Moorebank Logistics Park Precinct

Qube Holdings, an Australian freight and logistics company, recognized that decarbonizing infrastructure assets is difficult but not impossible. To build its Moorebank Logistics Park (MLP), an infrastructure development designed to revolutionize the transport and handling of freight, Qube worked with Arcadis to develop a holistic approach in reducing the project’s carbon footprint from construction to operation.

Our team also helped the client find ways to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) in the construction and operation of the MLP precinct by first quantifying GHG emissions from electricity and fuel use. We then identified solutions such as using electric instead of diesel forklifts and installing a 60MW solar farm on the roof to minimize fuel and electricity consumption.

Communicating complex engineering and construction requirements has also been a challenge during the project’s delivery. This led our team to create a GIS web portal to serve as a centralized repository for project information and use a virtual 3D time lapse of the construction program to help all parties review critical stages of development using a web browser, a virtual reality headset or iPad.

The project is a significant milestone in Australia’s emission reduction history. From the sustainability features in its warehouse, MLP will also change the way freight is transported by eliminating the need for emission-intensive trucks and shifting to the use of a rail network. This change is expected to reduce transport-related emissions by 110,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year and result in less congestions on the road and improved safety for road users.

In addition to the positive environmental outcomes, Arcadis’ pioneering approach in digital engineering and innovation has set new industry benchmarks and will further evolve into a best-practice planning approach in project design.