By Jake Green, General Manager.
Australia’s property and construction sectors are undergoing a significant shift. The Federal Government has set ambitious targets, reducing emissions by 43 per cent (from 2005 levels) by 2030[1], and delivering 1.2 million new homes between 2024 and 2029[2]. Meeting these goals will require smarter materials, more efficient systems, and greater collaboration across the industry.
Net-zero targets also mean growing scrutiny on reducing emissions across the supply chain, integrating circular economy principles, and designing infrastructure that is smarter and more resilient. This shift in the industry is changing not only the materials used, but how they are manufactured, transported, and installed. To summarise, builders and contractors must deliver higher energy ratings, meet new compliance requirements, and manage rising material costs, all within tight margins.
Three key factors will shape our industry’s future: net zero expectations, the growth of the circular economy, and innovation through AI and automation.
Responding to net zero targets
Climate policy and market demand are placing increasing pressure on the industry to reduce emissions and improve energy performance. Homebuyers are more aware of how materials affect long-term energy use, and compliance requirements continue to rise.
This is increasing interest in materials that offer both performance and practicality, without breaking the bank. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) delivers strong thermal and acoustic efficiency and supports better energy ratings without significantly raising construction costs. As consumers become more aware of the link between building materials and household energy use, products like AAC offer both sustainability and long-term savings, without breaking the bank.
To meet net zero targets, the industry needs accessible solutions that balance environmental performance with buildability and affordability.
Embracing the circular economy
Sustainability means more than reducing emissions. The industry is also moving toward waste reduction and smarter use of materials. The circular economy principles — reducing, reusing and recycling — are gaining traction, supported by stronger partnerships between manufacturers, builders and suppliers.
A clear example is Maaken’s partnership with Dulux through its Envirosolutions program, which is helping close the loop on plastic waste. On key job sites, used paint and membrane buckets are collected in co-branded bins and returned to Dulux, where they are recycled into new tools such as paintbrushes and roller trays. It’s a practical way to reduce construction waste and support broader circular economy efforts.
By embedding recycling into the supply chain and day-to-day operations, companies can lower their footprint while supporting industry-wide sustainability goals. Collaborations like this will be essential to scaling responsible waste practices.
Technology and efficiency
Automation and AI are changing how the industry manages energy and materials.
Manufacturers can now achieve real-time quality control and greater efficiency, supporting the industry’s move toward zero-waste practices. AAC has long been recognised for its environmental benefits and AAC plants are now recycling up to 90 per cent of their process water and integrating byproducts like fly ash to reduce waste. Production is becoming more consistent and more sustainable.
On project sites, automation tools also help teams reduce travel-related emissions, monitor resource use, and identify operational improvements. These efficiencies support not just sustainability goals, but better project delivery overall.
Looking ahead
The future of sustainable construction will be shaped by integrated thinking. Low-impact materials, efficient systems, and strong partnerships will all play a role in reducing environmental impacts and meeting industry targets.
Maaken remains committed to helping the sector respond to these challenges. Through our material expertise, digital systems and collaborative approach, we aim to make sustainable building more practical and achievable at every stage of the process.
