling items such as the uPVC piping from the station plaza water feature, and carefully removing the bluestone feature wall tiles for reinstatement once the tunnels are completed
- The protection and enhancement of the Category 1 heritage-listed station building.
CRL Project Director Chris Meale said the project is committed to setting the benchmark for sustainable design, construction and operation of infrastructure in New Zealand and the latest recognition shows it is on the right track to achieving this.
Antony Sprigg, CEO ISCA, says Contract 1 achieved a rating score of 80.7, well above the 75 points required to gain a “Leading” IS rating.
“Contract 1’s Leading IS rating attests to CRL’s local, national and international leadership through their infrastructure sustainability commitment and outstanding performance to date.”
CRL construction is well underway and reporting to date shows it is on track to deliver a sustainable project for Auckland.
