Quick tips: Integrating the environment and climate change in infrastructure projects

Infrastructure is the essential foundation for economic and social activities and, according to the G20 Quality Infrastructure initiative, covers energy, transport, water, cities and digitalisation. The next decade is a ‘use it or lose it’ moment in economic history with infrastructure investments surpassing the total current stock. Given the long lifespan of such investments, we must ensure projects not only avoid negative impacts (do no harm), but are also low-emission, resilient, sustainable and circular (do good). It is important to realise that environmental and social screening, impact assessment, monitoring and management - legal requirements and standard practice in all countries to avoid negative impacts - are not enough to implement the objectives of the green deal. This document aims to go beyond standard practice and provide guidance on how to do more good, or rather, do it right. In this respect, the post COVID-19 green recovery provides a unique chance to engage in transformative actions towards greener infrastructure for the future, summarised as “building back better”. This requires the combined efforts of government and the private sector.

This note provides quick practical tips to maximise opportunities for environmentally sustainable and climate compatible infrastructure projects and investments. It addresses project development (preparation, appraisal and procurement), implementation (construction, operation, maintenance) and decommissioning; for policy and planning, including the use of strategic environmental assessments, reference is made to other sector-specific Quick Tips.

Also, check the associated document on Activities that qualify for Rio markers in sustainable infrastructure projects.

For further guidance on environment and climate change mainstreaming, please contact:

INTPA - NEAR Environment and Climate Change Mainstreaming Facility

E:  INTPA-GREENING-FACILITY@ec.europa.eu | NEAR-GREENING-FACILITY@ec.europa.eu