Sustainability Considerations in Infrastructure Procurement

Abstract

Kerry Griffiths, Senior Principal Sustainability Consultant with URS New Zealand, is currently undertaking in-depth research into the use of infrastructure sustainability rating tools as a means of delivering business value and improving social and environmental outcomes. In this paper she will explore the drivers behind the use of such rating tools from the perspective of infrastructure developers – focusing on New Zealand and Australia. She will explore the extent to which innovation and transformation are important factors. Kerry will signal future research questions related to the use of rating tools in procurement decisions and project implementation. Kerry will draw on her practical experience of applying sustainability measures and frameworks on state highway projects in New Zealand and on rail projects in Australia. More recently she has worked with the Australian IS Rating tool and the US-based Greenroads™ framework. Her colleagues in the UK are also assessors and verifiers of the well-established CEEQUAL™ rating tool, and will provide additional insight to the paper and its conclusions.