Infrastructure contributes 57% of Australia’s emissions. Two new reports from ASBEC lay the foundation for consistent, coordinated decarbonisation – offering a shared definition of net zero infrastructure and a clear policy roadmap to reduce embodied carbon.

For consulting firms working at the frontline of infrastructure design and delivery, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s (ASBEC’s) new reports offer clarity as our nation moves towards net zero emissions.

Infrastructure Net Zero, the collaborative taskforce supporting this work, is hosted by ASBEC and chaired by Consult Australia CEO, Jonathan Cartledge. The taskforce brings together government and industry leaders committed to building infrastructure that aligns with Australia’s net zero commitments.

Clarity for a complex challenge

In October 2024, Infrastructure Net Zero launched a national consultation to explore how global net zero definitions could be translated into practice across Australian infrastructure.

The result is A solid foundation: A common definition for net zero infrastructure and how to get there. 

Developed in collaboration with the Green Building Council of Australia, Infrastructure Sustainability Council and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, A solid foundation establishes a shared definition for “net zero infrastructure”.

Drawing on global frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and PAS 2080:2023, A solid foundation provides detailed guidance on measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions across the lifecycle of infrastructure projects. It reinforces the role of rating tools like Green Star, NABERS and the IS Rating Scheme.

Jonathan Cartledge says this shared definition is a vital step forward and pays tribute to the collaborative approach to consensus.

“Decarbonising infrastructure is complex. Establishing a common definition and consistent framework for measurement and reporting gives the sector the foundation it needs to accelerate action. I’m proud to represent Consult Australia in this collaborative effort, which demonstrates how industry can align around a consensus approach to climate challenges.”

Immediate steps on embodied carbon

The second ASBEC report is: Our upfront opportunity: Australia’s policy roadmap to reduce upfront embodied carbon in the built environment.

Our upfront opportunity targets the emissions associated with the materials and construction processes used to create infrastructure. These upfront emissions account for around 10% of Australia’s total emissions and represent a critical area for early, impactful action. 

The report sets out clear targets, including a reduction in upfront embodied carbon by 60–75% by 2035, with an effective reduction to zero by 2050. Our upfront opportunity also outlines policy reforms to support this goal, including nationally consistent procurement standards and early design decisions that reduce material use and emissions.

Alison Scotland, CEO of ASBEC, says these reports mark a turning point. “This transformation is not an event, but a long-term process. It requires transparency, clear communication and advance planning – and above all, collective action.”

Why this matters to Consult Australia members

“Consult Australia has long advocated for nationally consistent policy signals that support investment, innovation and climate resilience,” Jonathan Cartledge notes.

“For consulting businesses working at the front end of infrastructure projects, consistent definitions and shared standards give firms greater confidence to plan, design and deliver in line with emerging policy expectations. They also support more transparent communication with clients.”

Infrastructure Net Zero will continue to work through ASBEC and with industry partners and across government to embed the recommendations of both reports into policy, procurement and practice. 

“This work emphasises the need for capability building, practical guidance and cross-sector collaboration — work that Consult Australia continues to champion,” Jonathan concludes.

What industry partners say

“This work is the next major step in defining what net zero means for infrastructure in Australia. It’s critical that we move from ambition to action and ensure our infrastructure developments support a sustainable, climate-resilient future.”

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia

“Decarbonising infrastructure is complex, and a consistent framework for measurement and reporting is essential for accelerated and improved progress. Whilst progress has been made in pockets of the sector, the criticality but also the complexity of decarbonising infrastructure cannot be understated.” 

Toby Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Sustainability Council

“The built environment including infrastructure is responsible for 57% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it critical to achieving our national climate goals. As one of the founding supporters of Infrastructure Net Zero, we’re helping to drive industry-wide change, ensuring projects are designed and delivered with lower emissions from day one.”

Ian Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer, Clean Energy Finance Corporation

“To achieve our national net zero commitments, the Australian built environment needs to reduce its embodied carbon emissions by at least 60% on 2020 levels by 2035. Reducing embodied carbon requires a systemic approach across the built environment sector.”

Jorge Chapa, Chair of ASBEC’s Embodied Carbon Working Group and Chief Impact Officer at the Green Building Council of Australia