AI data centres Senate inquiry
The Senate has announced a parliamentary inquiry into the environmental, economic and social impact of Australia’s data centres. This includes its energy and water consumption, effects on local communities and the regulations that AI currently falls under.
The inquiry will be chaired by the Greens’ environmental spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young, who said there is growing community concern about the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI infrastructure and the lack of federal oversight.
Young said the centres uses massive amounts of energy and water and it was important to understand its impacts on the energy transition and water supply.
She accused the government of “cosying up to global AI companies and trying to lure them to Australia” and said there needs to be transparency and parliamentary scrutiny to deals being done to see who benefits the most.
“We cannot allow Australia to become a dumping ground for energy-hungry data centres without proper scrutiny or public accountability or consultation, and that’s what this inquiry will provide.”
New product recycles waste glass and recycles silica
Sustainable Concrete Group has launched EcoFume, a silica fume replacement made completely from post consumer waste glass.
Silica fume, known as microsilica, is commonly used as an additive in concrete to boost its strength, durability and abrasion resistance. The company said Australia imports $20 million of the material and uses it in more than 60 million tons of concrete every year.
Another competing additive, fly ash, is now in decline as coal-fired power stations close.
The new product that collects waste glass from the Queensland containers for the change recycling program to be turned into an additive.
Mott MacDonald acquires Leed Engineering & Construction
Engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald is set to acquire civil constructor Leed Engineering & Construction to strengthen its design and construction team and provide better expertise on water infrastructure assets.
Notable projects by Leeds include being a delivery partner on Snowy Hydro, Coliban Water, Future Generations.
The engineering firm’s acquisition will add more than 350 staff spread across offices in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. It currently has more than 20,000 staff in over 50 countries.
