COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Sustainable Practices in Formwork & Concreting Activities course. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to adopt environmentally responsible methods across all stages of formwork and concreting works. As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical focus within the industry, concrete workers and supervisors have a vital role to play in reducing environmental impacts, enhancing project efficiencies, and contributing to the long-term health of communities and ecosystems.
This course begins by exploring the importance of sustainability in the formwork and concreting fields, outlining the environmental impacts of traditional practices and highlighting the significant benefits of adopting more sustainable techniques for businesses, clients, and the broader community.
An understanding of Australia's environmental regulations and construction standards is essential for compliant, sustainable operations. This section provides an overview of key frameworks, including the Environmental Protection Acts, Green Star rating system, Infrastructure Sustainability Council guidelines, and the relevant provisions within AS 3600 for sustainable concrete structures.
Concrete production has substantial environmental consequences. This section examines the carbon emissions from cement manufacture, the risks of water pollution during concreting activities, and the overall environmental costs associated with the life cycle of concrete structures.
Material selection is one of the most powerful ways to drive sustainability outcomes. This section explains how to select recycled and low-carbon materials for both concrete and formwork, and how to incorporate supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and slag to reduce environmental footprints without compromising performance.
Waste minimisation strategies are critical to improving sustainability. This section outlines practical steps for reducing offcuts, excess material usage, and developing formwork and concreting layouts that minimise waste. It also promotes effective reuse and recycling systems on-site.
Reusable and modular formwork systems offer environmental and economic advantages. This section explains the benefits of modular systems, best practices for maintaining formwork components for multiple uses, and how to evaluate lifecycle impacts and costs when choosing formwork options.
Sustainable concrete mix design is central to reducing the environmental burden of concreting activities. This section discusses low-carbon concrete technologies, the importance of reducing water-cement ratios, and designing mixes that prioritise both sustainability and long-term durability.
Water is a precious resource in construction. This section introduces techniques for minimising water use during curing and wash-down processes, highlights the importance of runoff prevention, and outlines strategies for safely reusing water wherever possible.
Energy use on construction sites can be significant. This section focuses on planning pour sequences, adopting energy-efficient equipment, and reducing generator reliance by using low-emission or renewable alternatives to minimise environmental impacts.
Concrete slurry and runoff management are crucial for site compliance. This section covers best practices for setting up containment systems, meeting legal obligations for pollution control, and recycling washout materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
Dust, noise, and air pollution must be managed proactively. This section explores techniques for reducing airborne dust during cutting and stripping activities, managing noise pollution, and ensuring machinery is properly maintained to limit harmful emissions.
Thoughtful site planning can greatly reduce environmental harm. This section outlines how to lay out worksites to protect natural features, manage traffic movements efficiently, and limit disturbance to surrounding ecosystems.
Lifecycle thinking promotes long-term sustainability. This section highlights how designing for durability, future adaptability, and deconstruction improves the overall environmental performance of concrete structures, including options for recycling at end of life.
Worker training and engagement are vital to success. This section explains how to induct workers on sustainability goals, deliver toolbox talks that reinforce environmental protection measures, and encourage workers to suggest and implement improvements.
Monitoring and reporting are essential for continual improvement. This section introduces methods for tracking resource use, monitoring recycling efforts, and demonstrating achievements against environmental management plans and sustainability targets.
Innovation is rapidly transforming sustainable concreting practices. This section discusses the latest advances, including carbon capture technologies, ultra-high-performance concrete, self-healing materials, and the exciting potential of 3D printed formwork.
Sustainable outcomes also depend on green procurement. This section covers strategies for selecting environmentally responsible suppliers, procuring low-impact products, and building strong relationships with recyclers and sustainability-driven vendors.
Continuous improvement must underpin all sustainability initiatives. This section provides guidance on reviewing project outcomes, setting progressive sustainability targets, and leading by example to create a culture of environmental responsibility on construction sites.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to implement sustainable practices in formwork and concreting activities, contributing to a greener, more responsible construction industry.
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 Formwork and Concreting
- Importance of sustainability in the construction industry
- Environmental impacts of traditional concreting practices
- Benefits of adopting sustainable methods for businesses and communities
2. Australian Environmental Regulations and Industry Standards
- Environmental Protection Acts and EPA guidelines
- Green Star and Infrastructure Sustainability Council requirements
- AS 3600 (Concrete Structures) sustainability provisions
3. Environmental Impacts of Concrete Production
- CO₂ emissions associated with cement manufacturing
- Water usage and pollution risks during concreting
- Lifecycle environmental cost of concrete structures
4. Sustainable Material Selection for Formwork and Concrete
- Using recycled and low-carbon materials
- Selecting environmentally certified formwork panels
- Incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
5. Waste Minimisation in Formwork and Concreting
- Reducing offcuts and excess material use
- Designing efficient formwork layouts
- Implementing reuse and recycling strategies for formwork and concrete
6. Reusable and Modular Formwork Systems
- Benefits of modular and prefabricated formwork
- Best practices for maintaining and reusing formwork components
- Evaluating lifecycle costs and environmental benefits
7. Sustainable Concrete Mix Design
- Low-carbon concrete options
- Reducing water-cement ratios without compromising strength
- Designing mixes for longevity and durability
8. Reducing Water Usage on Site
- Efficient curing methods to minimise water waste
- Reusing wash-down water where appropriate
- Preventing runoff contamination from slurry and washout areas
9. Energy Efficiency in Formwork and Concreting Activities
- Using energy-efficient tools, equipment, and lighting
- Planning pour sequences to reduce equipment run time
- Reducing generator use and adopting low-emission alternatives
10. Managing Concrete Slurry and Runoff
- Setting up slurry containment and filtration systems
- Legal obligations around runoff and pollution control
- Recycling washout materials safely and responsibly
11. Reducing Dust, Noise, and Air Pollution
- Controlling airborne dust during formwork stripping and concrete cutting
- Managing noise from pumps, vibrators, and saws
- Maintaining machinery to reduce emissions
12. Sustainable Site Planning and Layout
- Designing work areas for minimal environmental disruption
- Protecting trees, drainage lines, and natural features
- Minimising transport distances for material deliveries
13. Lifecycle Thinking in Concrete Structures
- Designing for durability, adaptability, and deconstruction
- Extending structure lifespan through quality materials and construction methods
- End-of-life recycling of concrete and reinforcement
14. Worker Training and Awareness on Sustainable Practices
- Inducting workers on sustainability expectations
- Conducting toolbox talks on environmental protection
- Promoting worker suggestions for site improvements
15. Monitoring and Reporting Environmental Performance
- Keeping records of water, material, and energy use
- Monitoring waste volumes and recycling rates
- Reporting achievements against environmental management plans
16. Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Sustainable Concreting
- Use of carbon capture technologies in concrete production
- New materials: ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), self-healing concrete
- Future trends: 3D printed formwork and structures
17. Green Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Choosing suppliers with sustainable certifications
- Procuring environmentally friendly products and equipment
- Building relationships with recyclers and sustainable material providers
18. Continuous Improvement in Sustainable Formwork and Concreting
- Reviewing lessons learned from projects
- Setting targets for improved sustainability performance
- Leading and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility
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”.