IS Energy Advisory Group completes its work: Recommendations and Reflections

As the energy transition accelerates across Australia and New Zealand, the imperative is clear: A sustainable transition must deliver positive outcomes across the entire lifecycle of renewable energy infrastructure. 

To ensure this, renewable energy assets — from generation to transmission and distribution — must be planned, designed, and built in ways that not only minimise environmental harm but also generate lasting value for the communities they serve. 

This has been the driving purpose of the IS Energy Advisory Group (ISEAG), convened by ISC to explore how the ISC and IS Ratings can support and guide the sustainability performance of renewable energy infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand. 

Three dedicated subgroups have tackled critical aspects of the transition: 

🔹 Group 1 confirmed that IS v2.1 Design & As Built Ratings provide real value in securing social licence and managing carbon impact — and delivered practical recommendations to improve implementation across energy projects. 

🔹 Group 2 explored supply chain opportunities and barriers — and advocated for alignment with other industry bodies and greater innovation through ISC’s tools. 

🔹 Group 3 focused on the vital role of communities — recommending better support for engagement around the value and impact of IS Ratings. 

 

Co-Chair Simon Hooper (Perspektiv): “The participation of representatives from a broad cross-section of the energy infrastructure development industry was a clear strength of the IS EAG – the input from the cross-section of industry professionals definitely contributed to collation of relevant and useful recommendations. “ 

 

What’s Next? 

The ISC has now reviewed and integrated the ISEAG’s recommendations into its ongoing workplan. A targeted communications plan is also being rolled out — including case studies and tailored guidance for energy stakeholders. 

Thank you to all contributors who helped shape this important body of work. Your insights are already making an impact — and will continue to guide the sustainable delivery of energy transition infrastructure for years to come. 

Organisations involved with the Energy Advisory Group included: Perspektiv, Transgrid, TasNetworks, CleanCo, Aurecon, Smec, Infrabuild, Endeavour Energy, The Energy Charter, Jacobs, ACEN, Genus Group, Meridian Energy.