What is sustainable infrastructure?

Sustainable infrastructure involves developing roads, buildings, energy and water infrastructure with due consideration to economic, social and environmental implications.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), which designed SAVi and runs the assessments, defines sustainable infrastructure assets as those which:

  • Lower carbon and environmental footprints
  • Protect natural ecosystems
  • Prove resilient to changing climates
  • Optimize the use of natural ecosystems and their “infrastructure services”
  • Move beyond compliance on core labour standards and human rights
  • Trigger technological and industrial innovation
  • Increase investment in education and research and development (R&D)
  • Increase employment
  • Demonstrate financial viability 
  • Crowd-in domestic investors and businesses
  • Increase foreign direct investment
  • Bring value for money for taxpayers and investors