Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) has launched the nation’s first rating scheme for sustainable infrastructure projects.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme comprises a rating tool, assessment process and education and training programs.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme measures the sustainability of infrastructure projects across the ‘triple bottom line’ of economic, environmental and social criteria.

The AGIC’s scheme can be applied to a broad range of infrastructure types, such as roads and bridges, ports, harbours and airports, energy infrastructure, water storage and supply, communication transmission and distribution.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) welcomed the introduction.

“The Green Building Council of Australia supports AGIC’s mission to advance sustainability in the design, construction and operation of Australia’s infrastructure, and is pleased to see the release of this new rating tool to drive industry transformation and innovation,” says chief executive of the GBCA, Romilly Madew.

“We know from operating Green Star, Australia’s national, holistic environmental rating system for buildings and communities, that rewarding leadership in sustainability drives the uptake of more sustainable processes, fosters innovation and encourages emerging new markets.”