Driving Initiatives for a Greener Road Network
FHE is committed to enhancing environmental stewardship across its road network by closely examining its supply chain to uncover opportunities for emission reductions, resource efficiency, and sustainable management practices.
Rainwater Utilization
To maximize the use of rainwater at the main maintenance center, FHE installed an agricultural pipeline from the existing rainwater tank to the work-bay area. This innovation made it easier to access and utilize rainwater for civil maintenance projects, resulting in the use of 32,000 kL of rainwater and a cost saving of approximately AUD $75,200, based on current Sydney water prices.
Hybrid Fleet Transition
As part of an initiative to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions, FHE has progressively replaced diesel vehicles in its fleet with more fuel-efficient hybrid models. In 2022-23, FHE reduced the number of diesel utility vehicles from 30 to 16 and introduced 13 light hybrid vehicles, achieving a 6.57% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the previous year.
Innovative Recycled Bricks from Filtered Waste
We're turning waste into opportunity by repurposing materials from the M8 Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Each year, the plant produces significant solid waste from primary coagulation and flocculation, traditionally destined for landfill. We've implemented rigorous testing, collaborated with key stakeholders like the NSW Environmental Protection Authority and Transurban, and partnered with licensed waste facilities to transform this waste into a valuable resource. In the past year, the M8 WTP produced approximately 2.43 tonnes of filter cake per day, totalling 887 tonnes annually. We're managing this material to create sustainable, recycled bricks.
Improving safety and sustainability with RapidGo
The RAPIDGo system, implemented by FHE, represents a significant innovation in Australian road operations and is the first integrated permit system in the country's road industry. Designed to address a 300% increase in workload and complexity, RAPIDGo streamlines key processes such as tunnel closure management and contractor induction, ensuring safety and efficiency across the WestConnex network.
By moving from a cumbersome paper-based system to a fully digital platform, RAPIDGo has significantly improved operational efficiency, safety compliance and sustainability. Between May 2023 and May 2024, RAPIDGo facilitated 64,880 tunnel individual accesses via 9,823 work permits, saving 147kg of paper and significantly reducing environmental impact. Facilitating the SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) concept, the system also improved worker safety by ensuring proper induction and qualification, contributing to a zero injury record during this period.
Streamlining Asset Management with Digital Twin Technology at Rozelle Interchange
We have innovated asset management practices and systems for the Rozelle Interchange by implementing an advanced digital twin model that improves accessibility and decision making at all levels, from technicians to executives.
Instead of the traditional heavy Project Information Model (PIM), FHE developed a lighter, more intuitive federated model. This model aligns with the asset register and is connected to the Asset Information System (AIS), allowing seamless navigation through a native Navisworks viewer. The final model is scaled down for mobile compatibility, enabling easy access for asset managers in the field.
Key steps include:
- Asset Alignment: Ensuring a one-to-one match between the asset register and the uniquely tagged objects in the federated model, crucial for seamless integration within the AIS.
- Model Simplification: The complex PIM is reworked into a lighter version, optimized for use on mobile devices and within the AIS environment.
- Hierarchical Structure: The model is reorganized into a hierarchical file structure, mirroring the asset classification. This allows technicians to easily toggle layers and focus on specific assets.
- User-Friendly Navigation: The simplified model groups related objects into common assets, making it easier for technicians and asset managers to identify and manage components efficiently.
This innovative approach has made the Rozelle Interchange's asset management system more accessible, efficient, and mobile-friendly.
