In the race to reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable future, the infrastructure sector faces a pivotal challenge: how to deliver low-carbon outcomes without compromising performance, cost or delivery timelines. At Hynds Pipe Systems, we’ve seen time and again that the most successful sustainable projects are built on strong collaboration – and it all starts with early engagement.
Why Early Engagement Matters
While sustainability goals are increasingly being set early in projects, they are still too often addressed in isolation at each stage. Designers, procurement teams and suppliers end up developing solutions independently, without a clear view of each other’s capabilities or constraints. By engaging these teams collectively from the outset, projects can unlock more effective and integrated sustainability outcomes that draw on the full strengths of every partner involved. Early engagement enables:
- Smarter material choices – Suppliers can recommend low-carbon alternatives and help assess lifecycle impacts.
- Optimised design – Engineers can tailor solutions that reduce waste, energy use and embodied carbon.
- Efficient construction – Contractors can plan for sustainable practices, reducing emissions during delivery.
This shift to a proactive, integrated approach makes a real difference, embedding sustainability into every stage of decision-making.
The Power of Integrated Project Delivery
Traditional project models often silo stakeholders, limiting collaboration and slowing innovation. In contrast, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) models bring all parties to the table early, fostering transparency, shared goals and collective problem-solving.
At Hynds, we’ve seen first-hand how IPD can unlock:
- Carbon-conscious design – By working with designers early, we can provide accurate product carbon intensity information so that carbon can be optimised early.
- Supply chain efficiency – Early coordination allows us to align manufacturing and logistics with project timelines, reducing waste and emissions.
- Innovation in action – When contractors, consultants and suppliers collaborate, new ideas emerge – like modular systems, recycled materials and digital tools that track carbon performance.
Real-World Impact: Collaboration in Practice
In recent projects across New Zealand, Hynds has partnered with clients using collaborative delivery models to achieve impressive sustainability outcomes. From working with consultants to identify the lowest embodied carbon pipe materials to redesigning products to minimise transport emissions and onsite installation time, these successes were only possible through early and open engagement.
On the Greville Rd Stormwater Upgrade project, the asset owner (Auckland Council) proactively engaged with project partners to source the lowest carbon jacking pipes that met the project requirements. This led to 62 tonnes of carbon emissions being avoided without impacting project timelines or budget.
For the Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Power Station Extension, Hynds worked with the consultants and contractors to develop custom designed precast concrete channels that were optimised for the project requirements. This led to a reduction in overall project costs by 15% and 40.9 tonnes of carbon emissions being avoided.
Looking Ahead: Building a Low Carbon Future Together
As the infrastructure sector evolves, so too must our approach to project delivery. Reducing carbon in infrastructure isn’t just a technical challenge – it’s a team effort. Low-carbon success isn’t just about the materials we use – it’s about how we work together. The earlier that team comes together, the better the results.
At Hynds, we’re committed to being more than a supplier. We’re a strategic partner, ready to collaborate from day one to help you meet your sustainability goals.
