SUPPORTING PROJECTS TO PUT
RECYCLING FIRST
ECOLOGIQ IS A VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO OPTIMISE THE USE OF LOCAL RECYCLED AND REUSED MATERIALS IN GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, REDUCE WASTE AND CONTRIBUTE TO A VICTORIAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE TALKS WITH ECOLOGIQ’S PROGRAM DIRECTOR TO FIND OUT MORE.
Works on the Mordialloc Freeway project. 40
ROADS NOVEMBER 2020
Ecologiq Director Tony Aloisio explains how Ecologiq aims to deliver on four key principles. “Ecologiq exists to increase recycled and reused content in major transport projects and make that the ‘new norm’ in the way transport infrastructure is delivered and maintained. We’re also helping to facilitate innovation in transport infrastructure construction,” he says. “We’re looking to support a vibrant and sustainable Victorian market for reused and recycled materials, as well as collaborate with industry and government partners to support innovative new products and infrastructure applications. “We are also working closely with the Department of Transport to review
and change the approach to technical standards and specifications for recycled and reused materials, as well as identifying priority materials for specification changes and type approval. “Finally, we are building close ties with the construction industry to remove barriers to the use of recycled content, to make sustainable materials the first choice where possible and pave a greener future for Victoria.” The Ecologiq team can review project plans and designs to identify areas where recycled materials could be used or increased. This is done through alternative design modelling, tool kits and information about material trials and innovations. Collation and data sharing of the successful
IMAGE CREDIT: MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS VICTORIA
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cologiq supports the objectives of Recycling Victoria – the Victorian Government’s 10-year plan to overhaul the state’s recycling sector, keep waste out of landfill and drive innovation in sustainability. The program has come at a crucial time for Victoria – with China’s decision to restrict our export of some low-quality mixed recyclables in 2018 destabilising global recycling markets and disrupting Victorian recycling services. By 2046, Victoria is expected to generate 40 percent more waste than it did in 2017-18. Ecologiq will help Victoria innovate and grow our domestic recycling capabilities, build local markets and create new uses for recycled materials.
