Leading construction and engineering firm John Holland has taken a bold leap forward with its sustainability credentials, becoming the first construction company to join the Qantas Future Planet program.
The company has committed to offsetting the carbon emissions from all flights taken by the business by supporting Australian-based offset projects. These include Indigenous fire management programs in the Top End, protecting native forest in New South Wales, and conserving Tasmanian wilderness areas.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr says the environmental impact of air travel is a challenge facing all national businesses.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr says the environmental impact of air travel is a challenge facing all national businesses.
“Our operations span Australia and South-East Asia, and, with our list of projects growing, this naturally results in travel between offices and projects,” Mr Barr says. “We have a responsibility to look at the environmental and social impact of our operations, and are proud to play a role in building a healthier future for our planet.”
Mr Barr says the company is looking forward to partnering with Qantas to ensure that flights are offset. The chosen projects deliver both environmental benefits as well as social and cultural change around the country.
The Qantas Future Planet initiative partners with businesses to reduce their environmental impact through carbon offsetting and investment in projects such as the protection of wildlife habitats and rainforest preservation. Over the last ten years the program has offset more than three million tonnes of carbon emissions. To put things in perspective that’s the equivalent of taking over a million cars off the road.
Over the last ten years the program has offset more than three million tonnes of carbon emissions.
“Our involvement with Qantas Future Planet is just part of our innovative approach to sustainability,” Mr Barr says. “For example, our NorthLink WA team recently achieved the second highest Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) rating in Australia for its sustainability initiatives, with an outstanding rating of 93 out of 100.”
The company is also on a winning streak when it comes to projects. Just this week, it has announced it was awarded a new seven-year franchise term to operate and maintain Melbourne’s rail network as a part of the Metro Trains Melbourne consortium.
The company is also carrying out early works on the Melbourne Metro and has been selected to build the new Metro Tunnels, including over-station developments in the heart of the city.
“We’re also leading major level crossing removal projects, including the delivery of the Mernda Rail Extension,” Mr Barr said.
“We’re also leading major level crossing removal projects, including the delivery of the Mernda Rail Extension,” Mr Barr said.
Other recent wins include being selected as the preferred developer to transform Property NSW’s 3.2 hectare site on Waterloo Road in Sydney into a thriving commercial precinct. The site has the capacity to accommodate up to 117,000 square metres of commercial office space over five stages.
The initial stage will be anchored by a 25,000 square metre net lettable area pre-commitment by Property NSW to be delivered in 2019.
Mr Barr says the development – valued at over $1 billion – continues John Holland’s shift in focus from being a market leading engineering and construction contractor to a fully integrated infrastructure and property company.
“We are already involved in significant joint venture developments in Brisbane and Adelaide, and focused on a number of opportunities across the country,” he says.
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