Author: Reshma vallabhaneni

Dear Members, 

I write during a period of global disruption — yet ISC has entered 2026 with good momentum. Our V2.2 Design and As Built rating tool has been met with strong market response, our updated training is receiving excellent feedback, and NZ Connect in early March was a great success.  

We have continued to strengthen partnerships that build practical capability across the sector. We have worked with RMIT University to embed the Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Program into its Master of Project Management, equipping students to enter the workforce, or continue advancing their careers, as qualified ISAPS. We have partnered with ConnellGriffin to deepen practical application of Sustainable procurement,and with AECOM to support organisations to respond to evolving expectations around nature-related financial disclosures.

Of course, global events do weigh heavy: the human, environmental and economic toll is significant, and every leader I speak with feels, or fears, their local impacts acutely. But disruption also sharpens priorities. Pressure on supply chains and renewed inflationary forces from the Middle East make the case for what ISC has always championed: efficient use of materials, renewable energy, innovation, and local content. This moment demands exactly what our ratings system incentivises. Added to these considerations are the consistent cost savings being demonstrated by IS rated projects.  Now is the time to lean in. 

I am acutely aware of the concern our call on members created at the end of last year. That message was not sent lightly. Working with the Board, I determined that transparency was the right course to keep members informed and forewarned about cashflow challenges ahead of the quieter summer period. I am pleased to report that prudent management, a strong uptick in ratings registrations, and our events and training have seen us begin the year from a restored footing. My sincere thanks to every organisation that stepped up or considered doing so. 

The best organisations rise to challenges, and ISC is doing precisely that. We are focused on evolving ISC to meet the market and to ensure our members and users derive maximum value from working with us. 

As many of you know, at the end of this month, we will sadly farewell Jane Nicholls after six outstanding years with the ISC. While Jane has decided to pursue new opportunities, during her time with us, she has been a valued member of the leadership team, a trusted advisor, and a builder and holder of strong relationships across our membership. We will miss Jane, but look forward to her remaining a friend of the ISC, and we wish her every success and happiness in her new endeavours. 

As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions, so please be in touch any time. – Toby Kent, Chief Executive Officer, ISC 

Industry Insights and Reflections from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond 

The first months of 2026 show a clear shift toward long–term resilience, climate alignment and more coordinated planning across horizontal infrastructure in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.  

New Zealand: System Reform and Strategic Positioning 

On 16 February,Te Waihanga – the Infrastructure Commission – released the National Infrastructure Plan, which sets a 30-year direction for how New Zealand invests, maintains, and sequences essential networks. It prioritises addressing hospital and water‑sector pressures; improving transport efficiency; strengthening asset renewals and climate resilience; and supporting long‑term growth through planning reform; corridor‑focused development; and electrification‑ready settings. The Plan encourages agencies to address their most pressing network constraints first, and to combine asset renewals with climate adaptation and targeted capacity growth to reduce lifecycle risk.  

Te Waihanga also released new Senior Responsible Ownership Guidance, strengthening leadership expectations of those overseeing major public investments. This has direct implications for horizontal infrastructure, where governance capability often determines whether long‑term integrated planning can be put into practice. 

Amendments to the Climate Change Response Act will be introduced later this year, reshaping how climate risk is assessed across New Zealand’s transport corridors, energy networks, and water systems. These changes sit alongside adjustments to the climate‑related disclosure system. From 31 March 2026, the system will lift the threshold for listed issuers from NZD 60 million to NZD 1 billion and remove managed investment scheme managers. Although fewer organisations will be required to report, those that remain include many of New Zealand’s significant infrastructure owners, reinforcing expectations for climate‑aligned investment decisions

Alongside the release of the National Infrastructure Plan, Aotearoa Circle launched their Natural Infrastructure Plan, including at ISC’s New Zealand Connect conference. The Plan positions wetlands, forests, dunes, waterways and soils as core infrastructure that deliver measurable economic benefits. It provides resources and business cases that demonstrate how nature‑based solutions can reduce flood and erosion risk, strengthen long‑term economic resilience and complement traditional infrastructure investment.  

Australia: Infrastructure Priorities and Energy Transition

Infrastructure Australia released the 2026 Infrastructure Priority List on 11 March, identifying nationally significant proposals to guide Commonwealth investment over the next decade. The list is more selective than in previous years and focuses on where federal involvement will have the greatest impact. Priority areas include freight productivity, port and intermodal capacity, urban transport, water security and infrastructure supporting the clean‑energy transition. The sequencing is designed to match government priorities with market capacity and to support stable long‑term delivery. 

Australia’s energy transition continues to be shaped by the Annual Climate Change Statement 2025. With renewable generation now exceeding forty percent in major grids, the Capacity Investment Scheme is on track to deliver 40GW of new renewable capacity in the next 10 years, and a national target of up to seventy percent emissions reduction by 2035, the country’s transition pathway is increasingly tied to the performance of its horizontal infrastructure networks.  

Transmission remains the biggest constraint, as large‑scale renewable projects outpace the delivery of high‑voltage corridors. Industry analysis by WSP highlights the importance of unlocking renewable‑energy zones, improving approval processes and coordinating work across all levels of government. An integrated approach to the planning of land use, water, and energy networks is increasingly being adopted, supported by digital planning tools. 

Sustainable Finance and Risk Management 

Market and policy signals point to climate risk becoming a core component of system‑level risk management. Physical climate risk, insurability and adaptation are now factors that influence financing for infrastructure. In Australia, the regulator-led Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment is modelling how different climate scenarios may affect insurance affordability through to 2050.The Insurance Council of Australia has recently proposed large‑scale, co‑funded flood‑defence and buy‑back programs, signalling that insurance pressures are becoming a public finance issue. In New Zealand, prudential guidance from the Reserve Bank to embed climate risk in governance reinforces the need for infrastructure owners to demonstrate resilience in order to maintain investor and community confidence. 

Infrastructure Pipeline Activity 

The ANZIP pipeline shows targeted movement in both countries. In New Zealand, recent updates to the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass reflect ongoing work to improve capacity and safety along a key inter‑regional corridor. In Australia, the addition of the Gold Coast Advanced Resource Recovery Centre highlights growing investment in waste system transformation and the circular economy. Though not a transport or energy project, it will contribute to the broader horizontal infrastructure system by reducing pressure on landfill and improving regional waste resilience. 

Global Context with Local Implications 

International outlooks from S&P Global highlight escalating disruption from extreme weather and ongoing tension between energy security and decarbonisation as key issues affecting the infrastructure sector. AI infrastructure, such as data centres, is uniquely vulnerable to climate risks such as heatwaves and water shortages. This is relevant for Australia and New Zealand, both managing ageing networks and growing climate volatility. In both countries, where digital connectivity is critical to economic performance and emergency management, there is a need for integrated planning and a strong resilience focus across energy and water networks that serve digital infrastructure hubs. 

Following the US–Israel strikes on Iran in February, shipping movements in the Middle East have experienced disruption. This is likely to increase fuel costs and lengthen delivery times for materials and freight moving through global supply chains. 

What an energising two days at ISC Connect NZ 2026 in hashtag#Wellington! Our gathering truly showcased how Aotearoa New Zealand is reshaping the future of infrastructure through responsibility, resilience, and regeneration.

Over 4–5 March, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) brought industry and government together with a shared purpose: to accelerate infrastructure that delivers value today while safeguarding tomorrow.

From the moment the site tours kicked off at CentrePort and Te Ara Tupua, it was clear this year’s program was designed to ground big ideas in real‑world impact. We heard directly from leadership and delivery teams about the sustainability outcomes being achieved and how these supported substantial economic wins.

▪️ Across Thursday’s sessions, the conversations offered a great mix of policy, evidence and ambition. The Minister for Infrastructure spoke of unblocking pathways to more productive delivery, while the opening panellists implored us to invest in nature alongside the built environment to meet our objectives. Our Technical streams offered deep dives into transport, energy, water, and urban development – each highlighting the ingenuity already emerging across Aotearoa.

▪️ A standout theme was the integration of First Nations knowledge systems, reminding us that sustainable infrastructure isn’t just about engineering excellence – it’s about cultural respect, community partnership, and long‑term stewardship.

▪️ The networking moments – from the welcome function to the closing certification celebration – reinforced the strength of the IS community. Recognising transport and water projects that achieved IS Ratings at the Certification Function was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when sustainability is embedded from the ground up.

ISC Connect NZ 2026 left us hashtag#inspired, hashtag#connected, and hashtag#ready to push harder for infrastructure that is resilient, economical, and transformational.

Looking forward to 2027!

See the full photo highlights via the link below:

ConnectNZ 2026 Photo Gallery

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is proud to partner with RMIT University, School of Property, Construction and Project Management.

“This partnership with RMIT demonstrates our shared commitment to building workforce capability — ensuring sustainability is not an afterthought, but a core skill in how projects are designed, managed and delivered.”

— Toby Kent, CEO, Infrastructure Sustainability Council

In Australia and New Zealand, the infrastructure sector is evolving at extraordinary speed. Projects are expected not only to deliver value for money and performance outcomes but also to respond to climate risk, nature impacts, supply-chain integrity, and community expectations in a deeply interconnected way. As the sustainability agenda expands, so does the demand on infrastructure professionals to understand, interpret, and apply the IS Rating Scheme with confidence and influence.  

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council has worked with experienced industry professionals to develop a comprehensive IS for Professionals Pathway (IS4P). A completely redesigned, refreshed, future-ready learning experience shaped by industry requirements, best-practice learning design, and the real skills needed to deliver sustainability outcomes on projects.

About the IS for Professionals Pathway

1.A streamlined, five-week learning journey 

The five-week structure offers a clear, progressive pathway from foundational Infrastructure Sustainability concepts to life-cycle stage-specific application. Each week builds on the previous, blending self-paced learning and reflection with expert-facilitated workshops. Designed to reinforce learning, the pathway allows participants to escape the ‘forgetting curve’ and leave with skills they can immediately implement. 

“The new and improved ISAP course is very contemporary and effective. The shorter duration of the sessions, and the enhanced use of both facilitated and e-learning formats increases engagement, retention of information, and the up-take of new skills for application by the learners in the real world.” – Patrick Ilott (CEO) Perspektiv

2. Real-world tools and processes 

The Pathway integrates the core human skills such as ‘Setting up for Success’ and the ‘Head, Heart & Hand model’, with key IS processes like developing Business as Usual Assumptions, undertaking a Materiality Assessment, composing Credit Summary Forms, and preparing a submission quality. Modules are supported by templates and examples drawn directly from best practice. 

3. A strong focus on practical, real-world application 

Participants work through realistic project scenarios, analyse proven case studies, and apply step-by-step methodologies in interactive workshops—building the confidence to translate theory into practice on live projects. 

 Over five weeks, participants engage in a structured, modern learning journey that includes: 

• 9 facilitated workshops  

• 9 self-paced eLearning modules 

• Enrolment in the ISAP exam  

 Resulting in skilled, practical, and confident Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professionals. 

“The new IS4P is modern and practical, which is what the industry needs today. Big props to the ISC who recognised the need for this redevelopment, and for involving the ISAPs of today to provide a better foundation for the ISAPs of tomorrow to tackle IS Rating management in their projects.” – Szeto Yan Weng (Sustainability Advisor) Gamuda

 Benefits for Learners and Industry 

 Engaging learning experience 

Blended learning keeps learners engaged by combining the flexibility of self-paced digital content with the energy of interactive workshops, discussion, and practical application. Delivered in a blended format and spread over five weeks, it fits seamlessly into a usual work schedule—allowing learners to build capability without stepping away from their day-to-day responsibilities. This varied, immersive approach avoids learning fatigue, strengthens retention, and helps learners confidently translate theory into real-world practice. This learner experience is reflected in an average satisfaction score of 9.3, reinforcing the Pathway’s impact and relevance in real-world infrastructure delivery. 

“The new training builds ISAPs capabilities to not just deliver a rating but understand how to implement and embed sustainability on infrastructure projects, the content is tangible and practical.” – Jessamine Welsh (Sustainability Manager) Spark North East Link

 Accessible, clear and guided learning 

Designed to meet learners where they are, the Pathway offers accessible, clear, and guided learning for professionals at all stages of their careers. Experienced practitioners can leverage the program to formalise their expertise through accreditation, while those new to the industry are supported with a structured introduction to measuring and assessing sustainability performance. Clear guidance, practical examples, and progressive learning ensure everyone can build confidence and capability at their own pace. 

“My experience undertaking the ISC training has been very positive. The modules provided a practical understanding of the IS framework and how sustainability requirements apply throughout project delivery. The content was clear, relevant to my role, and helped build my confidence in supporting IS rating outcomes. As I am currently working on a project delivering an IS rating, the training aligned well with my day-to-day experience and strengthened my understanding of the requirements.” – Asanka Gamage (Project Engineer – Civil & Sustainability) TasNetworks

 Stronger alignment to industry expectations 

The Pathway is grounded in real-world industry practice, shaped by current infrastructure delivery challenges and expectations. Content is structured around how sustainability decisions are actually made on projects, with a strong focus on applying the IS Rating to influence outcomes, manage trade-offs, and drive performance. This ensures learners gain skills that are immediately relevant and valued across the infrastructure sector. 

 Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional (ISAP) 

Graduates of the Pathway enter the ISAP accreditation with a deeper, contextual understanding of the IS Rating. They emerge as professionals who can not only complete ratings, but also lead discussions, guide multidisciplinary teams, and embed sustainability thinking throughout the asset lifecycle—ensuring their impact goes beyond compliance to driving meaningful, long-term outcomes. 

The IS Pathway is more than a professional development course; it’s a structured, practical journey that equips professionals to lead, influence, and embed sustainability across every infrastructure project. 

Whether you’re new to the industry or seeking accreditation, this program gives you the skills, confidence, and real-world insight to make an immediate impact.  Take the next step in your sustainability career today.

“Having recently delivered the first cohort of the new IS for Professionals training, I can confidently say that the extensive work undertaken by the ISC Learning and Development team—supported by myself and several experienced IS practitioners—has resulted in an outstanding outcome.
The updated program has been thoughtfully designed to support both new and experienced professionals seeking to build their capability in implementing sustainability across major infrastructure projects. After more than a decade of delivering IS training, I can say that this course goes well beyond Infrastructure Sustainability fundamentals. It provides a valuable opportunity to learn from peers, develop practical change-management skills, and explore cost-effective approaches to achieving successful IS Ratings.” – Ken Lunty (Technical Director) Arcadis

Dear members,

As 2025 draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on the progress and the strains shaping infrastructure across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
This has been a year of sustained delivery pressure across the sector. While investment remained strong across housing, transport, energy, water and social infrastructure, projects continued to face challenges from cost escalation, workforce shortages and market capacity constraints. In this environment, sustainability has become more closely tied to practical outcomes, strengthening funding confidence, supporting productivity, improving long-term asset performance, managing climate risk and lifting whole-of-life value.

2025 brought some turbulent times for sustainability globally. Australia, however, saw continued policy momentum:

• The release of Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target
• The National Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan,
• The Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) are coming into effect
• The launch of the first Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy;
• Australian companies leading in the voluntary adoption of the TNFD, including several ISC members
• Together, these developments continued to push climate-related strategies, disclosures and nature considerations firmly onto corporate agendas.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the picture has been more mixed. Key climate targets have been delayed and reporting thresholds significantly raised. At the same time, sustainable finance remains high on the agenda with public consultation on the NZ Sustainable Finance Taxonomy commencing at the end of this year.

In our sector specifically:

• INSW’s Decarbonising Infrastructure Policy 2025 was complemented with Technical Guidance to standardise methods across projects; and
• The NSW Government launched their policy to drive digital transformation in infrastructure, both driving progress toward more harmonisation.
• Infrastructure Australia published the Delivering Net Zero Infrastructure: Workforce Report, highlighting the capacity needs required for lowering emissions in delivering infrastructure.
• All such actions tie well with Infrastructure Net Zero’s Defining Net Zero, which was published by the ISC and related parties under the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative, now hosted by ASBEC.

For the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, this year has been about delivering tangible outcomes and laying clear foundations for the future. In FY25, we certified 29 “As Built” projects spanning rail, road, energy and water sectors. Together, these projects delivered an estimated emissions reduction of nearly 3.5 million tonnes of CO₂e and approximately A$1.274 billion in avoided costs, representing around 10 per cent of total project capital expenditure.

We also delivered significant upgrades to our tools. The release of the IS v2.2 Design and As-Built tool has improved clarity, flexibility and accessibility, supporting projects of different types and scales to integrate sustainability from early design through to delivery.

One of our most important milestones this year was the launch of Strategy 2030. This sets a clear roadmap for how ISC will support the sector over the next five years, with an expanded focus on delivering across sustainable finance, water, energy and nature-positive infrastructure. As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear:  to enable connected infrastructure that supports people to thrive on a healthy planet.

I thank our you, partners, members and supporters, for the shared commitment, trust and collaboration that continues to make this work possible and impactful.

Best wishes for safe, healthy, and restorative festive seasons!

Toby Kent,
Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Sustainability Council