Health Translation Hub, Randwick NSW

The Health Translation Hub forms part of the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct in Sydney, which includes significant developments aimed towards advancing health and innovation within the region. The project involves the development of a 35,600 square-metre facility adjacent to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus and serves industry partners within the hospital precinct. Ramboll has been commissioned to conduct Independent Environmental Audits (IEAs) for the construction stage of the development.

As part of the Significant State Development (SSD) and in accordance with the Independent Audit Post Approval Requirements (IAPAR, 2020), Ramboll has completed four IEAs every 6 months since the start of construction in 2023 to evaluate the environmental performance and compliance status of the construction activities and the development. The audits focused on various aspects of the construction, including civil and in-ground works, construction of structures, the building façade, and the interior. The objective of these audits was to independently evaluate and improve the environmental performance of the Health Translation Hub construction, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting better environmental management.

Each audit required engagement with key regulatory agencies such as the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and Randwick City Council. The audit process involved assessing the progress of the construction through documentation review, site inspections and conducting interviews with stakeholders involved in the project to ensure that all environmental aspects were addressed.

Ramboll's approach to the audits included evaluating the project's adherence to specific conditions outlined in the SSD. During consultations with regulatory agencies, Ramboll received advice on specific environmental conditions that required attention. The audits encountered challenges such as managing ongoing changes within the construction period and ensuring comprehensive environmental inspections and interviews during site visits.

Upon completing each audit, Ramboll provided a detailed list of recommendations addressing non-compliances and identifying opportunities for further improvement. Ramboll’s experienced auditors provide added value during the IEA through practical and focused recommendations to ensure compliance with the conditions of the SSD as well as continuous improvement in environmental management. Recommendations from the audits have included expanded out of hours notifications which were subsequently considered by the client and included into the ongoing construction process to ensure environmental compliance with the SSD.