CPB Contractors have revealed how it has expanded its biodiesel usage across all plant and equipment on a key Western Sydney project.
CPB Contractors has been one of the early adopters of biodiesel since it started using the renewable alternative to diesel fuel on major infrastructure projects in 2014.
CPB Contractors, in a joint venture with United Infrastructure, has powered all of its plant and equipment with a biodiesel blend for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Surface and Civil Alignment Works (SCAW) Project.
The company claimed this approach was the first of its kind for a construction project in Australia. Early data indicates it has already reduced the project’s carbon emissions by 200 tonnes.
“The SCAW project team’s approach is a big leap forward for large-scale construction projects. The scale of biodiesel adoption here has not been seen on a construction project before,” CPB Contractors NSW/ACT sustainability manager Christine Mueller said.
“At CPB Contractors, we recognise that we need to shift to greener technologies such as electric plant powered by renewable energy. We are also transitioning away from fossil fuels and moving towards cleaner sources like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Biodiesel.
“In the past, quality, supply, and misconceptions prevented the broader use of these solutions in our industry; however, now that the quality of Australian biodiesel meets international standards, this adoption is a great solution for us.”
The SCAW Project is a joint venture with United Infrastructure, a consortium of Western Sydney-based companies, including Burton Contractors, JK Williams and Mulgoa Quarries.
The delivery of the Sydney Metro’s SCAW project includes:
- 3.5 kilometres of elevated viaduct at Orchard Hills and Luddenham
- 6.7 kilometres of earthworks for track formation
- A 190-metre long rail bridge over the new M12 motorway
- A 20-metre long rail bridge within the airport Temporary and permanent access roads
Bulk earthworks for the stabling and maintenance facility site.
CPB Contractors’ adoption of biodiesel within the project has been supported by other delivery partners, and subcontractors are following suit. For example, Kennards, a supply chain partner, is switching from B5 to B20 biodiesel across its business.
“We recognise that through our purchasing power, we are influencing and supporting the supply chain’s transition to low-carbon solutions while encouraging utilisation of waste feedstock,” Mueller said.
“In working with our suppliers to support this energy transition and embrace our responsibility to provide positive environmental outcomes for the suppliers we work alongside, we are pleased that a business of Kennards’ scale is making this change… the potential the hire industry has to reduce carbon emissions is huge.”
Kennards’ Paul Nicholson added: “We’re constantly striving to create efficient, low-emission solutions for our customers and clients.
“Working with CPB Contractors on the SCAW project has enabled our business to integrate the use of biodiesel (B2O) into our fleet, driving forward our own mission to minimise carbon emissions. With the B20 option, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), we have a growing mix of low-emission fuel commodities to support major projects well into the future.”
