ACCIONA has achieved a leading Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Design Rating score of 82.86 for the Brisbane Metro Inner City Infrastructure Works in Queensland, marking a major milestone in sustainable urban transport development ahead of the project’s scheduled completion in late 2025.
ACCIONA has achieved a leading Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Design Rating score of 82.86 for the Brisbane Metro Inner City Infrastructure Works in Queensland, marking a major milestone in sustainable urban transport development ahead of the project’s scheduled completion in late 2025.
Delivered for Brisbane City Council in partnership with Arup Australia as part of the Brisbane Move consortium, the project supports Council’s vision for a more connected, accessible and sustainable public transport network.
The IS Rating, assessed under version 1.2 Design, reflects the project’s outstanding performance across innovation, carbon reduction, materials efficiency, community wellbeing and heritage protection.
The Victoria Bridge strengthening works introduced an Australian-first innovation: external post-tensioning using Ultra-High-Performance Fibre-reinforced Concrete Blisters.
This method preserved the bridge’s aesthetics, improved constructability, and reduced CO₂ emissions using Dura® concrete, which requires less material and energy input.
Carbon reduction has been a central achievement.
The project's design delivers a 65% reduction in whole-of-life emissions compared to the Brisbane City Council concept design, preventing 39,751 tonnes of CO₂e.
Material choices further enhanced sustainability outcomes. A 77% reduction in embodied carbon will be achieved, avoiding 116,171 tonnes of CO₂e.
This was realised through value engineering at the Cultural Centre station, design optimisation across inner-city precincts, and the use of green energy, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles during construction.
Renewable energy will also power operations in Adelaide Street tunnel and inner-city street lighting and using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Supplementary Cementitious Materials.
Community health and wellbeing are prioritised through active transport infrastructure, skills development, and social inclusion. The project is delivering over 1.2 kilometres of new and upgraded cycle lanes, 222,965 training hours, and 59,549 hours of Indigenous labour (as at February 2025).
Cultural engagement included Aboriginal artwork by Turrbal artist Kulkarawa Meeanjinu and ceremonial activities. Heritage protection was another highlight. Excavation works uncovered a dry-stone wall from 1827 and artefacts from Brisbane’s early streets, which were incorporated into the urban design and displayed at the Brisbane Metro Information Centre.
Joel Miller, Brisbane Move Collaborative Partnership Manager, said he was very proud of everyone who contributed to this achievement.
“To work on a project that demonstrated such a commitment to sustainability through all stages is truly incredible,” Mr Miller said.
Nicole Lee, IS Project Manager, emphasised the significance of the rating.
“This IS Rating reflects the depth of ACCIONA's commitment to sustainable infrastructure,” Ms Lee said.
“Brisbane Metro is not only transforming transport but also setting new standards for environmental and community outcomes.”
With Brisbane Metro now live on the network, the IS Rating underscores ACCIONA’s leadership in delivering infrastructure that meets the highest standards of sustainability, innovation, and public benefit.”