Newcastle Light Rail receives ICSA rating

25/08/2020

Newcastle Light Rail has become the first light rail program in Australasia to achieve an Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) ‘Excellent’ rating for both design and build.

Downer was Managing Contractor for the project and designed and constructed the light rail track, stops, a stabling and maintenance facility, road works and associated precinct works.

Downer’s General Manager NSW, Karl McCarthy, said: “Obtaining the ‘Excellent’ ISCA rating for both design and build fulfils one of our key objectives for the project and is testament to the creativity and hard work of our project team, together with our design and construction delivery partners.

“This is the first catenary-free light rail system in Australia and to complete the project on-time, within budget, and to such a high standard of sustainability is an incredible achievement for all involved.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack applauded the Light Rail project team for achieving the highest possible standards in sustainability.

Newcastle Light Rail program director Anand Thomas said that this is a fantastic outcome for the community and great recognition for the Newcastle Light Rail project team and its delivery partner Downer EDI.

“We set out to put sustainability at the forefront of our design process and by doing so, a benchmark has been set for the future of public transport.”

ISCA is the peak body for sustainable infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand, evaluating performance across planning, design, construction and operation.

ISCA chief executive Ainsley Simpson said the Newcastle Light Rail demonstrated leadership in sustainable infrastructure.

“Measuring the project’s impact against a third-party, world-leading Infrastructure Sustainability scheme is best practice,” said Ms Simpson.

Newcastle Light Rail’s industry-leading sustainability initiatives include:

• 100% catenary-free design (no overhead wires), an Australian first
• An on-board energy-storage system reducing energy and material use
• Photovoltaic cells providing the light rail depot with solar power for its operating needs

The Newcastle Light Rail system is operated by the Keolis Downer Joint Venture.