The inaugural ASI Steel Sustainability Awards shone a light on innovative practices paving the way for a better future. The awards celebrate sustainable practices across the entire supply chain, including the use of steel in building and construction projects, and company steel-related programs.
Chief executive of the Australian Steel Institute Mark Cain said the awards provide the perfect platform to inspire companies in the sector to adopt more sustainable steel practices. “The awards reflect the growing importance of environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. The ASI congratulates all the winners, highly commended teams, nominees and members who are making strides when it comes to maintaining corporate social responsibility and the environment.”
Celebrating projects of all sizes
The Sydney Modern Project at the Art Gallery of NSW won the large projects (over $10 million) award. The standalone building is Sydney’s most significant cultural development since the Opera House was opened more than 50 years ago. Engineers adopted a whole-of-building approach to the 152-year-old building, which led to a 54% reduction in the carbon emissions relative to the reference building.
The project received a 6 Star Green Design rating for its conservation and reuse of important existing structures. This recognition celebrates leadership in sustainable building practices.
The judges also awarded a high commendation in this category to the New Fitzroy River Bridge. This project was honoured for its social and economic benefits, which set the benchmark for remote community infrastructure.
The Umbagong district park pedestrian bridges won the award for small projects (under $10 million). The handrailed steel bridges complement the natural surroundings at one of the ACT’s most serene grassland areas. The three bridges offer a unique place for visitors to experience the clear air and local wildlife. The judges commended the project for navigating several constructability challenges while maintaining positive environmental outcomes.
Showing initiative at every step
The Shore Brace 400 took out the company or project initiative – small business award. The hydraulic bracing system uses various extension beams to support excavations up to 20m. The judging panel celebrated this initiative for filling a gap in the market because of its circularity principles, which minimise the requirement of hiring one-off support products.
The winner of the company or project initiative – large business award was InfraBuild’s program The road to sustainability through good health and safety. This initiative encourages ongoing improvement to operations through targeted social, environmental, sustainable and economic outcomes.
This organisational approach is an excellent example for others in the sector to follow. The judges also awarded a high commendation in this category to the basic oxygen steelmaking slag utilisation initiative, developed by Liberty Primary Steel. The project seeks to reduce virgin resources and waste stockpiling on site, and represents a breakthrough in the way the business addresses sustainability.
ASI would like to thank our sponsors, including major sponsor BlueScope, category sponsors Liberty and AA Steel Works, and distributor sponsors BlueScope Distribution, Calibre Steel, GAM Steel Service, InfraBuild, Orrcon Steel, Southern Steel, United Steel and Vulcan.
