The size and scale of Inland Rail means we have an opportunity—and responsibility—to promote strong sustainability practices within industry.
We value long-term benefits for our assets and the regional communities in which we operate.
By engaging in sustainable activities, our suppliers not only align with our values, they also demonstrate a commitment to be good corporate citizens by actively minimising the social and environmental impacts of their products and services.
What does sustainable procurement mean?
Sustainable procurement focuses on the entire life cycle of the goods and services we use to develop Inland Rail, taking into consideration environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits.
When working with suppliers, we consider how effectively they engage in sustainability activities, for example:
Environmental
We consider the supplier’s use of virgin or recycled materials; the energy and water used during manufacture or operations, the waste and emissions generated.
Social
We consider the supplier’s commitment to their local communities; labour conditions for workers; and participation of local and First Nations employees and businesses.
Economic impacts
We consider longevity and performance of products and services over time, including the cost to purchase, maintain and dispose/recycle products and materials.
How does sustainability benefit suppliers?
Benefits include:
- reducing energy, water, materials and waste to lower operational costs and increase competitiveness
- building reputation and profile through environmental and sustainability credentials and reputation
- helping clients deliver on their sustainability priorities, such as contributing credits towards project Infrastructure Sustainability ratings
- driving industry change through innovation and higher performing products and services.
Working with Inland Rail’s Sustainable Procurement Policy
To achieve the objectives of our Sustainable Procurement Policy, we:
- evaluate tenders using sustainability criteria
- provide resources to small-medium businesses so they can build sustainability capability
- have principal contractors apply our Sustainable Procurement Policy when procuring sub-contractors and suppliers
- require principal contractors to provide full, fair and reasonable opportunities to local First Nations businesses and social enterprises to supply
- survey suppliers and promote supplier sustainability achievements.
Helping suppliers build sustainability capacity
Sustainability is important to Inland Rail. However, we recognise it’s not always easy for businesses to know where to start when it comes to developing sustainable operations and services.
As an initiative of the Inland Rail Skills Academy, we have developed a three-part webinar series in partnership with sustainability specialists, The Ecoefficiency Group. Each webinar provides tips on how to improve and promote your business’s sustainability efforts to your staff and clients.
The webinars are approximately 12 minutes long and provide a step-by-step guide to optimising your sustainable business credentials. We’ve also included downloadable toolkits to help you get started.
Business sustainability webinar #1
Developing a sustainability policy
Webinar #1 resources
Business sustainability webinar #2
Reducing costs in relation to energy, water and waste
Webinar #2 resources
Business sustainability webinar #3
Demonstrating sustainability credentials in tender submissions
Webinar #3 resources
Sustainability mentoring opportunities
The Inland Rail Skills Academy is offering a free one-on-one mentoring session on sustainability practices to eligible businesses that have completed the Business Sustainability webinars series.
Do business with us
Building in regional communities means supporting regional economies.
Our contractors work with smaller contractors to deliver a variety of goods, works and services. Find out how your business can join the Inland Rail supply chain.
Find out more
For more information about Inland Rail or how suppliers can build their sustainability capacity, please email irsuppliers@inlandrail.com.au or subscribe for news updates.
