Equitable infrastructure: Charting a path to a positive legacy

Infrastructure is not only a physical asset but also a social and environmental one.

It shapes the way we live, work and interact across generations and geographies. How can we leverage infrastructure to create a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations?

This question was recently at the centre of a robust conversation bringing together four domain experts – located across Canada, the United States and Chile – by means of a virtual panel discussion convened by global engineering firm, GHD.

Hosted by GHD Future Communities Lead – Canada, Tina Marano and expertly moderated by global advisor and urbanist Professor Greg Clark, the event featured panellists with extensive backgrounds in the infrastructure sector: Marsha Anderson Bomar, Commissioner Emeritus and Former Deputy Commissioner, Engineering, Department of Transportation, City of Atlanta; Mark Ciavarro, Deputy Chief Capital Officer, Rapid Transit, Metrolinx in Toronto, Canada; Diniece Mendes, Director, Office of Freight Mobility, New York City Department of Transportation; and Dominga Quiroga Salazar, Marketing Leader, Territoria Group in Santiago, Chile.

The discussion also drew on the key findings of GHD’s CROSSROADS research, a wide-ranging study exploring intergenerational equity through an infrastructure lens, which surveyed more than 10,000 people across 10 countries. The study revealed diverse perspectives and insights on environmental concerns, cost of living pressures and transportation challenges, among other findings, across generations and geographies.

Panellists explored a range of opportunities to enable equitable infrastructure outcomes, including the adoption of sustainable practices in businesses, improving affordability and connectivity and leveraging public-private partnerships. Panellists also shared that gaining the mutual trust of generations, inclusive policies and design, and broader community participation were also critical levers.

Quiroga Salazar set the tone for the discussion by saying, “Young people need to trust the older generations and the other way around.” She explained how the lack of trust had led to social unrest in Santiago, Chile, and how her company committed to sustainable development to address the aspirations of future generations.

Mendes highlighted the importance of not compromising the needs of future generations, especially vulnerable populations. To overcome intergenerational differences, she advocated for multifaceted approaches, such as collaboration, education and innovative partnerships.

For Ciavarro, intergenerational equity depends on the good choices we make today, learning from past mistakes and planning for the future. He pointed out that the footprint created by the automobile-oriented city in the `50s and `60s has challenged the implementation of modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport.

Bomar said “I think we need to have that lens of caring about the people who come after us (and) we have to have some metrics (about how) we're making good decisions both in technical ways and in humane ways.”

Sustainable infrastructure needs to consider whole-of -life costs.

“I think some of the most critical things that we look at now are how can we drive energy efficiency out of infrastructure investment, looking at ways to price and value a bid for a project that integrates a long-term view of the expense of operating and particularly the energy consumption of the operation of that facility,” Ciavarro shared as he illustrated how his organization, Metrolinx, incorporates energy efficiency, sustainability and station amenities into transit projects.

Investment in sustainable transport options, like bike hubs and pedestrian-friendly streets, can lessen environmental impact.

Bomar and Ciavarro shared the view on the importance of technology to guide them in the decision-making process in their projects.

Envision is a tool that assists with reducing environmental harm and is being used in large infrastructure projects. Tools like Envision “help us look at the issues and the potential solutions and find those more productive solutions that allow us to achieve more intergenerational equity,” Bomar added.

Business organisations and entrepreneurs should also be ready to adapt or modify their operations to fit a sustainable framework to enhance an organization's value.

Quiroga Salazar referenced MUT, Mercado Urbano Tobalaba, a green urban project by Territoria, as an example of adopting a sustainable framework. MUT uses renewable energy, recycles grey water and waste, and encourages sustainable transport and lifestyles. It also requires its partners and customers to share its philosophy of sustainability.

As a young professional, Quiroga Salazar stressed the importance of lifestyle choices that reflect sustainability values. She said her generation should ask themselves, “Where do I want to live? Near the place I work so I can transport by bicycle, by subway or walking?”

Panellists agreed that a key issue for urban affordability is the integration of transport, housing and education systems and other related systems so they are accessible to everyone. Sustainable infrastructure strategies should support population growth, environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Ciavarro cited Toronto's $80 billion transit plan, one of the world's largest, as an example of integrating land use planning and transit investment. As an example, he said the plan for the Yonge North Subway Extension would create transit-oriented communities with 40,000 new housing units around two of the stations.

Mendes also said that New York needs to fill its 920,000-housing unit-gap by 2035 to meet its population growth.

“Investing in sustainable transportation alternatives to meet these new developments will certainly help to ensure that we're protecting those broader communities and giving them options,” she stressed.

The panellists also cited the need for public-private partnerships and inclusive design to make infrastructure accessible and sustainable to all.

Quiroga Salazar mentioned Territoria's public-private alliance with the metro company, Metro de Santiago, and the government. The transit facility operates on public land to be able to connect to the urban development project for accessibility.

Bomar shared the example of the Beltline project in Atlanta which transformed a railroad loop into a mixed-use corridor, but also caused displacement of long-term residents due to rising land values. The city intervened by freezing property taxes for those residents, allowing them to stay in their homes and benefit from the accessibility and amenities of the project.

The panellists were united in their belief that to close the intergenerational equity gap is to think long-term, integrate services, build trust between generations and advocate for leadership that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of future generations. By doing so, we can chart a path forward that leads to a positive legacy for future generations.

In his comprehensive summary of the panellists’ views, Professor Clark said:

• We need to think long-term and inclusively considering everyone in their diversity.
• Building trust between generations through practical actions that positively impact everyone’s lives is essential.
• We must integrate various aspects such as transport, housing amenities, and design to create quality, sustainable places.
• Demonstrating leadership and advocacy is crucial.

Marano remarked on each of the panellist’s perspectives that made a striking impression on her. These perspectives were related to choices and priorities. While Marano acknowledged that there will be difficult decisions to make, she also lauded the concept of the seventh-generation principle for its progressive approach and respect for Earth and human life. The principle encourages people to think about seven generations ahead despite the challenge of focusing on the near future.

Nonetheless, Marano said the panel discussion aimed to leave attendees with a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Panellists agreed that a key issue for urban affordability is the integration of transport, housing and education systems and other related systems so they are accessible to everyone. Sustainable infrastructure strategies should support population growth, environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Ciavarro cited Toronto's $80 billion transit plan, one of the world's largest, as an example of integrating land use planning and transit investment. As an example, he said the plan for the Yonge North Subway Extension would create transit-oriented communities with 40,000 new housing units around two of the stations.

Mendes also said that New York needs to fill its 920,000-housing unit-gap by 2035 to meet its population growth.

“Investing in sustainable transportation alternatives to meet these new developments will certainly help to ensure that we're protecting those broader communities and giving them options,” she stressed.

The panellists also cited the need for public-private partnerships and inclusive design to make infrastructure accessible and sustainable to all.

Quiroga Salazar mentioned Territoria's public-private alliance with the metro company, Metro de Santiago, and the government. The transit facility operates on public land to be able to connect to the urban development project for accessibility.

Bomar shared the example of the Beltline project in Atlanta which transformed a railroad loop into a mixed-use corridor, but also caused displacement of long-term residents due to rising land values. The city intervened by freezing property taxes for those residents, allowing them to stay in their homes and benefit from the accessibility and amenities of the project.

The panellists were united in their belief that to close the intergenerational equity gap is to think long-term, integrate services, build trust between generations and advocate for leadership that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of future generations. By doing so, we can chart a path forward that leads to a positive legacy for future generations.

In his comprehensive summary of the panellists’ views, Professor Clark said:

• We need to think long-term and inclusively considering everyone in their diversity.
• Building trust between generations through practical actions that positively impact everyone’s lives is essential.
• We must integrate various aspects such as transport, housing amenities, and design to create quality, sustainable places.
• Demonstrating leadership and advocacy is crucial.

Marano remarked on each of the panellist’s perspectives that made a striking impression on her. These perspectives were related to choices and priorities. While Marano acknowledged that there will be difficult decisions to make, she also lauded the concept of the seventh-generation principle for its progressive approach and respect for Earth and human life. The principle encourages people to think about seven generations ahead despite the challenge of focusing on the near future.

Nonetheless, Marano said the panel discussion aimed to leave attendees with a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Watch the full panel discussion for more on the strategic approaches shared by our panellists by going to CROSSROADS

To download and explore the CROSSROADS study, visit at CROSSROADS - Home (ghd.com)

Catch up on the full conversation watch on-demand CROSSROADS | Americas (ghd.com)