Engineering the future – Infrastructure Magazine
Sustainable steel has an important role to play in the infrastructure of tomorrow, and SENSE Solutions®, delivered by InfraBuild, is revolutionising the product.
The drive to decarbonise infrastructure is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental priority for the industry. As recently highlighted in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2024 Impact Report and Infrastructure, SENSE Solutions®’ latest product range, SENSE 600®, is an innovation in reinforcing steel.
Offering significant reductions in embodied carbon and industry-recognised sustainability certifications, SENSE 600 exemplifies the cutting-edge solutions required to meet the infrastructure sector’s ambitious net zero goals.
Leading the way
SENSE Solutions is reinforcing its focus on innovation and environmental responsibility via SENSE 600, which can deliver up to 39 per cent lower embodied carbon than InfraBuild’s standard 500N reinforcing steel solutions.
This is achieved through optimising high-strength steel with an innovative bar design, reducing raw material usage by up to 16.7 per cent while maintaining equivalent load capacity. It is also made from 100 per cent scrap steel at InfraBuild’s Electric Arc Furnace mills in Australia.
“This product is a game-changer for the industry,” said Anthony Ng, Engineering Solutions Manager at InfraBuild. “It demonstrates how innovative design and a focus on sustainability can deliver superior performance and environmental outcomes without disrupting established practices.”
Certified for compliance and sustainability
Engineered to meet Australian Standards AS 5100.5 (bridges), AS 3600 (concrete structures) and AS 2159 (piling and foundations), SENSE 600 ensures seamless integration into critical infrastructure projects. Additionally, SENSE Solutions has released an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for SENSE 600®, detailing its reduced GWP and material circularity metrics.
SENSE 600 also supports several sustainability certifications under the ISC’s ISv2.1 Rating Tool. Holding an EPD and Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certification, SENSE 600 contributes to credits such as Rso-7 (Sustainability Labelled Products) and Rso-6 (Material Life Cycle Impact Measurement).
Its inclusion in the ISupply directory further supports Responsible Products credits, enabling projects to achieve up to 0.75 IS points. ISv2.1 rewards projects that use products that have an MCI and SENSE 600® can support this credit as the EPD includes MCI metrics.
Delivering real-world benefits
The practical advantages of SENSE 600® go beyond its environmental credentials. Its optimised design allows for reduced material use, while improving structural efficiency.
Toby Kent, Infrastructure Sustainability Council CEO, emphasised the importance of innovations like SENSE 600 in the recent ISC 2024 Impact Report.
“The better outcomes that certified projects deliver remain at the heart of ISC’s contribution,” said Mr Kent. “This year, 25 certified As Built projects contributed 144,000 tonnes to the total of 1,353,000 tonnes of avoided lifecycle materials emissions since 2018. Nothing reflects ‘better BAU’ than that!”
Paving the way to lower emissions
The ISC’s 2024 Impact Report underscores the pressing need to reduce embodied carbon across infrastructure projects, noting that steel, concrete, and asphalt contribute significantly to emissions. SENSE 600 offers a compelling pathway to address these challenges, enabling project teams to minimise their environmental footprint while enhancing performance.
SENSE Solutions’ proactive approach, including early engagement with asset owners, designers and contractors, ensures the seamless integration of SENSE 600 into projects. The brand’s educational initiatives, such as workshops and training sessions, equip stakeholders with the knowledge and expertise they need to adopt sustainable practices effectively.
Making SENSE of sustainable construction
As the industry continues to evolve, products like SENSE 600 will be indispensable in building a more sustainable future. With its reduced embodied carbon, high recycled content, and alignment with ISv2.1 certification requirements, SENSE 600 exemplifies the next generation of materials that meet the demands of modern infrastructure.
“These impacts matter,” said Mr Kent. “The infrastructure sector consumes, embodies and enables some 70 per cent of Australia’s and 50 per cent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s carbon emissions. Decarbonisation is just one way that infrastructure affects the sustainability of communities.”2
The SENSE Solutions range is not only addressing today’s sustainability challenges, but also setting a benchmark for the future. The focus on delivering high-performance, environmentally responsible materials ensures that projects can achieve their goals without compromising on quality or integrity.
Practical steps for sustainable infrastructure
SENSE Solutions® offers the following practical advice and support for integrating sustainable materials into infrastructure projects:
Early engagement: collaborating with material suppliers during the planning stages enables project teams to maximise the benefits of innovative materials (SENSE Solutions technical specialists can provide tailored solutions to meet project-specific needs).
Lifecycle analysis: employing lifecycle assessment tools quantifies the environmental impact of materials, supporting data-driven decision-making and regulatory compliance.
Continuous education: SENSE Solutions is committed to supporting the industry with training and workshops, equipping stakeholders with the skills and knowledge to adopt sustainable practices effectively.
For more information visit infrabuild.com/sense-solutions
