5.2.3  Reducing the impact of infrastructure

Infrastructure-related emissions accounted for half of Australia's total greenhouse gas inventory in the year to September 2014, mainly from the electricity sector (33 per cent) and transport sector (17 per cent).146 Transport emissions have grown by 51 per cent since 1989-90, faster than any other sector. The 2012 NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan found that emissions from vehicles in Sydney will increase by almost 50 per cent over the period 2011 to 2031 under a 'do nothing' scenario.147

Findings such as these highlight how important it is for infrastructure policy-making and decisions to incorporate environmental considerations, including Australia's need to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Targeted and sustained emissions reduction policies, including market-based and complementary measures, are likely to be implemented internationally. Future emissions reduction targets are to be debated at a meeting of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris at the end of 2015. Following recent commitments by the European Union, US and China, there is some suggestion that prospects are increasing for a new binding round of emissions targets to be reached at that meeting.

Commitments to emissions reduction targets will impact emissions-intensive industries such as energy production and freight transport. Policies to support the ongoing competitiveness of these industries may be required as Australia seeks to reduce its emissions over the long-term.

Using existing infrastructure more efficiently is a critical consideration when planning for the increased capacity of infrastructure required to support economic and population growth. Initiatives that enhance the productivity of existing assets with minimal additional construction will reduce the marginal costs to the environment of providing an infrastructure service.

Long-term infrastructure planning can, for instance, allow governments to protect corridors for future surface transport projects, which can minimise the need for tunnelling and allow for more efficient route selection. Resources and costs can be minimised for the construction, maintenance and operation of these assets.

The Western Australian Planning Commission's Infrastructure Coordinating Committee148 found that effective corridor selection can minimise the impact of infrastructure on surrounding habitats, reduce noise impacts on local communities and prevent the need for locating exhaust stacks near residential areas. Greater coordination of infrastructure, environmental and planning agencies is required to ensure corridors are identified and protected as part of a long-term strategy that balances economic and environmental considerations.

Growth in telecommuting is another example of where environmental benefits can potentially be gained through a reduction in demand for infrastructure services. Deloitte Access Economics notes that by expanding rates of teleworking substantial benefits can accrue to individuals, businesses and wider society. Reducing demand for transport infrastructure by commuters can reduce the overall carbon footprint and allow governments to delay or avoid expenditure on infrastructure construction and maintenance costs.149

Decisions within the infrastructure sector will have an impact on Australia's ability to reduce its emissions and contribute to global greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Potential carbon reduction impacts are likely to become an increasingly important consideration in planning, design and operational forecasting when factoring the cost/ risk of infrastructure projects.

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146.  Department of the Environment (2015)

147.  Transport for New South Wales (2012), p.105

148.  Western Australian Planning Commission Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (2014)

149.  Deloitte Access Economics (2011a)