Local government plays a critical role in delivering infrastructure and development that shapes long‑term emissions outcomes. Concrete, in particular, represents a significant source of embodied carbon in council assets and developments. While there is increasing awareness of the need to reduce embodied carbon emissions, councils currently operate without a formal mandate, consistent data, or shared tools to do so effectively. The Low Carbon Concrete Accelerator Program (LOCCA) is a collaborative, pilot program developed by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Hunter JO that will support councils in reducing embodied carbon emissions from concrete, the most significant emissions source in local infrastructure.
LOCCA provides a structured, practical pathway for councils to transition from low‑carbon intent to implementation, converting policy ambition into consistent, defensible, and repeatable practices across planning, procurement, and project delivery. The program, launching in July 2026 for up to 20 weeks, includes technical support, working groups, and real-world trials to build capability across participating councils and their supply chains.
The program recognises varying council readiness by offering tiered participation (Aware → Reporting → Piloting → Implementing), allowing flexible engagement at no cost. Even councils without immediate projects can build capability and prepare for future adoption.
LOCCA is a first-of-its-kind pilot, enabling participating councils to act as leaders in sustainable infrastructure while shaping future state-wide policy and program rollout. It also leverages significant external expertise and resources, reducing risk and at no cost.
Overall, the initiative presents a low-risk, high-impact opportunity for councils to collectively achieve measurable emissions reductions, improve long-term asset performance, and embed sustainable practices across operations.
Background:
LOCCA is a capacity‑building, regionally coordinated program that supports councils and their value chains to progressively report on, pilot, and ultimately implement low carbon concrete (LCC) across projects, policies, and strategies.
As a council‑led framework, LOCCA will convert low‑carbon intent into approved, defensible, and repeatable practice across the entire delivery chain. This structured program designed around council realities will start in July 2026 and run for up to 20 weeks. Participating councils will engage in targeted working groups, activities and trials supported by a dedicated technical service provider. LOCCA will:
- Equip senior decision‑makers with the insights needed to drive outcomes across council operations
- Establish a consistent, measurable approach aligned with existing targets and best practice
- Support the practical use of LCC in project delivery
- Integrate LCC into procurement workflows and performance‑based specifications
- Enable LCC through planning and approval systems
- Coordinate real‑world demonstrations with councils and supply chains
LOCCA is a first‑of‑its‑kind pilot program that will position participating councils as leaders in innovation, helping shape future government programs and informing broader state‑wide roll‑out beyond the initial pilot cohort. This is an opportunity for Hunter Councils to access tailored support, shape future policy settings, and deliver measurable emissions reductions, together, rather than alone.
LOCCA Resources:
- LCC Carbon Accounting Guide
- LCC Comparison
- LCC Myth Busting Factsheet
- LCC Policy Update Guide
- LCC Prioritisation Framework
- LCC Procurement Checklist
- LCC Project Data Capture Template
- LCC Specification Guide for council projects
- LCC Verification and Quality Control Checklist
- LOCCA Program Training Content Structure
- Workplan – Council LCC Working Group
- Workplan – LCC Roadshow to Regional Councils
