Infrastructure Australia's recommended sustainability principles are based on a quadruple-bottom-line definition that covers social, economic, environmental and governance components (see Table 2.2).62 For each sustainability principle, specific factors will help to achieve sustainable outcomes.
These principles help industry, governments and communities to better understand their roles, responsibilities and aims, and the opportunities for embedding sustainability into projects and services.
" Every principle must be considered and balanced when making decisions to ensure the best long-term outcomes and trade-offs. "
Regardless of the complexity of the challenges facing these groups, every principle must be considered and balanced when making decisions to ensure the best long-term outcomes and trade-offs. Balancing them helps communities to be functional and fair while not adversely impacting future generations and the planet. This applies to every infrastructure issue, from dredging ports to constructing energy generation facilities.
Table 2.2: Quadruple-bottom-line sustainability principles leads to better outcomes
Component of sustainability | Principle |
Social | Infrastructure and policies should improve quality of life, access and wellbeing to create an inclusive and fair society. |
Economic | Infrastructure and policies should grow productivity, the Australian economy and allow equitable access to economic and growth opportunities, while efficiently using financial resources. |
Environmental | Infrastructure and policies should protect environmental outcomes by reducing pollution, balancing resource consumption, conserving natural ecosystems and resources, and supporting climate mitigation and adaptation. |
Governance | Infrastructure and policies should build trust in governance and institutions through transparent, accountable and inclusive decision-making. |
Source: Infrastructure Australia (2021)63