Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders' Alliance

How does MECLA address this challenge?

• Demonstrating the demand and activating the supply of materials which meet the needs of net zero carbon goals.
• Defining a best practice embodied carbon evaluation framework
• Knowledge sharing through best practice education, case studies, myth-busting, demonstrations, and supporting innovation in materials and processes as part of a pre-competitive approach.
• Developing common language for design specifications, procurement guidelines and tendering criteria as standard practice for government agencies and companies.
• Helping to manage industry’s climate transition risks, risks associated with adopting innovative materials and the required skills development.
• Supporting materials such as steel, cement and concrete, aluminium, and other materials such as timber, glass, brick and others, to reduce their carbon intensity and giving visibility to other low carbon and innovative materials.
• Educating and scaling demand for low carbon material in building services and systems.

Objectives

• Reduction of scope 3 emissions by 12.5-25% by 2030
• By 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have at least 40% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction
• By end 2022, to be on track to deliver at least 10% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction
• More than 10% Capital Expenditure for major infrastructure and building projects is covered by relevant certification/accreditations rating schemes (namely Green Star and ISCA) that include embodied carbon reduction commitments as a criteria
• Minimum carbon emissions reduction rate of 1Mt/year by 2030 by reducing scope 3 emissions in construction materials including steel, cement and aluminium (this is equivalent to 2% of Australia’s current emissions on a year on year basis)

Outcomes

MECLA’s initiatives are creating ripples across Australia’s construction sector. In less than nine months, outputs such as the low-carbon concrete classification guidance have been incorporated into policy frameworks by state governments, including the ACT’s Low Carbon Concrete Policy and Victoria’s Transport Infrastructure Decarbonisation Strategy. These policy shifts are driving alignment between government objectives and industry practices, influencing design and procurement towards lowercarbon building and infrastructure projects, and reducing embodied carbon within the supply chain. By fostering collaboration across industry, government, and research, MECLA has generated a consistent demand signal for low-carbon materials, accelerating innovation and investment in the sector.

MECLA continues to build partnerships and produce useful resources, underscoring its role as a catalyst for systemic change. The alliance not only reduces emissions but also positions Australia as a leader in sustainable construction, ensuring that the nation’s built environment aligns with global net zero targets.