Global leader in sustainability

The inaugural 2016 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment has ranked Melbourne's EastLink 1st for sustainability among transportation assets from across the globe.

The 2016 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment covers the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of 134 infrastructure assets and 51 infrastructure funds across 53 countries and six continents.

Following the release of the 2016 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment results, EastLink's Managing Director Charles Griplas was delighted that EastLink's sustainability performance has been recognised internationally.

"To be ranked number 1 by GRESB for transportation asset sustainability demonstrates that EastLink is a world-leading infrastructure asset right here in Melbourne," said Mr Griplas.

"It is notable that GRESB has also ranked EastLink 1st among toll road operations, 1st among assets in the Oceania region, and 2nd among all types of infrastructure assets across the globe."

With its modern design, 24/7 traffic control room, intelligent transport systems, incident response teams and traffic control vehicles, all operated by a highly motivated and customer-focused team, EastLink is the safest freeway in Melbourne, offering the highest quality of service and reliability to motorists," said Mr Griplas."EastLink's environmental sustainability is unique for a road, including 480 hectares of landscaping, 4 million native trees, shrubs and plants, and more than 60 wetlands that treat rainwater running off the road surface. This ensures that the water is returned to a relatively high quality before entering local creeks," said Mr Griplas.

The photo (right) shows an EastLink wetland at Oakwood Park in Noble Park.

"In an Australian first, EastLink is now upgrading its 10 tunnel exhaust fans to incorporate variable speed drives, which will result in considerable direct energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 6,441t CO2-e per annum. The upgrade will also reduce vent stack fan noise in the adjacent community."

"At the Worksafe Victoria Awards held last month, EastLink won the award for Commitment to Workplace Health and Wellbeing. This results from developing a range of programs for EastLink employees, forming a holistic approach to wellness that benefits EastLink as well as the individual," said Mr Griplas.

Media Release

161114-EastLink-assessed-to-be-a-global-leader-in-infrastructure-sustainability.pdf

Media Enquiries

Doug Spencer-Roy
Corporate Affairs & Marketing Manager
dsroy@connecteast.com.au