Laing O'Rourke evolves carbon limits for Australian procured concrete

In 2024, Laing O'Rourke became the first construction company to publish a maximum tolerance for carbon emissions embodied in the concrete products it buys in Australia, both directly and via its subcontractors.

Laing O'Rourke is updating its industry leading Concrete Carbon Limits to align with the Global Cement and Concrete Association's (GCCA) Global Ratings for Low Carbon Concrete recently adapted for Australia by the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA). Specifically, Laing O’Rourke is adopting the top of band D of the global rating system as its Concrete Carbon Limit and the Low Carbon Concrete definition threshold will be retired. The move to a single Concrete Carbon Limit simplifies the language and understanding of how the Concrete Carbon Limit is applied.

Laing O’Rourke applauds the CCAA who have this week launched the Australian Adoption of the GCCA Global Ratings for Low Carbon Concrete in Australia, adding values for lower and higher strength concretes used in Australia, leading a transformational shift across industry.

Dr. Ralf Dicke, Director – Strategy, Transformation and Innovation, said: “Laing O'Rourke continues to shape change and drive industry transformation. Laing O'Rourke was the first construction company to publish and adopt concrete carbon limits. From the outset, we have championed the development of aligned and widely adopted benchmarks. We’re delighted to spearhead the adoption of these updated values and advance a low carbon future for the sector.”

Embodied carbon is increasingly becoming the preferred basis for concrete targets, and these globally aligned values are anticipated to become the measure consistently adopted and applied by clients and specifiers.

Current industry practice for procuring concrete involves construction companies specifying only technical requirements to their concrete suppliers, such as strength, durability, workability, and setting time. Reinforcing the requirement related to carbon emissions is expecting to contribute to reducing demand for high emissions concrete.

Once purchased, carbon emissions incurred during the manufacture of materials are also counted towards the buyer's footprint as Scope 3 emissions. In the case of Laing O’Rourke, Scope 3 emissions represent approximately 95 per cent of its overall emissions.

Hollie Hynes, General Manager – Sustainability & Environment said: “This is another step toward a more sustainable future—and it’s inspiring to see the industry embracing the path Laing O’Rourke helped pioneer.

Concrete accounts for around 15% of our Scope 3 footprint, so getting this right is critical on our journey to net zero. By leveraging our unique position across the value chain—working with delivery partners, designers, suppliers, and clients—we influenced adoption and driving real change across the construction ecosystem.

We’re delighted to now have an Australia-wide rating scheme that simplifies and strengthens the message to suppliers. The updated Concrete Carbon Limit is clear, intuitive, and accessible, empowering project teams and supply chain partners to deliver meaningful decarbonisation for our clients, our communities, and generations to come.

Laing O’Rourke’s carbon limits for concrete are one of the Sustainability Minimum Standards required on all new Laing O’Rourke projects. Live projects are encouraged to benchmark against the updated CCL.

Our proven leadership in decarbonisation is supporting our goal to become a net zero company before 2050. By working collaboratively across the sector to identify decarbonisation solutions, we’re solving complex climate challenges and building a better environment.

"Now is the time for all of us to lead boldly. Let’s embrace these standards, continue collaboration across the industry, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.” said Hollie.