Embedding sustainability into the planning stage of infrastructure projects

Beyond minimising environmental risks such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, waste generation, and biodiversity loss, sustainability also involves maximising social and economic benefits, including user satisfaction, community wellbeing, innovation, and value for money. The planning stage of an infrastructure project is particularly crucial, as it offers the greatest opportunity to influence the project’s value outcomes in a financially viable way, as shown in the diagram below.

Addressing sustainability early allows for more informed decisions, reducing the need for costly adjustments later in the process, and making sure the project not only meets the needs of the present but also provides future generations with the flexibility to adapt to their own needs when the time comes. This proactive approach fosters a balanced, efficient, and forward-thinking strategy, where sustainability is achieved in an environmentally and socially responsible manner while being financially feasible.

With this in mind, project teams should address several key questions during the planning stage:

• What are the sustainability goals and objectives of the project, and how do they align with broader policy and strategic frameworks?
• What are the environmental, social, and economic impacts and opportunities, and how can they be evaluated and measured?
• What are the best practices and standards for sustainability in the sector and region, and how can they be applied?
• What are the stakeholders' expectations and preferences regarding sustainability, and how can they be engaged effectively throughout the project lifecycle?
• What risks and uncertainties are associated with sustainability, and how can they be mitigated?

By answering these questions, project teams can create a robust sustainability framework that guides decision-making and aligns with the project’s long-term objectives. 

One of the key challenges in embedding sustainability into projects is avoiding a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Each project is unique, with different outcomes, contexts, and stakeholder needs. A bespoke sustainability strategy tailored to the specific project scope is essential.

For example, considering carbon reduction early in the planning stage helps elevate key decisions such as the selection of a shorter or alternative road route that accommodates lower environmental disruption. In contrast, deferring these choices to the design or construction stages typically limits the potential benefits and can often increase the cost and complexity of achieving sustainable outcomes.

Despite clear advantages, there are several challenges that can impede the integration of sustainability during the planning stage:

• Budget and resource allocation: Capital funding is often allocated closer to the design and construction stages, leaving limited resources for early planning.
• Team continuity: Teams involved in early project stages may lack sufficient sustainability expertise, leading to gaps in knowledge and execution.
• Government standards: Standards and policies may not yet fully support sustainability integration at early project stages.
• Misconceptions about costs: There is a common perception that sustainability measures add extra cost to a project. While sustainability measures often incur upfront expenses, these are typically outweighed by long-term savings and value. In some instances, these are only realised well into the operational stage.

Traditionally, cost is a key factor in awarding contracts, which can make it challenging to integrate sustainability considerations that require upfront investment. To address this, it is essential to evaluate the whole-of-life costs of the project, providing value for money while emphasising the role and implications of sustainability, as well as its interdependencies with other aspects of the project lifecycle.

Incorporating sustainability into the earlier stages of the project, before procurement, is crucial for achieving better long-term outcomes. At this stage, the level of detail should be sufficient to inform the project scope in a holistic way, rather than treating sustainability as isolated, token actions that compete with upfront costs. This approach means sustainable outcomes are fully embedded within the project scope and seamlessly integrated into later stages. By addressing sustainability early, we reduce the risk of rework on the budget, making it a more responsible and efficient use of the overall project funds.

In the practical implementation of sustainability initiatives, leveraging the right tools can be a pivotal element of success. One such tool is the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme, introduced by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC). This comprehensive framework offers a toolset to assess and improve the sustainability performance of projects across the entire lifecycle, providing a solid foundation for scoping tasks during the planning stage and integrating sustainability considerations from the project's inception.

The IS Rating Scheme covers key areas such as governance, climate change, ecology, community, heritage, innovation, and procurement, offering a structured approach to embedding sustainability throughout the planning (strategic and detailed), design, construction, and operational stages. Asset owners may choose to use the IS Rating Scheme as general guidance or engage ISC’s verification process to gain confidence in their sustainability efforts during the planning and procurement stages.

Importantly, GHD served as a primary consultant in developing the most recent version of the IS Technical Manual, collaborating with ISC to refine sustainability criteria, performance benchmarks, and implementation guidance.

Investing in sustainability during the planning stage offers significant long-term advantages. Early integration helps establish clear expectations, informs procurement decisions, and facilitates the adoption of sustainable design and construction practices, while also paving the way for innovation through the trialling of new materials and construction methods. It also lays the groundwork for efficient and sustainable operations throughout the asset's lifespan.

No matter where you are on your sustainability journey, embedding sustainability in the planning stage is not only an ethical responsibility; it's an effective and financially viable strategic approach to delivering infrastructure that supports resilient, adaptable and thriving communities.