COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Sustainable Practices in Construction Waterproofing course. This program is designed to support you in adopting environmentally responsible methods across all stages of waterproofing work in construction settings. As the industry places greater emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, waterproofers play a critical role in reducing ecological impacts, managing resources responsibly, and contributing to healthier communities and project outcomes.
This course begins by introducing the core principles of sustainability within the waterproofing sector, highlighting the environmental challenges associated with traditional materials and methods, and examining the broader benefits of implementing sustainable practices both on individual projects and across the industry.
A solid understanding of Australia’s environmental regulations and standards is essential. This section covers relevant provisions under the National Construction Code (NCC), Environmental Protection Acts, and Green Star rating criteria from the Green Building Council of Australia, ensuring your waterproofing work aligns with national expectations for sustainable construction.
The selection of materials has a major influence on environmental outcomes. This section examines the lifecycle impacts of membranes, adhesives, and coatings, focusing on emissions, waste generation, and chemical runoff, and the long-term environmental consequences if poor choices are made.
Choosing the right products is crucial to sustainable waterproofing. Here, we explore how to select low-VOC, water-based, and environmentally friendly alternatives, and the importance of working with suppliers who maintain recognised sustainability certifications.
Reducing waste is another key focus of sustainable practice. This section provides strategies for accurate ordering, better material storage, and recycling initiatives to minimise spoilage, excess packaging, and disposal impacts during waterproofing projects.
Substrate preparation often contributes to environmental degradation if not managed correctly. You will learn methods for minimising dust, using safer surface treatment techniques, and capturing waste and slurry to prevent contamination of surrounding environments.
Water usage and wastewater management are critical sustainability concerns. This section explains how to reduce water consumption during preparation and curing activities, prevent site runoff pollution, and manage wastewater according to EPA guidelines.
Minimising airborne pollution and emissions during waterproofing is essential for both environmental and worker health. This section covers application techniques and ventilation strategies that help reduce VOC release and odour management challenges, especially on sensitive projects.
Energy efficiency can also be improved during waterproofing operations. You will explore practical ways to use low-energy equipment, plan workflows that reduce machinery run-time, and decrease reliance on diesel-powered temporary generation where feasible.
Chemical handling is an inherent risk in waterproofing, but it can be managed responsibly. This section focuses on best practices for safe storage, spill prevention, and rapid response measures to protect the environment in the event of chemical incidents.
Innovation in waterproofing technology continues to offer more sustainable solutions. This section introduces emerging products such as bio-based membranes, self-healing coatings, and how waterproofing can contribute to broader initiatives like green roofs and water-sensitive urban design (WSUD).
Long-term durability is a hallmark of sustainable construction. Here, you will learn about designing waterproofing systems for longer service life, reducing maintenance demands, and achieving lower lifecycle environmental costs through durable, resilient construction choices.
Site organisation plays a major role in environmental performance. This section explores how efficient material staging, optimised transport routes, and compact construction footprints contribute to reducing emissions and waste generation.
Environmental risk management is critical in outdoor and exposed construction environments. You will learn to identify site-specific environmental hazards associated with waterproofing activities, and implement proactive controls for weather events and site runoff risks.
Educating workers is essential to embedding sustainable practices across project teams. This section outlines methods for inducting crews in environmental responsibility, conducting toolbox talks, and encouraging on-the-ground suggestions for sustainable improvements.
Monitoring and reporting are necessary to track environmental performance. You will explore how to measure material usage, waste volumes, and recycling rates, and how to report against project sustainability goals and Green Star credit criteria effectively.
We conclude by examining continuous improvement approaches. Through project reviews, lessons learned workshops, and the regular updating of procedures, you will learn how to systematically enhance sustainability outcomes and set more ambitious environmental targets for future waterproofing projects.
By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of how to integrate sustainable practices into waterproofing work, aligning your operations with environmental standards, client expectations, and broader community values.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Sustainability in Construction Waterproofing
- Understanding sustainability principles in the waterproofing industry
- Environmental impacts of traditional waterproofing methods
- Benefits of adopting sustainable practices for projects and communities
2. Australian Environmental Standards and Regulations
- National Construction Code (NCC) sustainability provisions
- Environmental Protection Acts and local council requirements
- Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) and Green Star rating criteria
3. Environmental Impacts of Waterproofing Materials
- Lifecycle impacts of membranes, adhesives, and coatings
- Emissions from solvent-based and petroleum-based products
- Environmental effects of waste and chemical runoff
4. Sustainable Material Selection for Waterproofing
- Choosing low-VOC, water-based, and environmentally friendly products
- Using recyclable and reusable waterproofing systems
- Assessing suppliers for environmental certifications and sustainability credentials
5. Reducing Waste During Waterproofing Activities
- Accurate ordering and minimising material offcuts
- Proper storage to reduce spoilage and product wastage
- Recycling packaging, drums, and unused product where possible
6. Sustainable Substrate Preparation Methods
- Minimising dust and airborne contaminants
- Using environmentally safer grinding and surface treatment methods
- Capturing waste and slurry during surface preparation
7. Water Management During Waterproofing Works
- Reducing water usage during surface preparation and curing
- Preventing site runoff contamination from washing and cleaning activities
- Managing wastewater in compliance with EPA regulations
8. Minimising Airborne Pollution and Emissions
- Choosing application methods that reduce VOC emissions
- Using ventilation systems to protect workers and the environment
- Managing odours and vapours in sensitive environments
9. Energy Efficiency in Waterproofing Installations
- Using energy-efficient equipment
- Planning workflows to reduce plant and machinery operating times
- Reducing reliance on temporary generators where feasible
10. Managing Chemical Handling and Spill Prevention
- Safe storage and segregation of hazardous materials
- Using spill containment, bunding, and spill kits
- Responding quickly and correctly to chemical spills
11. Innovations in Sustainable Waterproofing Technologies
- Emerging low-carbon and bio-based waterproofing products
- Advances in self-healing membranes and smart coatings
- Exploring green roofs and water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) integration
12. Designing for Durability and Long-Term Sustainability
- Selecting systems with longer service life and reduced maintenance
- Designing accessible waterproofing details for easier inspection and repairs
- Reducing lifecycle environmental costs through durability
13. Site Layout and Logistics for Sustainable Waterproofing
- Efficient site staging and material storage planning
- Minimising transport distances for materials and waste removal
- Optimising access and minimising construction footprint
14. Environmental Risk Assessment and Management
- Identifying environmental hazards specific to waterproofing activities
- Implementing controls for weather events
- Including environmental risks in SWMS and site inductions
15. Worker Education and Training on Sustainable Practices
- Inducting teams on environmentally responsible work practices
- Conducting toolbox talks focused on environmental protection
- Encouraging worker suggestions for sustainable improvements
16. Monitoring and Reporting Environmental Performance
- Tracking material usage, waste volumes, and recycling rates
- Maintaining environmental incident logs and spill records
- Reporting against project sustainability targets and Green Star credits
17. Continuous Improvement in Sustainable Waterproofing Practices
- Conducting project reviews and lessons learned workshops
- Updating procedures and specifications based on environmental outcomes
- Setting and reviewing sustainability targets for future projects
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.