Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A
FutureCast Low-Carbon Solutions
Background
Extending Canberra’s Sustainable Transport Network
The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project extends the tram network south from the CBD to Commonwealth Park, boosting connectivity and promoting sustainable transport. The project also integrates a major stormwater upgrade to better protect the city centre from flooding during more frequent and intense rainfall events.
Key Challenge
Balancing Carbon Reduction with Flood Protection
The project set ambitious sustainability targets, including a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions. At the same time, the city centre required new drainage systems capable of handling a 1-in-100-year storm event and a projected 20% rise in rainfall intensity. This required precast products that could both reduce embodied carbon and deliver reliable, large-scale flood resilience.
Background
Extending Canberra’s Sustainable Transport Network
The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project extends the tram network south from the CBD to Commonwealth Park, boosting connectivity and promoting sustainable transport. The project also integrates a major stormwater upgrade to better protect the city centre from flooding during more frequent and intense rainfall events.
Key Challenge
Balancing Carbon Reduction with Flood Protection
The project set ambitious sustainability targets, including a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions. At the same time, the city centre required new drainage systems capable of handling a 1-in-100-year storm event and a projected 20% rise in rainfall intensity. This required precast products that could both reduce embodied carbon and deliver reliable, large-scale flood resilience.
Outcome
Lower Emissions and Greater Resilience
The project achieved a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions across precast components, while also upgrading the city’s stormwater network to protect against flash flooding. The new pipes and culverts are designed to manage a 1-in-100-year storm event, safeguard Lake Burley Griffin from polluted runoff, and support Canberra’s climate resilience.
Additional sustainability measures included solar-powered compounds and recycling more than 95% of construction waste.
“We’re setting new expectations for sustainability... It’s an exciting opportunity to set new standards, not just for this project, but for the ACT as a whole.”
The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A highlights how Humes’ FutureCast technology and stormwater expertise can deliver both carbon reductions and climate resilience for major infrastructure projects.
Images: Canberra landscape. Courtesy Daniel Morton on Unsplash. Canberra light rail. Courtesy Jack McCracken on Unsplash.
