Sustainability means many things to many people.
Without agreeing on common principles, it is difficult to prioritise actions, value outcomes or plan and partner for shared goals. Although sustainability is commonly referenced across all forms of infrastructure, the desired outcomes are often narrow, unaligned or short-sighted.
Decision makers typically focus on one issue, such as reducing emissions or waste, without considering complementary benefits or costs. As a result, cost-effective sustainable practices that are in the best interests of users and taxpayers are often overlooked. Ignoring these outcomes is a missed opportunity. It risks increased costs and a lower quality of life for future generations.