AGIC’s Infrastructure Sustainability rating scheme gains momentum

The Great Eastern Highway Upgrade project is the latest project to register to pursue an Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating through the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC). The project is an upgrade of a 4.2 km section of the Great Eastern Highway (WA) with on-road cycling facilities and a continuous pedestrian path.

The Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese, launched AGIC’s national IS rating scheme in early 2012. It is designed to measure the sustainability (including environmental, social and economic impacts and opportunities) of infrastructure projects and assets.

“The Great Eastern Highway Upgrade project is one of the first infrastructure projects to register to pursue a rating under the IS rating scheme,” said AGIC’s CEO, Antony Sprigg.

“Other projects include the Enlarged Cotter Dam and the Whitsundays Sewage Treatment Plants Upgrade. Several other major projects are in discussions to register to seek an IS rating.

“In addition, 160 professionals have undertaken the IS Foundation Training since April 2012 and are now accredited to undertake an IS rating assessment of Australian infrastructure projects.

“These achievements are a milestone for the infrastructure industry and reflect a national commitment and trend to the planning, delivering and operation of more sustainable infrastructure in Australia,” he said.