Global Sustainability Award Win for St Marys Integrated Project Office
Robert Bird Group (RBG) is proud to announce that the St Marys Integrated Project Office (IPO) has been awarded the Global Constructsteel Award for Excellence in Sustainability, a prestigious recognition that celebrates innovation and leadership in sustainable construction worldwide. This achievement positions the IPO as a global benchmark for circular economy principles, low-carbon design, and engineering excellence.
Award-winning St Marys IPO
A Global Benchmark for Circular Construction
The St Marys IPO was conceived as a temporary yet high-performance project hub to support the delivery of Sydney Metro’s new rail line connecting St Marys Station to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Unlike conventional demountable offices, the IPO was designed for full disassembly and reuse, enabling relocation up to five times over its 50-year lifespan. This approach dramatically reduces waste and emissions, setting a new standard for temporary infrastructure.
Key sustainability outcomes include:
- 2,252 tCO₂ saved over five lifecycles, compared to constructing five separate buildings.
- 11% less steel through smarter design and alignment with standard stock lengths, avoiding fabrication waste.
- A hybrid structural system combining bolted steel frames with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors for strength, flexibility, and low-carbon performance.
- Rapid delivery, with the superstructure erected in just 25 working days, supported by a prefabricated lift core installed in only four hours.
The IPO’s design demonstrates how circular economy principles can be embedded in infrastructure projects without compromising quality or speed. By prioritising reuse, modularity, and material efficiency, RBG and its partners have delivered a replicable model for sustainable construction globally.
St Marys IPO was constructed in just 25 days
Australian Recognition: ASI Steel Sustainability Award
In addition to global acclaim, the IPO also received the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) Steel Sustainability Award for Large Projects for 2025. The ASI praised the project for its innovation in developing a building that can be repurposed, therefore extending its lifecycle.
“The St Marys Integrated Project Office demonstrates a great example of innovation for repurposing a building and therefore extending the life cycle. Strong collaboration with all parties ensured that all project requirements were delivered efficiently and effectively. Well done!” – Australian Steel Institute
Engineering Innovation and Collaboration
The IPO’s success was underpinned by early collaboration between RBG, our client, Sydney Metro, and key subcontractors. By engaging stakeholders during the 10-week design phase, critical sustainability decisions – such as the adoption of a hybrid steel and CLT structure – were made early, enabling:
- Material optimisation: Aligning grids to standard steel stock lengths saved 10 tonnes of steel and reduced embodied carbon by 33.5 tCO₂-e.
- Prefabrication efficiencies: A full-height lift core was fabricated and installed in just four hours, eliminating temporary bracing and improving safety.
- Digital innovation: RBG’s proprietary tools, including Magpie for carbon tracking and Reveal for construction sequencing, ensured precision and efficiency throughout delivery.
RBG’s Reveal was used to demonstrate and animate the construction methodology
A New Standard for Temporary Infrastructure
The IPO is more than a temporary office – it’s a vision for the future of sustainable construction. By embedding circular economy principles, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing workplace quality, Robert Bird Group has demonstrated that temporary infrastructure can be both sustainable and high-performing.
Watch the award winner announcement snapshot video.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Global Constructsteel Award for Excellence in Sustainability
- ASI Steel Sustainability Award – Large Projects
- Designed for Disassembly
- 2,252 tCO₂ Saved Over 5 Lifecycles
- Built in Just 25 Days
- 11% Less Steel – Smarter Design
- Hybrid Steel + CLT Structure
- Supporting Sydney Metro’s Future