Coffey Testing – Sustainable Changes for a Greener Future
Coffey Testing are passionate about supporting the planet and its natural resources, in the hopes of creating an eco-friendly and promising future. We take great pride in our commitment and sustainability to environmental change, consistently ensuring we make a positive impact on the landscape around us.
The Shift Away from Mining
Australia is well known as a mining region. According to the ABS Labour Account data of 2021-22, there was a decrease of 26.2% of employment in mining across Australia.
Comparatively, in between the period of 2015-2019, Australia saw a substantial growth in renewable energy activities, such as scale solar, wind, and installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), and then in 2021, renewable electricity generation accounted for 34.3% of careers in this field, across the board, and is rapidly increasing.
Coffey Testing Reducing Carbon Emissions
As of February 2023, traffic pollution claims more than 11,000 Australian lives lost each year, making air pollution a silent killer.
Coffey Testing has been monitoring their idling on a weekly basis through our Fleet Manager.
Since May 2023, our Coffey Testing Fleet idling rates have dropped by 13%, decreasing fuel costs of our vehicles, and further minimising the number of emissions that are omitted into the air.
We have recently begun purchasing different-branded vehicles, and the monitoring process will continue to identify if other branded vehicles release less emissions than others.
This process will allow us to make more environmentally conscious decisions when it comes to leasing or purchasing company cars in the future.
Coffey Testing Projects Focused on the Environment
Coffey Testing in recent years has taken on various projects that steer away from mining and focus on a renewable and sustainable future. These include the following:
Wind Farms
Wind energy is one of the nation’s biggest renewable energy resources. Wind power is generated through turbines, and this is where kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. Wind Farms are usually placed in elevated places, due to there being more wind higher in the air, with many wind turbines with a build height of up to 160 metres.
As of 2023, there are currently more than 300 wind farm projects currently in operation. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) found that wind energy generated 29,891,946MW of electricity in 2022, which accounted for 35.6% Australia’s renewable energy, making wind Australia’s largest renewable energy source.
Coffey Testing Wind Farm Projects
- Clark Creek Wind Farm: Located 150km North-West of Rockhampton and 150km South of Mackay, Stage One of this 450MW wind farm has commenced.
- Lotus Creek Wind Farm: This $1 billion project, developed by Ark Energy, was approved for construction in late 2022. Lotus Creek is located approximately 20km West of the town of St Lawrence and will have a maximum capacity of up to 341MW.
- Boulder Creek Wind Farm: Located 40km South-West of Rockhampton, and about 5km West of Mount Morgan in Central Queensland, Boulder Creek Wind Farm is approximately 372MW, and is expected to comprise of up to 60 wind turbines.
Solar Farms
These farms are typically housed on large plots of land, with several hundred photovoltaic solar panels connected and extended across the plot. Essentially, solar farms work the same that as a roof top solar panel unit, as they also absorb sunlight that is then converted into electricity.
These are used primarily to mass produce and generate large-scale power to then be fed directly into the grid, which can be utilised by households and businesses.
Liquefied Natural Gas
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) involves the process of converting natural gas from its gaseous state into a liquid form. During this refrigeration period, dust, carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed.
LNG is a top contender in the renewable energy transition, and Coffey Testing has been a part of multiple projects in recent years whereby environmental protection and preserving natural flora and fauna is at the forefront.
Coffey Testing LNG Projects
Wheatstone LNG: This was one of six of the major LNG projects under construction throughout the 5-year period of 2011 -2016, located in Onslow, WA. The Project was hugely environmentally sensitive, and successfully managed their environmental considerations throughout project duration.
The Gorgon Gas Project: Located in Barrow Island, WA, this 9 year project has won awards for exceptional environment protection, through quarantine control, flora and fauna welfare, and protection control.
Super Batteries
Super or ‘massive’ batteries are a great tool that will assist with the transition to shift to renewable energy, from coal-powered energy. Filled with thousands of lithium-ion cells, battery storage is a great asset to have, as these batteries can help with responding to electrical shortages. This can be done through utilising the excess energy stored from windy and sunny periods at a quicker rate than network operators have relied on in the past.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Coffey Testing has also been taking the initiative to tidy up their laboratories and recycle any scrap metal that is left over on site.
Leaving scrap metal on site is not only bad for the environment, but it can also cause health and safety risks to staff, including human flesh coming in contact with poisonous chemicals as well as sharp machine parts, rust, and the overall lifting, tripping over and fall objects can also present hazards in the workplace as well.
By taking the time to ensure that scrap metals and anything sharp and heavy is removed safely and recycled accordingly, Coffey Testing is;
- Decreasing energy usage levels
- Decreasing water and air pollution
- Removing exposure to certain toxins, and
- Decreasing the risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.
An example of our Coffey Testing team considering the environment in a project includes the Pacific Highway Upgrade – This was a $370 million project that occurred between 2009- 2013. To minimise the disturbance of natural soils and waste generation, Coffey Testing provided specialist advice on the potential effects of aid rock damage, and developed field processes to ensure that as many recyclable materials were utilised as possible without compromising structural integrity.
Do you have a project dedicated to contributing to the future of Australia’s sustainability?
Get in touch today for a quote.
Coffey Testing’s Affiliation with NAWIC
Coffey Testing is honored to be affiliated with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) organisation as a valued corporate member.
NAWIC is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to advocate for change, educate and empower, and connect women through their love and passion for the construction industry. With Chapters in every state and territory, NAWIC is also international, with Chapters located in the United States, New Zealand, and Canada.
The employees and volunteers involved are motivated in championing the core policy of having a minimum of 25% female participation across all of the construction industry by the year of 2025. To achieve this, the organisation has put together the foundations to encourage cultural change.
Above: NAWIC’s core policy stepping stones. Retrieved from NAWICs website: https://www.nawic.com.au/NAWIC/NAWIC/About/.
This partnership is important to Coffey Testing as it will enable us to continue to promote inclusivity and greater female participation in this male-dominated industry.
Coffey Testing is owned and managed by Dawn Watt, who started out with the company as a Construction Materials Technician in 2001 and became the first female CEO in the Geotechnical and Civil Construction Material Testing industry in Australia in 2019. This was an incredibly pivotal moment for not only the business, but for the construction industry as well.
Since Ms. Watt first stepped foot into the Coffey Testing laboratory in Newcastle over 20 years ago, she has overseen changes have really shaped the foundations of Coffey Testing that have resulted the movement of increasing gender diversity and female representation.
In 2003, Ms. Watt was the only female technician at Coffey Testing. 20 years on, Coffey Testing has 40 female lab employees – six are in positions of management across 12 labs, and 40% of the Coffey Testing Management Team are women.
With the current rate of female participation in the construction industry at approximately at 12%, being affiliated with NAWIC is such an important and valued partnership when it comes to the Australian Economy and taking the right steps towards a workplace culture where all genders are accepted.
Coffey Testing are looking forward to helping achieve these goals and to contribute to the change of the construction industry for now and the future.
Permeability and Triaxial Tests Available at Coffey Testing
Coffey Testing is excited to announce the expansion of their NATA accredited tests!
These include Permeability (AS 1289.6.7.3), Triaxial Test (AS 1289.6.4.2) and Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) Triaxial Tests (AS 1289.6.4.1).
The introduction of these new specialty testing methods represents our commitment to providing clients with precision, reliability, and the tools to elevate their projects.
Permeability Test (AS 1289.6.7.3)
Coffey Testing’s Permeability Testing (AS 1289.6.73) is the analysis of the behaviour of soils and materials. This process allows for further insight into how fluids can move through materials, allowing our geo-technicians assess drainage capabilities, identify potential seepage paths, and design effective drainage systems as a result of this test.
By understanding Permeability, our clients will be able to make informed decisions that will prevent water-related issues and optimise project performance.
Triaxial Test (AS 1289.6.4.2)
Triaxial Testing (AS 1289.6.4.2) is the process of evaluating the stress conditions of soils and granular materials. From here, our clients can further understand the shear strength, deformation characteristics and material stability of their samples, allowing clients to be reassured that they are building with confidence.
UU Triaxial Test (AS 1289.6.4.1)
Coffey Testing can dive even deeper into material behaviour with the AS1289.6.4.1 Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) Triaxial Test. Our geo-technicians can assess how cements, soils and aggregates respond to different loading conditions. As a result, clients can fine-tune their designs, optimise material selection and ensure project structural integrity.
Why does it matter?
Precision for Prosperity
The Coffey Testing team are big believers in accurate testing that allows for successful projects. By harnessing the insights from our specialty testing, our clients are reassured that every decision is grounded in data-driven excellence. This precision also translates to safer structures, efficient resource utilisation, and projects that stand the test of time.
Empowers Decision-Making
Informed decisions are the backbone of effective project management. With Coffey Testing’s specialty testing range, clients gain a comprehensive understanding of material behaviour, resulting in proactive choices that mitigate risks being made, the optimisation of designs, and streamline operations.
Compliance with Confidence
Regulatory compliance is paramount. Coffey Testing’s NATA-accredited tests align seamlessly with industry standards, ensuring our clients ’projects meet or exceed required benchmarks.
Demonstrate your commitment to quality, safety, and compliance by partnering with Coffey Testing. Get in touch with our Coffey Testing – Sydney team today for all your specialty testing needs and request a quote.
Coffey Testing Sydney – Triaxial Testing Now Available
At Coffey Testing, we are committed to providing innovative processes that aim to provide you the most accurate insights on the market. With this being said, we are very excited to announce the expansion of our NATA scope of accreditation, with AS 1289.6.4.1 Triaxial Testing, available now at our Coffey Testing – Sydney laboratory.
Unveiling the Strength and Stability of AS 1289.6.4.2
Triaxial Testing (AS 1289.6.4.2) is a specialty testing method used by geo-technicians to study soil under varying stress conditions. This helps determine shear strength, deformation in characteristics, and failure modes of soils, which is important for designing structures and engineering projects.
Why Does it Matter?
Precision for Prosperity: By harnessing the insights from our expanded NATA-accredited tests, you ensure that every decision made is grounded in data-driven excellence, delivering a successful end product for your projects. These updated testing processes allow for safer structures, efficient resource utilisation, and improves the longevity of all projects.
Empowers Decision-Making: With our accredited triaxial tests, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of material behaviour, allowing our clients to make proactive choices and insights. This means they can mitigate risks, optimise project designs, and streamline operations.
Compliance with Confidence: Regulatory compliance is paramount. Our NATA-accredited tests align seamlessly with industry standards, ensuring our clients’ projects meet or exceed required benchmarks, demonstrating your commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
Unlock precision and reliability like never before – Get in touch with Coffey Testing Sydney today.
Find out more about other specialty testing that we offer, such as Soil Permeability here.
Our Commitment to the Australian Economy
Coffey Testing is committed to the Australian economy, embodying the values that align us with our recently acquired Australian Owned Social Responsibility Partnership.
The Australian Owned symbol is more than just a logo – it represents our active support for not only our staff but other local businesses, which in turn allows us to drive our nation’s economy and success.
With over 60 years’ experience within the soils, concrete and aggregate testing field, we not only have the expertise, but our professional teams will guarantee that the project – No matter how big or small, will be conducted in the safest way possible, using the latest up-to-date technology and processes.
Coffey Testing’s operational processes play an integral part in our Social Responsibility Partnership with Australian Owned. With substantial growth in the company as of recent years, Coffey Testing has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in job creation. As a result, this not only reduces the unemployment rates within Australia, but with varying job opportunities and a range of benefits when you work here, we are also helping elevate the lives of fellow citizens on a national scale.
Our partnership with Australian Owned assures our client base that they are endorsing a genuine, Australian- owned business. This trust not only attracts new projects and clients, but it also fortifies existing relationships.
Coffey Testing’s ongoing support of Australian- owned businesses and suppliers in turn is so much more than a transactional agreement; to Coffey Testing, we truly believe in building relationships that will strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
Overall, we are extremely proud of our Australian-Owned roots and are motivated to assist the Australian economy for the many years to come.
Find out about previous and current initiatives that Coffey Testing also does to assist the future of Australia here.
Coffey Testing is Australian Owned and Trusted
Coffey Testing is proud to be recognised as an Australian Owned Social Responsibility Partner!
Being Australian Owned is important to us as it truly reflects Coffey Testing, and the differences that we aim to make to the Australian economy. Even though it has been nearly 2 years since the last COVID-19 lockdown, our economy is still catching up, and now, more than ever, it is so important to ensure that businesses and individuals alike are supporting Australian businesses nationwide.
Who is Coffey Testing?
Coffey Testing is the leading Construction Materials Testing organsation, located nationally in Australia. For any project, no matter how big or small, we aim to perform to the very best of our ability, allowing us to give suppliers the best possible result for their project, and this is reflected within our highly skilled technicians.
Coffey Testing Supports Local
Coffey Testing endeavors to support our fellow Australian businesses. This can look like anything; through shopping with local suppliers, sponsoring sporting teams, and also attending various networking events, we give our all to ensure that we are supporting others in the Australian economy.
The Coffey Testing Difference
Our dedication to ensuring we are looking at a greener and much more sustainable future has been embedded throughout all labs, and we host fundraisers and encourage our staff to recycle scrap metals as a result of this.
Safety is Important
We do not compromise on safety, quality assurance and accuracy, which in turn has allowed us to foster new relationships and nurture pre-existing ones. Our testing processes are also NATA accredited, giving our clients the peace of mind that we will conduct our job in a professional manner.
Coffey Testing is not only Australian Owned, but also Australian TRUSTED.
To request a quote or submit an enquiry, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Coffey Testing Wins Two ABA100 Awards
We are pleased to announce that Coffey Testing has been recognised as an ABA100 Winner for both HR MANAGEMENT and TRAINING EXCELLENCE in The Australian Business Awards 2022!
Training & Development at Coffey Testing
Did you know that we have a dedicated internal training team as well as external training providers (RTOs) located across Australia? We are BIG on training and learning at Coffey Testing, not only for new trainees but for the continuous development of experienced Technicians. We believe that quality training leads to quality results.
