World Environment Day 2023

For over 60 years Tonkin has delivered key transport infrastructure projects in the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors. In this space, it is imperative that we (engineers and scientists) continue to work collaboratively with clients to improve sustainability and circular economy principles. Sustainability plans and climate change risk assessments need to become the norm for all infrastructure projects. We should be not only be identifying risks and adaptation options, but also searching for opportunities to reduce the whole-of-life impacts of the project. It is imperative that these sustainability related assessments are undertaken early in the development of the project, with each of the key stakeholders providing input. This will give us (the industry) the best shot at driving a meaningful change.

As part of the drive towards more sustainable infrastructure solutions we have been investigating alternative and more sustainable materials which still meet design requirements but have a stronger focus on materials which incorporate recycled content (including plastic), have a lower carbon footprint and materials which can be sourced locally. This is an exciting area that continues to develop rapidly. We have already seen asphalt incorporating recycled waste products such as plastic, green concretes, and technologies that assist with the recycling of pavement material when upgrading pavements. The future in this space is exciting!

Tonkin is well known for its expertise in water resources, and this is another area where there is an opportunity to develop innovative and more sustainable solutions. Over the last decade we have seen a shift from traditional pit and pipe-based stormwater management solutions to whole of catchment stormwater management frameworks with a strong focus on water quality management. These stormwater management projects have highlighted the importance of water sensitive urban design (WSUD), which is a set of principles underpinning the sustainable management of water resources. WSUD not only facilitates the greening of cities through passive reuse of stormwater, but also focusses on treating runoff before it is discharged into the receiving waters. How does this link to #BeatingPlasticPollution? Microplastics are becoming an increasing environmental concern, and while there is a broad range of sources, runoff from urban areas is one. Treating stormwater before it is discharged into the marine environment not only reduces the nutrient loads, but also the load of micro (and not so micro) plastics discharged into the marine environment.

The waste industry is a key sector that Tonkin operates in. Tonkin plans, develops, designs and delivers waste management solutions that provide superior operational and environmental outcomes. We also lead the design, optimisation, management and rehabilitation of landfills. Embracing the circular economy in practical and achievable ways is critical to reducing our environmental impact and preserving declining natural resources.

As part of our work in this space, we not only work with clients to design facilities that assist our clients with recycling of waste products, but we also undertake environmental assessments, risk assessments, emissions monitoring and management plans to protect environmental values and human health values. Environmental monitoring can include groundwater, surface water, landfill gas and vegetation monitoring. 

We believe that improved waste management, resource recovery and utilising our resources consciously is important to protect our environment for the future. It all contributes to reducing environmental impacts of waste and helps to #BeatPlasticPollution.

The above has given a brief insight into how we can contribute to the campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution as part of the projects that we deliver with our clients. But the required change needs to be driven on a number of fronts. We can also help drive the change on an individual level. As individuals we all need to be conscious about how we can reduce, reuse and recycle. Here are some options for you and your family to engage with World Environment Day beyond the office and #BeatPlasticPollution: