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Barangaroo South: a role model for sustainability and sustainable development with a focus on social value

Barangaroo South sets a global standard for sustainability and sustainable development, promoting equity and inclusion through innovative practices.

Barangaroo sets a global standard for sustainable development. Led by Lendlease, this transformative project integrates environmental responsibility, cultural respect for First Nations communities and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Barangaroo has led the way in achieving environmental and social outcomes through innovative carbon-reduction initiatives, partnerships with Indigenous businesses, and empowering programs for women in construction.

Pioneering sustainable construction methods

Located on Sydney Harbour, Barangaroo is Australia’s first carbon-neutral precinct and has set a global benchmark for sustainable development. Spearheaded by Lendlease, Barangaroo South has been transformed from a disused container terminal into a world-class destination, demonstrating how urban development can coexist with environmental responsibility.

To create an enduring precinct, Lendlease put sustainability at the heart of everything, with many initiatives aligned with our global Mission Zero. Launched in 2020, our ambitious goal is targeting Net Zero carbon by 2025 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and Absolute Zero carbon by 2040 for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, within the Lendlease-defined boundaries, without the use of offsets. One of the key actions in our Mission Zero is transitioning to fossil fuel-free construction.

Construction contributes around 23% of global carbon emissions. Roughly 5.5% of those emissions are directly related to activities on construction sites, mainly through the combustion of fossil fuels to power machinery and equipment.

With the help of the University of Queensland (UQ), we explored how quickly we can electrify construction machinery and what alternative fuels are viable. UQ’s research paper, ‘Planning a Transition to Low and Zero Emission Construction Machinery’, and our companion report, ‘Stepping Up the Pace: Fossil Fuel Free Construction’, translate UQ’s research into a clear action plan to create fully-electric, fossil fuel free construction sites.

At One Sydney Harbour’s Watermans Residences (R3), we put this plan into action by replacing diesel-powered machinery and equipment with electric alternatives for all available construction activities. This included a concrete pump, two tower cranes, two hoists, elevated work platforms, and a formwork hoist. From April 2023 to April 2024, between 93–97 per cent of the monthly energy needed for construction was supplied by electric machinery and equipment. Powered by renewable energy sources, this equipment operates with zero carbon emissions.

Diesel vs electric machinery

Together with UQ, we analysed the energy, carbon emissions and costs associated with both diesel and electric concrete pumping. We compared a large electric concrete pump used at One Sydney Harbour’s Watermans Residences (R3) with an equivalent diesel concrete pump used on a neighbouring Lendlease building, Residences Two (R2). The electric pump showed the following advantages:

Barangaroo South also leads in water-saving and waste management, aiming for net zero waste emissions and net water-positive status. The precinct will eventually recycle more water than it uses. By pioneering the development of safe and sustainable solutions for building design and construction methods, including cutting-edge exterior facades, Barangaroo is not only mitigating environmental impacts but also developing safe, sustainable solutions for future urban growth.

An exterior image of Barangaroo South overlooking Sydney Harbour
Empowering First Nations communities through education, business partnerships and public art

Named after Barangaroo, an influential female leader of the Cammeraygal clan, the Barangaroo precinct site pays tribute to her legacy as a critical figure during early European colonisation.

Lendlease is deeply committed to honouring the cultural significance of Barangaroo, which stands on land traditionally used by the Gadigal people, part of the Eora Nation.

In May 2021, One Sydney Harbour partnered with NASCA to launch a three-year program supporting young First Nations people with education and career opportunities. The collaboration focuses on skills development and cultural understanding, benefiting NASCA students and the One Sydney Harbour team.

In 2023, One Sydney Harbour sponsored White Card Training at the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct, with six students completing training at the Buraga Gul Skilling & Employment Hub. They gained construction skills and built confidence and direction, helping pave the way for their future success.

The partnership also offered work experience to a First Nations Year 10 student.

Empowering future First Nations leaders

Kristen Martin, a proud Yuin woman and Bachelor of Linguistics and Language Sciences student at Macquarie University secured a permanent role at Lendlease through CareerTrackers, an organisation that connects Indigenous university students with paid internships.

During her internship with Lendlease’s Social Impact team, Kristen worked on partnerships with First Nations businesses and explored projects like Barangaroo. She credits the experience, supported by Lendlease’s First Nations Talent Manager, Catherine Martin, with providing valuable corporate exposure and career growth.



“One of the highlights was seeing firsthand the projects that Lendlease was working on in Barangaroo, she said. “Coming from Muswellbrook, a small regional town … it was incredible for me to get that corporate office experience and to be able to contribute to the business in a way that feels valuable.”  


 

Kristen Martin

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Skilling and employment opportunities in construction and development is one way Lendlease is seeking to bring about shared prosperity, inclusion and wellbeing within communities.

Building futures with First Nations businesses

Lendlease, in partnership with Infrastructure NSW and NPM Indigenous, completed the Hickson Park Amenities Building between 2020 and 2022, showcasing sustainable and inclusive development.

The building, designed by Nobbs Radford, features a rooftop garden curated by Clarence Slockee, a Cudgenburra/Bundjalung man. It also includes artwork by First Nations artist Lucy Simpson.

As part of Lendlease’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the project honoured First Nations cultural significance while promoting diversity in procurement. Over 80 per cent of Indigenous businesses were involved in construction. The building integrates with Barangaroo South’s recycled water system and uses native plants,  offering a considered approach to public infrastructure and placemaking.

One Sydney Harbour features Arnhem Land artists

In August 2022, Lendlease Senior Development Managers Gemma Pena and Emily Ravenscroft visited Yirrkala Arts Centre in Northeast Arnhem Land to select 800 pieces of Indigenous art for the three towers of One Sydney Harbour. The goal was to create a cohesive narrative through the curated collection, enhancing the connection between the art, the space and the residents.

Funds from the art purchases support the artists and their communities, further strengthening ties between One Sydney Harbour, Barangaroo, and Yirrkala Gallery. Each artwork and the artist’s story will be featured in the One Sydney Harbour Residents app, transforming the space into a living gallery of Indigenous culture.

Technicians discussing a recycled water plant at Barangaroo
Celebrating women’s achievements in construction at Lendlease

In an industry where only 12% of construction workers are women, Lendlease is taking action to address the imbalance.

Alyssa Hudson, Megan Lohrisch, and Ceire Kenny were recognised for their contributions at the 2022 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards for Excellence in Construction.

Alyssa, a third-year apprentice, won the Transport for NSW Tradesperson Scholarship for her work at One Sydney Harbour. After transitioning from university to construction, she is developing the skills to become a site manager.

Megan and Ceire received the CPB Contribution to Sustainability award for sourcing an aluminium façade system manufactured by renewable hydropower, which has contributed to a reduction in embodied carbon by approximately 34%.

These awards highlight the innovative thinking and commitment to sustainability that are driving the industry forward.

Additionally, the Barangaroo South team hosted a Work Experience Program for seven female Year 10 students in November 2023, encouraging them to explore careers in construction.

These initiatives demonstrate Lendlease’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which will help build a more equitable future for all.

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Creating a better future

Barangaroo South exemplifies the integration of sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion in urban development. Lendlease’s innovative practices set a global standard for sustainable development while promoting equitable opportunities for communities. As we address urban growth challenges, the insights from Barangaroo can inspire future projects worldwide.

To learn more about sustainable living options at Barangaroo and Lendlease’s impact on urban spaces, visit our Lendlease Apartments page. Discover how sustainability and sustainable development benefits both people and the planet.