Procuring Concrete
In 2024, Laing O'Rourke became the first construction company to set a maximum tolerance for carbon emissions embodied in the concrete products we purchase in Australia, both directly and through our subcontractors.
A huge thank you to our supply chain partners and subcontractors for embracing this challenge and helping us lead the way.
Together, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and drive even greater innovation in sustainable construction.
In December 2025, we have updated our industry leading Concrete Carbon Limits (CCLs) to align with the Global Cement and Concrete Association's (GCCA) Global Ratings for Low Carbon Concrete recently adopted by Australia by the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) and Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders' Alliance (MECLA).
This coordinated change brings greater consistency and clarity across Australia, driving a transformational shift across the industry.
Laing O’Rourke is adopting the top of band D of the global rating system as its Concrete Carbon Limit. This change retires the previous Maximum Tolerance and the Low Carbon Concrete Definition. The move to a single Concrete Carbon Limit simplifies the language and understanding of how the Concrete Carbon Limit is applied.
Laing O'Rourke Australia Concrete Carbon Limit, December 2025
Although the Concrete Carbon Limit has been lowered slightly for some strength grades, advancements in concrete technology that have occurred and the concretes available ensure it remains practical and achievable across our projects.
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 update reflects how fast sustainability is moving. New developments continue to reshape what’s possible, and we’re committed to staying ahead, driving change for a low-carbon future with our supply chain partners and subcontractors.