At the start of his career, Joe Grasso might have been surprised to hear he’d be asked to comment on sustainability in 2024.
However, with 16 years as Founder and Managing Director of Figurehead Construction, Joe says business has always been about integrity in every interaction. This principle guides Figurehead's approach to staff, clients, contractors, consultants, and the end users of building projects.
At The Urban Developer's Urbanity 2024, Joe discussed the practical challenges and strategic initiatives required to achieve net-zero emissions in the property development sector. He drew from Figurehead's experiences, particularly the development of their new office, 116 Rokeby.
The office aims to set a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the construction industry. At the conference, Grasso clarified that pursuing sustainable development in the short term posed financial risks. Flipping the mindset with a long-term perspective on the asset's value, Figurehead embraced these challenges, recognising the essential nature of sustainability credentials for future viability.
Read more: Net-Zero Nation Building: Industry Push or Policy Shove? | TUD
116 Rokeby: Figurehead's Innovative, Net Zero Headquarters in Collingwood
116 Rokeby, located in Collingwood, was designed with a clear focus on sustainability. It features state-of-the-art design innovations such as a double-skin façade and all-electric energy systems.
These innovations, along with the use of renewable energy sources, significantly contribute to the building's energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. The development has attained high sustainability ratings, including a Platinum WELL Certification and a 5.5-Star NABERS Energy rating for Carbon Neutral operations, setting a new standard for commercial buildings in Melbourne.
Read More: How Melbourne's City of Yarra is pioneering zero-carbon commercial developments
Video Feature: 116 Rokeby by Carr & Figurehead - The Local Project
Offices Now Leasing: 116rokeby.com.au
Best Sustainable Commercial Project Under $30M: Decjuba's Greenstar Office in Cremorne
Innovations in building materials and techniques are making sustainable building more achievable. Advances such as green concrete, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional concrete, are paving the way for more environmentally friendly construction sites. Decjuba, a renowned Australian fashion retailer, has transformed its approach under the guidance of its visionary leadership at the final hour.
What started as a brutalist concrete design was completely reimagined to meet 5-star Greenstar standards.
Figurehead worked closely with consultants to incorporate green concrete, which has a much lower carbon footprint, and locally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT). These materials aren’t just better for the environment—they also add a warm, natural aesthetic to the building. E.g., instead of sticking to a full concrete structure, we used CLT for the floors and walls, and GLT for the columns. This not only reduced the carbon impact but also sped up construction since these timber elements were prefabricated off-site. And we didn’t stop there. The building’s energy efficiency was boosted by conducting airtightness testing to ensure it meets top-tier standards for energy performance and indoor air quality.
Master Builders Victoria recognised the project in their 2024 Excellence in Construction Awards.
Pictured: Figurehead Site Manager Richard Herbert, Project Manager Adrian DiCosmo & Director Joe Grasso
Read more: 2024 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards
Joe Grasso expressed, "There's definitely alignment with Decjuba as both our companies strive towards similar goals. We're proving that sustainable practices are not only good for the planet, but also for business. It’s about setting a precedent that, we hope, will inspire others in our industry and beyond."
Relevant Projects:
Figurehead Construction have achieved the Australian Government’s certification as a Climate Active Organisation.
“Our business employs 70 people and is responsible for circa $100million of construction projects each year including residential, commercial, industrial and government; but our entire team is motivated to help our community beyond those buildings,” said Joe Grasso, Figurehead Group Founder & Managing Director.
Acknowledging the construction industry’s impact on the environment and wanting to do better – Figurehead have spent the last 24 months undergoing emissions testing and assessment and investing in adequate offsets to achieve Climate Active Carbon Neutral Organisation status.
“We believe it’s the right thing to do, and hope that the rest of our industry follow suit,” Joe continues.
What is Climate Active?
Certification under Climate Active is made by the Australian Government against best practice carbon accounting standards and remains the most robust measure to publicly disclose carbon neutrality in Australia.
“We engaged Energy Consultants ARUP to provide advice on how to start this process – and Climate Active was the most reputable way to understand our impact and ultimately do better,” he says.
From offsetting to reductions: calls for major change in construction
Reducing emissions in the construction industry is complex, with supply and manufacturing of materials a key contributor.
Building and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world[1], (including manufacturing of materials); emphasising incredible opportunity in this sector.
Construction industry volatility, “particularly around increasing costs to our supply chain, which has been shaken by international events creates real risk for builders,” Grasso says, “you only have to Google Australian Construction Industry to see the challenges we are facing today,” he continues.
“Addressing climate change can seem far less urgent than pure survival, so you can see why builders might be resistant. Our team are passionate that we need to do something about this right now, from junior to senior staff.”
“We need to start somewhere. Offsetting our impact and encouraging subcontractors to use materials more efficiently, reusing and recycling products as well as minimising waste is within our direct control right now, and that’s what is important to Figurehead,” he said.
Limiting climate change will require major transitions, critically analysing the way we build, and having Government support to assist with supply chain issues and encourage production of sustainable materials that are economically viable.
For basic materials, including steel, building materials and chemicals, low- to zero-greenhouse gas production processes are at pilot stage, so it will take some time to become viable and economical for the industry to utilise, given the importance of Australian building and safety standards.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Accelerated and equitable climate action in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts is critical to sustainable development.
116 Rokeby is a symbol of Figurehead’s recognition of the urgency and ongoing requirements for a more sustainable future, and its enduring commitment to deliver high-quality architecture that minimises its environmental impact.
Inspired by the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, and their prevailing commitment to sustainability, this benchmark project harnesses Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson’s powerful mantra, “not harming so much”.
From the outset, Figurehead has worked closely with ARUP — experts in sustainable development — to define a building concept that has the capability to meet and exceed the latest building design and performance standards for a mixed-mode building.
“This has been one of my favourite projects in recent years, with a beautiful outcome that delivers an all-electric, double skinned, mixed-mode, zero carbon in operation boutique office building.”– Richard Stokes, Sustainable Buildings Leader, ARUP
In addition to environmental impact and sustainability, impact on the traditional owners of the land has been a consideration Figurehead, who commenced cultural awareness training for staff and will proudly display an Aboriginal art commission in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
“Representing the traditional owners of the land we are developing at 116 Rokeby reinforces our purpose to consider all aspects of the building,” says Figurehead Property Investments Manager Joe Allman, “involving Elders and making a permanent statement of respect and inclusion for future generations of First Nations people is another way to create a positive impact at our future office,” he said.
The art commission will be a collaboration between Lowell Hunter and Gerard Black in consultation with Uncle Bill Nicholson of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
116 Rokeby has commenced construction by Figurehead Construction in Collingwood with completion targeted for early 2024.