As one of Auckland’s largest infrastructure construction projects, the City Rail Link (CRL) identified significant opportunities to embed carbon reduction early in the planning process. To maximise these opportunities, the project team adopted the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating framework by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia.
Under the IS framework, the CRL was awarded a “leading” rating for the design and construction planning of the first two CRL work packages: construction of the Britomart and Albert Street tunnels. As part of this Leading rating, CRL was specifically recognised for its pioneering work integrating Mana Whenua1 cultural values into the project, an approach that has helped to further improve ISCA’s IS rating framework.
1According to the Māori dictionary, “Mana Whenua” means the indigenous people (Māori) who have historic and territorial rights over the land.
What innovations are associated with the project?
In addition to improving access to most parts of the city center and major employment areas, the City Rail Link is expected to promote substantial redevelopment around the station precincts.
The CRL also has a zero waste to landfill goal through construction, and so far the first two work packages have achieved 98% diversion from landfill for construction and demolition waste, 81% diversion for spoil, and 75% for office waste.
In addition, CRL is using its procurement process to create pathways for quality employment with a focus on skills legacy, apprenticeships and new jobs for those facing barriers to employment. The CRL build will create about 1,60e0 jobs throughout the life of the construction. Contractors are being asked to provide internships, cadetships, apprenticeships or equivalent pathways to learning as well as upskilling and reskilling to equip people for the present and future.
What are the CO2 reduction goals?
Construction energy savings for the first two work packages are projected to avoid 2,393 tonnes of CO2e emissions (a 29% reduction from baseline) while operational savings from energy efficiency initiatives at Britomart, once the CRL is running, are expected to equate to nearly 15,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions over its lifetime.
Next Steps
The CRL’s 3.45km of twin tunnels will turn the downtown Britomart Transport Centre from a one-way terminus into a two-way through-station, and the construction of two more city stations will better connect the Auckland rail network.
Links to further information
Contact Details
Ghida Sinawi
Sustainability Manager
City Rail Link Project
+64 9 304 1382
ghida.sinawi@cityraillink.govt.nz
- Benefits
- Economic
- Environmental
- Social
- Key Impact
- The CRL will unlock additional high-density residential capacity and generate urban renewal. This will provide housing stock to help reduce Auckland’s housing shortage over time. Such development will also shorten travel distances and decrease emissions
- Emissions Reduction
- Construction energy savings are projected to avoid 2,393 tonnes of CO2e emissions (a 29% reduction from baseline) while operational savings are expected to equate to nearly 15,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions over its lifetime
- Since
- Construction of the early works of the City Rail Link commenced in October 2015 and are expected to finish on different sections of the rail between 2019 and 2024