Page 45 - The Bulletin #135 Summer 2021

STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY
appropriate, reliable documentation tailored to local government needs. The Phase 2 Project Report Use of recycled materials for local roads in Victoria presents and analyses the Victorian councils’ responses.
A Recycled Road Trip aimed at Victorian local government road engineers was organised in March 2020 by the Office
of Projects Victoria, the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group, and Sustainability Victoria. NATSPEC presented to the participating councils about the use of recycled materials in roads. The road
trip addressed important issues, including the barriers and opportunities of procuring recycled products.
Local councils nationwide are increasing their use of recycled materials, therefore contributing to a circular economy. In September 2020, Transport for NSW included AUS-SPEC Specification 1144 Asphalt (Roadways) as well as the abovementioned TECHnote GEN 028 Specifying recycled materials for roadworks using AUS-SPEC in its guidelines for using recycled crushed glass in asphalt. A new funding program launched by Sustainability Victoria in August allows local councils
to apply for up to $300,000 per grant to improve their use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects.
NATSPEC’s documentation, research and its work with CCF, IPWEA, the Office of
Projects Victoria and Sustainability Victoria assist local councils to better navigate this process. As a national system, AUS-SPEC specifications for recycled materials in roads create consistency and minimise risk. Local councils deserve high-quality, reliable documentation that responds to their environmental needs.
AUS-SPEC specifications, updated annually, are based on thorough technical research and are adapted for local government requirements. A performance- based specification provides consistency
and harmonisation of documentation for the use of recycled materials in local roads in Victoria and across the country.
NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation owned by Government and industry.
It maintains the National Building Specification, as well as AUS-SPEC and other products, and has been a valued part of the Australian construction industry for over 45 years. n
By Nandini Mehta, AUS-SPEC Manager.
For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au
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THE BULLETIN – Civil Contractors Federation VIC
SUMMER 2021 45