The assessment was undertaken comparing the Concept Design against a Reference Case, or Business as Usual.  The Business as Usual is a code compliant / standard practice version of the design and represents expected normal industry practice, code compliant energy efficiency and construction techniques and common materials selection.

The LCA of the Concept Design highlighted that:

• The project could demonstrate a reduction of life cycle GHG emissions by 3.6% through 10% improvement in energy efficiency (Green Star minimum requirements to achieve a 4 star rating)
• 23% of emissions would be coming from recurring impacts (rail and ballast maintenance, repairs, replacement etc.)
• 40% of embodied emissions were associated with materials used (upfront emissions A1-A5, from materials manufacturing, transport, and construction)
• 63% of emissions are materials related (not from the operational energy, module B6)

Developing low-risk low-carbon strategies (up to 60% GHG reduction)

Using eTool’s integrated Life Cycle Design approach our specialists were able to pin-point the environmental hot spots in the design and identify several strategies that if adopted would result in up approx. 60% reduction in life-cycle GHG (CO2eq). The strategies identified included:

• 30% Blast furnace slag cement replacement in all major concrete elements in the superstructure
• Utilising high efficiency LED lighting for all internal areas
• Specifying high efficiency HVAC systems for all air-conditioned areas
• Utilising LUX sensors to control lighting for all internal areas
• Sourcing locally produced rail ballast
• Utilising high efficiency lighting for the station platform, the PSP and street lighting
• The use of renewable energy generated onsite from solar PV panels

Developing moderate-risk low-carbon strategies (over 90% GHG reduction)

eTool subsequently identified several moderate-risk strategies that would provide further savings if implemented, including:

• 30% Fly-ash cement replacement in all major concrete substructure elements
• Using low GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant gases e.g. CO2 or R32
• Utilising recycled aggregate as a sub-base for the new roads
• Improved ballast lifespan
• Smart street lighting
• Responsible sourcing of steel products (reinforcement, structural and rail)

Use of renewable energy

During the life cycle design process, the options for solar PV were investigated. This process began with a consideration of the operational energy profile and demand. Providing renewable energy for components of the infrastructure was considered, such as the main alignment lighting and eliminated for practical reasons. Solar power for smaller elements such as the vehicle management system and underpass lighting were also considered.

Environmental Initiatives

A number of environmental initiatives that were studied in the early stage of the design have since been implemented in the Issued For Construction (IFC) design, these include:

• Lighting controls

• Increased pavement design life

• Fuel efficiency standards for construction equipment

• Designing out of irrigated landscaping on main alignment

Materials

The Life Cycle Assessment provides a holistic assessment of the environmental impacts of the whole project over it’s whole of life. Within the LCA, all significant building products and materials are accounted for.

Key Initiatives that decrease the environmental impacts associated with the use of materials in the Project include;

• Asphalt design life of 100 years

• Noise wall design life of 100 years

• Barrier design life

• EME Asphalt pilot

• Lean design of bridges at the intersections with Collier Road, Morley Road and Benara Road

• Reduced extent of noise wall, pit and pipe, retaining walls

• Lower Impact Concrete – using Blast furnace slag to reduce Portland cement content