Infrastructure Sustainability Council welcomes ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026-36
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) has welcomed the ACT Government’s new ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026-36, describing it as a practical and ambitious roadmap that recognises the critical role of infrastructure in achieving a climate-resilient, net-zero future.
The Strategy sets out a vision for Canberra to be climate resilient and net zero by 2045, with a long-term ambition to become climate positive. It combines emissions reduction, climate adaptation and resilience measures across key sectors, including the built environment, transport, energy, waste and government operations. The ISC welcomed the Strategy as a strong example of the integrated, long-term approach needed to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure outcomes for communities.
Particularly significant are commitments within the Strategy’s ‘Action Plan 1′ to implement carbon management practices on major government infrastructure projects, strengthen climate risk management, embed climate resilience considerations in planning and infrastructure delivery and improve emissions measurement and report.
ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent said the ACT Government had demonstrated leadership by placing infrastructure at the centre of climate action:
‘The ACT Government’s Climate Change Strategy recognises that infrastructure is one of the most powerful levers we have for reducing emissions, building resilience and improving quality of life for communities.
‘The commitment to embed carbon management practices in major government infrastructure projects is particularly encouraging and reflects growing recognition across Australia that infrastructure decisions made today will determine climate outcomes for decades to come.
‘The ISC welcomes the Strategy’s focus on resilience, evidence-based decision making and whole-of-government climate action. These priorities strongly align with the principles underpinning the ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme and our broader mission to enable connected infrastructure that supports people to thrive on a healthy planet.
‘As governments and industry work towards net zero and climate resilience, transparent measurement, robust governance and sustainable infrastructure delivery will be essential. The ACT is helping to set the benchmark for what the future can look like.’
The Strategy also highlights the importance of ensuring climate action delivers broader community benefits, including improved liveability, healthier neighbourhoods, stronger natural environments and equitable outcomes for all Canberrans.
ISC looks forward to continuing to support governments, industry and asset owners in delivering infrastructure that advances emissions reduction, climate adaptation and resilience objectives while creating lasting value for communities.
Find out more about the ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026- 2036 here.
Media enquiries
Annie Manson
Manager Policy & Advocacy
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741