IS Planning (v2.1)

Why undertake an IS Planning Rating?

By incorporating sustainability into early-stage asset decision-making, organisations can seek smarter, more efficient solutions, minimising project risks and costs whilst maximising asset returns and benefits.  

The IS Planning Rating also drives community and cultural engagement in project planning, guaranteeing assets are fit for purpose and meet local needs, enhancing organisational reputation and building stakeholder trust and support.  

The IS Planning Rating: 

• Assesses project plans across the quadruple bottom line of infrastructure development: Economic, social, environmental, and governance 
• Quantifies project opportunities and benefits and identifies project risks early in the project timeline 
• Empowers well-informed decision-making – whether to invest in or build an asset with consideration of whole-of-life impact 
• Stimulates a sustainable and innovative project approach rather than Business as usual 
• Seamlessly transitions into project design and construction phases 
• Provides sustainability assurance across the entire infrastructure lifecycle 
• Builds the requirements for the tender phase and links planning with design to ensure clear articulation and handover of opportunities  
• Covers Strategic Planning: Demand identification and analysis, strategic options identification, assessment, and decisions 
• Covers Detailed Planning: Project options development and assessment, reference design development, scope definition, and procurement 
• Results in the strongest sustainability outcomes in the design, construction, and operational phases 
• Provides a repeatable framework and sustainable structure for future projects 

An IS Planning Rating can be applied to an individual asset or at a community or regional level. It can be applied to every infrastructure asset class and major works, including roads, pathways, rail, water, aviation, and maritime. Projects are scored through specific IS credits and achieve one of five performance ratings: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, or Platinum.   

For small infrastructure projects under $100m, explore our new Rating tool, IS Essentials link below.

What are the outcomes of an IS Planning Rating?

An IS Planning Rating is the blueprint for project sustainability success.  

It provides third-party, independent assurance that a project has been carefully evaluated with input from key stakeholders, and that the chosen approach is the most economical, sustainable, and beneficial solution to a specific infrastructure challenge or opportunity. 

Example outcomes of an IS Planning Rating can include: 

Social outcomes 

• Involvement of key user groups and stakeholders early in the project process – demand for an asset, how it will be used, and by whom 
• Reflection and recognition of cultural heritage in projects – First Nations people consultation 
• Identification of skills needs and gaps in the project to leverage employment opportunities 
• A diverse and inclusive workforce through set objectives and targets 

Governance outcomes 

• Thorough understanding of the project context – place, land use, community plans, Government plans, strategies, and policies  
• A clear framework, roadmap, and strategies to solve project challenges – risks vs. opportunities 
• Sustainable thinking and idea innovation across the board – all project teams  
• Increased awareness of the importance of sustainability in the project scope  
• Development of consistent, sustainable frameworks for future projects 
• ‘Whole-life’ asset thinking that stretches outcomes and challenges BAU 
• Organisational-level improvements to standard systems and processes 
• Enhanced organisational sustainability credentials   

Environmental outcomes 

• Identification of the most critical sustainability issues of a project with a clear sustainable pathway 
• Efficient and effective management of resources across the project and how this will be achieved – lower emissions, reduced waste to landfill, lower materials, use of existing infrastructure connections and assets 
• Strategies to mitigate and manage project pollution: noise, light, and air  
• Improved ecological outcomes and reduced impact on native landscape and wildlife 

Economic outcomes 

• Assurance that project benefits directly respond to the asset challenge/opportunity 
• A holistic understanding of the costs and benefits across the infrastructure asset life – ‘whole of life’ modelling 
• Reduced capital expenditure through best use of resources from the start 
• Improved workforce capability and training upskill 
• Engagement of local businesses and workforce