Summary
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is committed to delivering sustainable transport solutions that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility. As the agency responsible for managing the transport system in New South Wales, we have developed multidisciplinary standards and specifications that build, maintain, and monitor effective asset management systems. Our commitment to sustainability is aligned with the NSW Government’s Future Transport 2056 strategy and the recently launched Transport Sustainability Plan.
TfNSW recognizes that the shift towards sustainability requires a paradigm shift in the way we approach asset management. Therefore, we have adopted a performance-based approach that provides the industry with greater flexibility to be innovative and embed sustainability at the beginning of the supply chain. In this award submission, we will highlight our achievements in sustainability in asset management and showcase our commitment to delivering a sustainable transport system.
Sustainability in Asset Management
Asset management is a critical component of delivering a sustainable transport system. At TfNSW, we recognize that our assets have a significant impact on the environment and society. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive approach to asset management that prioritizes sustainability.
Our approach to sustainability in asset management is based on the following principles:
1.Lifecycle Thinking: We consider the entire lifecycle of an asset, from design to disposal, to identify opportunities to minimize environmental impact and enhance social outcomes.
2.Risk Management: We identify and manage risks associated with our assets to ensure that we can continue to provide safe and reliable transport services.
3.Continuous Improvement: We continually review and improve our asset management systems to ensure that they are effective in delivering sustainability outcomes.
4.Stakeholder Engagement: We engage with stakeholders, including communities, customers, and suppliers, to ensure that we consider their perspectives in our decision-making processes.
Performance-based Standards
TfNSW has adopted a performance-based approach where applicable to standards and specifications. Performance-based standards provide the industry with greater flexibility to be innovative and embed sustainability at the beginning of the supply chain. Our performance-based approach enables us to work with the industry to develop sustainable solutions that meet our requirements.
We have developed a suite of standards and specifications that are aligned with our sustainability objectives. Our standards and specifications cover a range of areas, including construction, maintenance, and procurement. For example, sustainability requirements that promote the use of low-carbon materials and enhance the resilience of our assets to climate change.
We also have a Procurement Policy that requires suppliers to meet sustainability requirements, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting social inclusion. Our procurement processes are designed to promote sustainability and encourage innovation in sustainable solutions.
Recycled water for Concrete
TfNSW is committed to conserving water resources in our asset management operations. One way we have achieved this is by utilizing recycled water for batching concrete. Concrete is a critical component of our transport infrastructure, and the production of concrete requires significant amounts of water. By using recycled water, we are able to reduce our reliance on freshwater sources and promote the circular use of water.
The use of recycled water for batching concrete has resulted in significant water savings. Since 2016, TfNSW has used recycled water for batching concrete in our Sydney Metropolitan projects. This has resulted in an estimated saving of 5.8 gigalitres of freshwater. This saving is equivalent to the annual water consumption of approximately 23,200 households in Sydney.
Our use of recycled water for batching concrete is aligned with our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
Promoting the Use of Alternative Sand Sources
TfNSW recognizes the importance of promoting sustainable practices in our procurement processes. As part of this commitment, we have approved departures to standards that have positive sustainability outcomes, including the use of alternative sand sources.
Sand is a critical component of our transport infrastructure, and the production of concrete and asphalt requires significant amounts of sand. The depletion of sand resources can have significant environmental and social impacts, including the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of communities. Therefore, it is essential that we promote the use of alternative sand sources to minimize our reliance on non-renewable resources.
One alternative sand source that we promote is manufactured sand. Manufactured sand is a by-product of quarrying and is produced by crushing rocks and stones. By promoting the use of manufactured sand, we are able to reduce our reliance on natural sand sources and promote sustainable practices in the quarrying industry.
By promoting the use of alternative sources of fine sand, such as crushed glass or recycled plastic, we are able to reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and promote circular practices.
Our efforts to promote the use of alternative sand sources are aligned with our commitment to sustainability and our role as a responsible procurement organization.
Our work from the perspective of Asset Management Principles
The asset management principles underpin the core risk assessment methodology.
Output focus
Asset management principles require that assets are managed to deliver the desired outcomes. Embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes. Standards and specifications provide guidance on how assets should be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to achieve the desired outcomes. By embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications, we can ensure that assets are designed and managed in a way that promotes sustainability and resilience.
For example, standards and specifications can require the use of sustainable materials, such as recycled content, in asset construction. This can reduce the environmental impact of asset construction and promote circular practices. Similarly, standards and specifications can require that assets are designed to be resilient to natural disasters, such as floods or bushfires. This can ensure that assets remain operational during extreme events and minimize disruption to transport services.
Capabilities
By embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications, we can ensure that organizations have the necessary capabilities to manage assets sustainably and resiliently. For example, standards and specifications can require that asset managers have a strong understanding of sustainability and resilience principles and that they are trained to apply these principles in their work. Similarly, standards and specifications can require the use of tools, such as lifecycle assessments or risk assessments, to support sustainable and resilient decision-making.
Level of Assurance
Asset management principles require that assets are monitored and reviewed to ensure that they are meeting the desired outcomes. Embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications is essential to providing the necessary level of assurance that assets are managed sustainably and resiliently. Standards and specifications provide guidance on the performance measures, data collection, and reporting requirements that are necessary to monitor and review asset performance.
By embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications, we can ensure that assets are monitored and reviewed to ensure that they are meeting sustainability and resilience targets. For example, standards and specifications can require the collection of data on greenhouse gas emissions from asset operations. This data can be used to monitor progress towards sustainability targets and identify opportunities for improvement. Similarly, standards and specifications can require the development of resilience plans that outline how assets will be managed during extreme events.
Learning Organisation
Asset management principles require that organizations continuously learn and improve to ensure that assets are managed effectively. Embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications is essential to promoting a learning organization culture that supports sustainable and resilient asset management. Standards and specifications provide guidance on the processes, procedures, and training that are necessary to promote continuous learning and improvement.
By embedding sustainable and resilient practices in standards and specifications, we can ensure that organizations are continuously learning and improving their asset management practices. For example, standards and specifications can require that organizations conduct regular sustainability and resilience audits to identify opportunities for improvement. Similarly, standards and specifications can require that organizations participate in sustainability and resilience training to build their capabilities in these areas.
Conclusion
Transport for New South Wales is committed to delivering sustainable transport solutions that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility. Our achievements in sustainable asset management, including the use of recycled water for batching concrete and the promotion of alternative sand sources, demonstrate our commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes. As we continue to adapt to the needs of the industry and the changing environmental landscape, we will remain committed to promoting sustainable asset management practices and promoting the circular use of resources.