In an effort to increase sustainability knowledge and competency across the supply chain, Australian construction and infrastructure industry leaders have joined forces to create an online school.

In a unique collaboration, a number of construction and infrastructure companies are working together to improve industry standards and promote their shared vision of a more sustainable supply chain with the launch of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Australia.

Leveraging the standout success of a similar model in the UK, the School is launching an online self-assessment tool for businesses, e-learning modules and a resource library– addressing topics such as waste, water, carbon and energy, environmental management and climate adaptation.

The Australia-wide industry led initiative is being launched by eight founding partners – John Holland, Mirvac, Stockland, Downer Tenix, McConnell Dowell, Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, DuluxGroup and Laing O’Rourke – with additional funding and support provided by NSW Government, Sustainability Victoria and Construction Skills Queensland. The School will be delivered by the Net Balance Foundation, with support from Ernst & Young.

John Holland’s Group Manager for Sustainability and Co-Chair for the School, Renuka Sabaratnam said there is a growing expectation that construction and infrastructure projects will be built in a sustainable manner and in line with international best practice.

“The Supply Chain Sustainability School has been set up in Australia to provide training and other resources to ensure the broader supply chain has a common understanding of best industry practice,” she said.

Mirvac’s Procurement Manager for Construction and Co-Chair for the School, Roderick Petre, said the founding partners are encouraging their supply chains to engage with the School to benefit from the training and wide range of free resources available.

“As well as addressing some obvious knowledge gaps, the School offers a unique and innovative way for the construction and infrastructure industry to work collaboratively to educate our contractors and suppliers, and to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain,” he said.

Launching today, the School is inviting industry suppliers, particularly Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including smaller contractors, suppliers and service providers, to complete the online training for a better understanding of sustainability standards for the industry.

The School is a national initiative with a commitment to leading the construction and infrastructure industry into a brighter, more sustainable future.

The School is also looking to secure further partnerships with key industry stakeholders who support the School’s vision.

Learn more at www.supplychainschool.org.au.