Integrated services company Downer has scored the first-ever Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) rating given to a renewable energy project for the Ararat Wind Farm.
“Downer is pleased to be recognised with Australia’s first Infrastructure Sustainability rating for a renewable infrastructure project,” Downer executive director, utilities Trevor Cohen said.
“It’s been a pleasure to share this significant recognition by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia with our customer and project developer, RES Australia, which shares the same sustainable aspirations as we do.”
The ISCA Infrastructure Sustainability rating scheme evaluates the sustainability of the design, construction and operation of infrastructure.
“Ararat Wind Farm’s achievement of the IS ‘As Built’ rating recognises that the project has identified and implemented best practice long-term economic, social and environmental value and benefits that is being shared with the local Victorian community.”
The project will see about a 15 per cent greenhouse gas saving through its lifetime thanks to solutions such as automatic solar powered entry gates, a more direct and efficient road network, optimised cabling and concrete that contains up to 40 per cent fly ash, reducing the need for virgin materials.
As well, more than $20 million of goods and services associated with construction have been procured from local suppliers from Ballarat to Horsham.
“We’re proud to partner with Downer on the Ararat Wind Farm and demonstrate how sustainability of renewable infrastructure can reap benefits for the local community and environment,” RES Australia chief executive Matt Rebbeck said.