Every country approaches sustainability differently – these 3 factors help them succeed

The pressure’s on to create a world that is safe and enjoyable for current and future generations.

Buildings are getting older, cities are getting warmer, and people long for secure places to live.

Infrastructure – our roads, water pipes, digital connections, electricity and so much more – will need to become a lot more sustainable.

To enable this, governments worldwide are implementing sustainability measures, such as renewables or flood resilience schemes.

But to ensure this has lasting impact, it's worth strengthening planning in three areas: skills, financing, and data and delivery solutions.

1. Skills

Having the right skills is vital to building and maintaining infrastructure.

Identifying and developing in-demand skills in the infrastructure space starts by making the right connections.

Take South Africa, where workers are reskilling and upskilling for jobs across the electricity, electric vehicles and hydrogen industries.

These areas can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the future economy, a potential that was identified through consultations with the government, businesses, labour groups and civil society.

Due to this, South Africa is aiming to create “skills development zones” in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, where the three key areas operate.

Similarly, in Malaysia, the national government works with universities and colleges to align the needs of the electrical and electronics industry with the courses available.

For example, some institutions have included coding in their curriculum to reflect the high demand for these skills.

2. Financing

Planning for sustainable infrastructure involves securing enough financial resources to see a project through its lifecycle – construction, operation and decommissioning or renewal.

Stop-start funding is behind a lot of the delays in infrastructure and can make them more expensive in the long run.

That’s why it’s vital to garner support for the project within the government and with the public.

Political and public buy-in

In Saint Lucia, the National Integrated Planning and Programme (NIPP) Unit, responsible for infrastructure planning and policy, secured partnerships with the ruling and opposing political parties.

This means that even if the leading party were to change, it's less likely to lose support, and vitally, funding, for infrastructure projects.

The public has a similar influence.

This is why Chile worked closely with the indigenous Chango people on its latest national infrastructure plan.

Before that, major infrastructure schemes had negatively affected their communities, leading to disputes about their lack of involvement in the decision-making process.

The new plan prioritises investing in infrastructure across all territories, not just central urban areas, while also taking cultural significance into consideration.

Expert research and insight

Some countries may require more external assistance to identify funding opportunities. That’s where expert research and advice come in.

For example, the World Bank helped Peru by publishing a report on how public finance can address climate risks while driving long-term economic growth.

One of the key purposes of the Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) programme is to connect global specialists with government officials to strengthen strategic planning.

To help shape its new 30-year plan, the EBI programme organised two virtual workshops for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission and gathered insights from 21 international specialists. The final plan was published last week.

3. Data and digital solutions

Creating a successful and sustainable infrastructure network starts by understanding the condition and performance of current assets.

Data and digital tools make this possible.

In Canada, the government collects data on infrastructure, demographics, and areas subject to climate risks.

This information will help Canada better maintain and build infrastructure to resist extreme conditions, such as forest fires, floods and frost.

Finally, digital tools are playing a huge part in rebuilding Ukraine.

Citizens can use an online system called DREAM (Digital Restoration Ecosystem for Accountable Management) to keep track of investment plans, projects and programmes.

It’s playing a key part in the country’s economic and infrastructure recovery, while also laying the foundation for long-term development and prosperity.

Every country approaches sustainability differently

This insights paper showcases how planning techniques may differ, but using the three areas can make planning sustainable infrastructure for the long-term more achievable.

Policy makers are encouraged to use approaches that best suit their country’s governing structures.

More examples of how governments are planning for a sustainable future and barriers to consider are available in the full insights paper.

Find out how you could apply the EBI programme and its eight guiding principles.