Our Suburban Connect team is advancing sustainable construction practices across the Suburban Rail Loop East project through a growing suite of electrification and renewable energy initiatives.
From electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment to solar-powered infrastructure and one of the largest electrified cranes used on the project to date, the team is demonstrating how innovation can reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and supporting local communities.
As the construction industry continues to embrace electrification, Suburban Connect is proud to be playing its part in building a more sustainable future.
Electrification in Action
The Sustainability team has been working closely with delivery teams to identify opportunities to reduce reliance on diesel-powered equipment and increase the use of renewable energy solutions across project sites.
Initiatives already implemented include:
Electric Pool Vehicles
Transport between sites is supported by two electric pool vehicles supplied by Bunji Hire, an Indigenous-owned business. The vehicles are used to transport staff, tools and materials.
Powered by renewable electricity, these vehicles produce less noise and air pollution than traditional alternatives and have helped avoid approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO₂-e emissions to date.
Solar-Powered Site Facilities
During site establishment, solar-powered Ecosite caravans were installed across Monash, Clayton and Clarinda, resulting in fuel savings of more than 30,000 litres.
Solar-powered boom gates and traffic lights have also been deployed across the project, improving site operations while reducing energy consumption and reliance on conventional power sources.
Electric and Battery-Powered Equipment
Electric elevated work platforms (EWPs) have been progressively rolled out across the project since early 2025, delivering quieter operation, reduced maintenance requirements and lower operating costs.
The project has also successfully trialled a Milwaukee MX FUEL battery-powered plate compactor at Heatherton West. Workers praised the unit's performance, highlighting its power, ease of use, and reduced noise and fume exposure.
Battery Energy Storage System
Installed at Clarinda, a mini Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) generator has delivered significant sustainability benefits by powering pedestrian bridge lighting, reducing runtime by 82 per cent and achieving carbon savings of up to 48 tonnes of CO₂-e.
A Major Milestone in Electrified Construction
The latest addition to the project's growing electrified fleet is a 250-tonne electric crawler crane at Heatherton West.
Supporting tunnel boring machine works, including the installation of struts, tracking systems and key infrastructure such as silos and grout mixing plants, the crane is one of the largest pieces of electrified plant used on Tunnels South to date.
The crane is expected to save approximately 9,000 litres of diesel over its period of use.
Connected directly to GreenPower-certified electricity for most of its operation, the crane minimises battery recharging requirements while maximising efficiency. It also provides significant benefits for the surrounding community by operating with lower noise levels and eliminating diesel exhaust emissions.
Building Sustainably for the Future
The electrification initiatives being implemented across Suburban Rail Loop East demonstrate the significant role innovation can play in reducing emissions on major infrastructure projects.
As Suburban Connect continues to expand the use of electric plant, equipment and renewable energy solutions, the project is helping to pave the way for a lower-carbon construction industry while delivering critical infrastructure for Victoria's future.