The industry collaboration Infrastructure Net Zero released a report today outlining a common definition for net zero, marking a significant step towards Australia’s decarbonisation by 2050. 

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA), which is a founding member of Infrastructure Net Zero, said the report, Solid Foundation – A common definition for net zero infrastructure and how to get there, outlines best practice carbon measurement and management standards, and provides guidance on their adoption.  

ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said infrastructure, which includes transport, will play a major role in achieving Australia’s net zero target by 2050 because it is responsible for 57 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

“This is an important step towards accelerating decarbonisation in the rail industry. Having a common definition for infrastructure net zero will provide consistency, comparability, and accountability in emissions reduction efforts,” Ms Wilkie said. 

“We are already seeing significant, collective action to reduce rail emissions, and this guidance will help us build on that work across every stage of the asset life cycle, including planning, design, construction and operations.” 

Based on an extensive consultation process in 2024 and its adoption by infrastructure bodies in Australia, the report proposes to use the definition for net zero by the PAS 2080:2023 Carbon Management in Infrastructure Standard (PAS 2080:2023).  

PAS 2080:2023 is the best practice standard for carbon management and reduction within the infrastructure sector.  

Industry-led initiatives, such as the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) and Green Star Rating Tools, also align their net zero strategies and asset level performance benchmarks with PAS 2080:2023. 

The report is available for download here. 

Infrastructure Net Zero is a collaborative effort aimed at coordinating and reporting on Australia’s infrastructure’s journey to net zero emissions. This initiative acknowledges the collective responsibility for decarbonisation and aims to efficiently use shared time, resources, and expertise to advance key initiatives for sustainable policy change and industry innovation.