Australia’s first national Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme is being launched in Canberra this morning. To be unveiled by The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the scheme measures the sustainability of infrastructure projects across 15 different categories.

For more information, please find links below to two facts sheets on the scheme:

• Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme - Fact Sheet 1
• Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme - Fact Sheet 2

The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has launched Australia’s first national Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme.

The scheme has been developed by the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC www.agic.net.au) comprised of more than 80 member companies from Australia’s infrastructure industry, employing 70,000 people.

“AGIC’s Infrastructure Sustainability rating scheme (IS rating scheme) is designed to drive innovation, contribute to risk reduction and validate industry achievements through independent certification,” Mr David Singleton, Chairman, AGIC said.

“The scheme is comprised of the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating tool, a formal assessment process, rating certification and education program.  

“It has been four years in development and is designed to continuously improve environmental, social and economic outcomes across the design, construction and operational phases of infrastructure projects and assets,” Mr Singleton said.

Infrastructure types that are covered by the scheme include transport, water and wastewater, energy and communication.  Projects and assets will be rated on a 100 point scale.  An IS rating in the range of 25 – 49 is Good practice, 50 – 74 is Excellent practice and 75 – 100 is Leading practice.

Mr Singleton likened AGIC’s IS rating to the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating.

“Just as Green Star has changed building design and functionality, we envisage the IS rating scheme will change the design, construction and performance of Australia’s infrastructure.

“AGIC’s scheme has been embraced by industry and we are keen for governments and private developers across Australia to include the IS rating scheme in infrastructure tenders to provide a common national framework for industry to use.

“With a common sustainability framework, potential investors can begin to quantify Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects of a project or asset, achieving appropriate value attribution as well as identification of cost risk and cost reduction,” Mr Singleton said.

“An infrastructure asset that is designed for optimum performance over its lifecycle provides a stronger platform to attract investment.  

“With billions of dollars planned to be invested in Australian infrastructure, the IS rating scheme will contribute to more efficient, resilient and robust infrastructure,” he said.

For further information: Tom Hann, 02 8920 0700 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A background paper on the scheme and copy of the IS logo is available on request.

For interview:  David Singleton, Chairman, AGIC
For technical information: Mr Rick Walters, Technical Director, AGIC, 0418 429 401, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it