ESG and Sustainability
Delivering environmental and social welfare.
Why should organisations strive for equitable infrastructure?
This content has been extracted from our CROSSROADS report. Read the full version here.
Designing infrastructure with an intergenerational lens creates thriving, equitable communities. Policymakers and industry leaders who prioritise inclusivity, sustainability and resilience — while balancing short-term needs with long-term goals — can build projects that adapt to future challenges, promote social cohesion and improve quality of life for all generations.
Designing infrastructure with an intergenerational lens creates thriving, equitable communities. Policymakers and industry leaders who prioritise inclusivity, sustainability and resilience — while balancing short-term needs with long-term goals — can build projects that adapt to future challenges, promote social cohesion and improve quality of life for all generations.
Adopting an intergenerational lens on infrastructure
When designed and delivered through an intergenerational lens, infrastructure can uplift and enable communities to thrive. Inclusive and equitable communities foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, understanding and mutual support, making them more resilient and adaptable to shocks and uncertain futures. Adopting intergenerational perspectives requires a paradigm shift where policymakers, industry leaders and communities prioritise long-term sustainability and inclusivity, while balancing short-term aspirations and outcomes.
Integrating sustainable practices, circular economy principles and innovative technologies into infrastructure planning and development leads to projects that are resilient, adaptable to future needs and inclusive of diverse community voices. This approach not only meets current demands but also preserves resources for future generations, creating more resilient communities, improved quality of life and greater social cohesion.
The technical and more challenges of equitable infrastructure
The quest for more equitable infrastructure presents a complex technical and moral challenge. Balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship is essential to delivering benefits for all. The demand for climate-resilient infrastructure, diverse and accessible mobility options and advanced water management systems highlights the multi-faceted nature of the challenge. Strong and pragmatic technical knowledge is needed to address these complexities effectively, providing innovative and robust solutions to community challenges.
Achieving these aspirations also demands our hearts and minds, new approaches to community engagement and a commitment to balancing short-term impact with long-term thinking. By putting people at the centre of the solution and combining technical capability with a compassionate approach, communities can build a legacy of hope, resilience and fairness for future generations.
The question we must ask ourselves as practitioners is where are the opportunities for us to drive intentional change? Where should we do things differently, seek innovative approaches and use our collective wisdom to intentionally change a process and, in turn, an outcome? The changes coming are inevitable and we will either be at the forefront, driving new approaches and leading the way, or we will be following others.”
Want to go deeper?
Download the full CROSSROADS report to learn more about the importance and impact of designing equitable infrastructure for thriving communities.
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