The Australian construction industry is not sustainable. Research shows that by 2018 more construction workers will be leaving our industry than joining it, making sustainability a very real issue.

Added to this is the fact Australia’s isolated communities are struggling to survive and of course the very nature of our business has a significant impact on the environment and the communities we operate in.

Often, the expression ‘sustainability’ refers to the environment only and concentrates on reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. Laing O’Rourke has embraced a sustainability agenda that covers a much broader spectrum.

In 2008, we launched EPIC, our sustainability program focusing on Environment, People, Industry and Communities.

This program includes specific and measurable goals to:

• Reduce the environmental impact of what we do and how we do it
• Promote the health and safety of our people, at work and at home, through a program of education and access to relevant information and support
• Improve the way we do business through constant innovation and a focus on core processes, as well as a commitment to improving the skills of our workforce
• Leave a positive legacy in the communities in which we operate, through a commitment to youth training and employment and community facilities