Our Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project has become the first in Australia to earn a Gold Design Rating under the ISC v2.1 scheme, setting a new benchmark for sustainable design in infrastructure.
A new standard for sustainability in infrastructure.
Our Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project in Perth, Western Australia, has made history by becoming the first project in Australia to receive a Gold Design Rating under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) v2.1 rating scheme.
This milestone recognises the project’s strong commitment to sustainable outcomes. The innovations that contributed to the rating include:
- An IS v2.1 Design score of 73.6 – the first Gold Rating for ACCIONA in Australia and New Zealand
- World-first use of Delithiated Beta Spodumene (DBS) in the sub-base as a 4:1 blended material.
- DBS is a by-product of lithium extraction, and the project has used it as fill (the benefit is a diversion from landfill).
- WA-first use of rubber tyre gantry cranes
- 18.3% reduction in material use
- Maximum points in four categories and over 70% in five others
- Use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for major components (an
- EPD is a document that transparently reports the environmental impact of a product, based on a life-cycle assessment)
Cannington Station shines with 6-star Green Star rating
The project also achieved a 6-star Green Star rating for Cannington Station, with key highlights including:
- Installation of an 80 kWh solar system
- Increase in EV charging bays from two to ten
- Energy-efficient lifts
- Reduced heat island effect through smart roof colours and landscaping
- Use of EPDs for major construction components
Celebrating success—and learning from the challenges
The project was celebrated at the ISC’s Western Australia Connect conference at Optus Stadium for its social, environmental and economic impact.
An IS Rating Certificate was presented, with ISC acknowledging the people behind the achievements for their “exceptional contribution, leadership and expertise”.
During the conference, ACCIONA’s Sustainability & Environment Manager, Will Carter, presented lessons learned on the project and how the team tackled key challenges.
“Everyone talks about the wins and successes—and while they should be celebrated—I focus more on the failures and challenges, and how we understand them for future learning across ACCIONA and the wider construction industry,” said Will.
His closing question to the audience prompted broader reflection:
“Are we (IS) points chasers or industry changers?”
Will encouraged everyone to share not just the wins but also the hard-earned lessons—so future projects can push the boundaries of what’s possible.
As Perth’s first major elevated rail, this project is being delivered for METRONET by the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA)—a team comprising ACCIONA, BMD, WSP, AECOM, and the Public Transport Authority.