The electric edge of concrete pumping at One Sydney Harbour

We are working towards our goal of zero fossil fuels in our Australian construction activities. To achieve this, it is imperative that we prioritise using electric construction machinery and equipment and biofuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel, where electric options are not available.

Lendlease’s Watermans Residences tower at One Sydney Harbour was one of our first projects to trial fossil fuel free construction methods. When constructing the 30-storey tower, Lendlease deployed electric machinery and equipment where options were available. This included a concrete pump, two tower cranes, two hoists, elevated work platforms and a formwork hoist.

To help understand the implications of switching from diesel to electric machinery, we analysed the energy, carbon emissions and costs associated with both diesel and electric concrete pumping.

Our research 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, Residence Two (R2). The electric concrete pump, exemplified by the Schwing SP 3800 E supplied by Azzurri Concrete, showed compelling energy, carbon, and cost advantages over diesel concrete pumping.

Our findings demonstrated that the electric concrete pump:

• Consumed 67% less energy, with a third of the energy used compared to the diesel equivalent.
• Produced zero emissions when powered by renewable electricity.
• Reduced operational energy costs of concrete pumping by 59.1%.
• Proved 50.8% cheaper overall to operate when factoring in energy and carbon costs for addressing residual Scope 1 and 2 emissions to achieve net zero carbon; something that Lendlease Construction is committed to.
• Incurs lower lifetime costs (total cost of ownership) than the diesel equivalent due to having the same upfront purchase costs and lower operating, maintenance and servicing expenses despite infrastructure upgrades and battery technology considerations.

This analysis provides valuable learnings for Lendlease to take forward on other projects. It also underscores the viability of electric machinery powered by renewable electricity to support our goal of Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040 (Scopes 1, 2 & 3) without compromising cost or performance. 

Prior research with the University of Queensland showed that creating fossil fuel free construction sites is a challenging but necessary ambition and that the industry needs to accelerate the electrification of machinery and equipment.

Click here to read the complete analysis on concrete pumping at One Sydney Harbour. A two-page executive summary of our findings is also available. By sharing this analysis with the broader industry, we hope to support the transition towards fossil fuel free construction. 

Check out our Fossil Fuel Free Construction guide which details Lendlease’s plans, progress and practical guidance for our project teams, subcontractors and suppliers.