Environment

At Daracon, we take our responsibility seriously in ensuring sustainable development and effective implementation of leading civil construction environmental practices is applied to all of our operational decisions. Our commitment and ability to continually act in this manner is a measure of the success of our projects, and the company as a whole.

The team at Daracon recognise our obligation to succeeding generations to minimise our potential impact on the environment; whilst working towards improving the infrastructure we need to support our communities without degrading the environment.

We are committed to our operational objectives of preventing pollution, conserving biodiversity and using precautionary practices to minimise ecological impact. The commitment and ability to achieve these targets is a key component that sets Daracon apart from its competitors.

Integrated with our Quality System is an Environmental Management System that is certified by Bureau Veritas to AS/NZS ISO 14001:2015. This management system focuses on protection of the environment, prevention of pollution and sustainability.

We are committed to a sustainable approach to shaping communities

At Daracon, sustainability isn't just a static goal – our dynamic approach is centred on being environmentally responsible across all our products and services, while also seeking new ways to integrate sustainability across our operations.

Leveraging sustainable materials

When it comes to materiality, one of our key focus areas is concrete production. We’re proud to be partnering with SmartCrete CRC to investigate the increased utilisation of recoverable resources, such as coal combustion products (CCPs), in concrete production. The use of CCPs, such as furnace bottom ash and industrial slags, provides ecologically sustainable benefits for industry, the environment and the community.

Joining SmartCrete CRC Project Partner the University of Newcastle, Daracon serves as the Industry Lead in the development of eco-friendly concrete using industrial by-products. Together with our project partners, we aim to develop new ‘SmartCrete’ concrete offerings that will reduce production costs and carbon emissions, conserve resources, and create structures that stand the test of time.  

Trials to ensure conformity to Australian Standards and testing of product lifecycle using new SmartCrete materials are now underway. We’re thrilled to play our part in establishing a mutually beneficial partnership that aims to accelerate material change, develop new technologies and promotes best practice to decarbonise concrete and achieve net zero by 2050. 

Daracon’s sustainability commitment to supporting the environment for the long-term

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the use of progressive and environmental friendly materials. We implement sustainability practices where possible through our project management processes all the way through to our supply chain logistics. We’re constantly seeking opportunities to minimise waste, conserve energy, and promote environmental stewardship.

Our Sustainability Advantage credentials speak volumes about our dedication to adopt sustainable practices within our organisation and demonstrate our desire to lead by example within the construction industry. Daracon joined the NSW Department of Planning and Environment Sustainability Advantage program in 2022 and we are committed to accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices and nurturing leaders to help secure a sustainable NSW.

By conducting our everyday operations in accordance with internationally recognised standards, such as ISO14001, Daracon Group ensures that its accredited and certified systems align with our sustainability goals. ISO14001 sets the foundation for the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and provides a framework for effective environmental management.

We actively engage with government bodies, industry associations and stakeholders to ensure continued growth in our sustainability practices across the broader Daracon Group and ensure staff are provided with the training and support to implement those frameworks within their roles.

Daracon is committed to operating in a sustainable and responsible manner and consistently strives to manage environmental, economic and social risks through the way we conduct day-to-day business.

Pollution Incident Response Management Plans

Daracon, in accordance with changes made to the State Government’s Protection of the Environment Operations Act and our commitment to responsible civil engineering and project management, now have a Pollution Incident Response Plan (PIRMP) for each of our sites that have an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL).

Each plan is relevant to local emergency response agencies, their precise contact details and how and when they will be contacted.

The plans also include at a minimum:

• Description and likelihood of hazards
• Pre-emptive actions to be taken
• Inventory of pollutants
• Safety equipment
• Communicating with neighbours and the community
• Minimising harm to persons on the premises
• Actions to be taken during or immediately after a pollution incident
• Staff training.

Please click the below links to view Daracon's PIRMP's

Monitoring Data

Environmental Monitoring Data is an initiative that provides the community access to monitoring information required by Environment Protection Licences. Where required by any of its EPL’s and as a commitment to our high civil construction standards, Daracon will ensure monitoring data is made publicly available in a timely manner.

EPA Public Register

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-regulation/public-registers

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issues Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) to the owners or operators of various industrial premises under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act).

Licence conditions relate to pollution prevention and monitoring, and cleaner operations through recycling, reuse and the implementation of leading practice.

Daracon throughout its operations may require such licences in order to perform its works which if licences are current, they will be listed below.

Ardglen Quarry

EPL 1115

Martins Creek Quarry

EPL 1378

Buttai Quarry

EPL 12829

Barrackville Quarry

EPL 21599

Fairburn Quarry

EPL 21605

Pacific Highway Lisarow - Stage 3b

EPL 21076

Transport of Trackable Waste - Daracon Engineering

EPL 12276