3.7.2. OECD’s Strategic Policies for Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable Infrastructure, be it built, natural or hybrid, are systems that are “planned, designed, constructed, operated and decommissioned in a manner that ensures economic and financial, social, environmental, including climate resilience, and institutional sustainability over the entire infrastructure life cycle” (UNEP).

Sustainable infrastructure refers to any type of infrastructure—whether it's buildings, roads, or natural resources—that is designed with sustainability in mind. This includes several stages such as planning, designing, constructing, and eventually decommissioning (taking apart or recycling the infrastructure). The goal is to make sure that the infrastructure is good for the economy and society, protects the environment, and remains strong and reliable in the face of changes, such as climate issues, throughout its entire life span.

Think of sustainable infrastructure like planting a tree. Just like a tree grows, provides shade, and produces oxygen throughout its life, sustainable infrastructure is designed to continuously benefit people and the planet, not just in the moment but for years and decades to come.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that an annual investment of USD 6.9 trillion is needed for infrastructure to meet development goals and create a low carbon, climate resilient future by 2050.

The OECD has calculated that for countries to develop their infrastructure effectively and address climate change, they need to invest a massive amount of USD 6.9 trillion each year up until 2050. This investment is crucial to ensure that infrastructure can help communities adapt to climate-related challenges while also promoting economic growth and sustainability.

Imagine trying to upgrade a city’s transportation system to use electric buses instead of diesel ones. This kind of transition may require a hefty investment at first, but down the road, it can save money on fuel and maintenance while also reducing pollution and benefiting the environment.

Presently the OECD is developing a toolkit on quality infrastructure investment for policymakers and practitioners, based on the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII), developed under the Japanese G20 Presidency.

The OECD is working on creating a set of resources (a toolkit) designed to help decision-makers and planners in the field of infrastructure investments. This toolkit will be based on principles set during a G20 meeting in Japan, which emphasizes the importance of quality in infrastructure to maximize its benefits for sustainable development.

Think of this toolkit like a recipe book for baking. Just as a recipe guides you through the ingredients, measurements, and steps needed to bake a perfect cake, the OECD's toolkit will guide policymakers in creating high-quality infrastructure that benefits everyone.

The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) Members States in March 2023 adopted a resolution on ‘Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure’ encouraging them to provide opportunities for engaging relevant stakeholders, promote investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

In 2023, member states of the UN Environment Assembly agreed on a resolution focused on promoting infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient. This means they want to create systems for engaging different groups and stakeholders in the planning process and encourage investments in projects that not only have modern infrastructure but also integrate nature and sustainability into their designs.

Consider how a community garden project engages local residents to determine what plants to grow; similarly, this resolution encourages various groups to work together to create infrastructure that meets shared goals while respecting the environment.

The ‘International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure’ includes principles such as Strategic Planning, Responsive, Resilient, And Flexible Service Provision, and Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainability.

The principles under the International Good Practice for Sustainable Infrastructure provide guidelines on how infrastructure should be planned and implemented. For instance, Strategic Planning refers to the need for careful forecasting and design, while Responsive and Resilient service provision means that infrastructure should adapt to changing circumstances without being overwhelmed. A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment evaluates the sustainability of a project from start to finish, ensuring it truly benefits the environment and society.

Think of these principles as a checklist for building a new playground. You want to plan the layout (Strategic Planning), ensure it's safe and fun for children even as their needs change (Responsive and Resilient), and make sure the materials used will last and are eco-friendly (Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment) before building it.

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