Bridging the Ditch: Constructive Outcomes for NZ and Australia’s Infrastructure
3. Collaboration in: Breaking Down Silos for Sustainability
Breaking Down Silos in the Supply Chain
Collaboration across the supply chain is fundamental to enhancing security of supply chain and achieving sustainable infrastructure outcomes. Silos and fragmented communication hinder the exchange of information, innovation, and best practices. Stakeholders must embrace collaborative approaches and foster a culture of knowledge sharing.
Leveraging the right project model can help break down silos, and the ECI (early contractor involvement) model is a successful model that promotes early collaboration between project participants.
The ECI model provides a structured framework for infrastructure projects, comprising three key phases: engineering, procurement, and . Careful engineering ensures functional, safe, and sustainable designs. Streamlined procurement optimises resource availability, minimising delays and costs. brings designs to life with attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.
The ECI model offers several advantages for infrastructure projects:
Streamlined Project Management: Entrusting a single entity with project responsibility enhances communication, decision-making, and control over cost, schedule, and quality.
Optimal Resource Allocation: The ECI model enables strategic resource allocation, maximising efficiency, and minimising waste.
Enhanced Collaboration and Risk Mitigation: Early involvement of stakeholders and procurement specialists fosters collaboration and proactive risk mitigation.
Social and Environmental Sustainability: The ECI model embraces social inclusivity, cultural heritage preservation, and eco-conscious practices, contributing to sustainable development.
By involving key stakeholders, including designers, contractors, suppliers, and end-users, from the project's inception, the ECI model encourages transparency, shared risk, and collective problem-solving. This collaborative approach enhances project outcomes, reduces costs, and accelerates innovation.
Silos and fragmented communication hinder progress
The Green Road: Collaboration for Sustainability:
Sustainability is a pressing concern in infrastructure development, considering the environmental and social impact and long-term viability of projects. Collaboration within the supply chain can facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices and materials and foster a social licence to operate (see forestry industry) - creating a greener road to infrastructure development.
Collaboration on sustainable initiatives includes promotion of sustainable procurement, resource efficiency, and carbon neutrality. By leveraging collective buying power and setting common sustainability standards, we can drive positive change across the supply chain. This collaborative effort encourages the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy sources in infrastructure projects.
Collaboration on regulation that facilitates social sustainability is also key. For example, if we use materials that were made under ethically questionable and/or exploitative conditions, are we being truly sustainable? Progress is being made on new legislation that will require organisations to act if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation.
Social sustainability particularly with regards to our Māori, Pacific People, and First Nations communities will be crucial. By placing a strong emphasis on well-being, cultural heritage, and inclusion, our projects can empower these communities, fostering a future of equity and prosperity. We can achieve this via:
- Meaningful engagement that honours cultural perspectives.
By actively involving community in decision-making processes, infrastructure projects can integrate cultural knowledge, wisdom, and aspirations, creating outcomes that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of these communities. Infrastructure can be the conduit that builds trust, nurtures relationships, and paves the way for genuine collaboration and understanding. Cultural impact assessments, robust protocols, and partnerships with Māori, Iwi[HT1] , Pacific People, and First Nations entities contribute to a tapestry of identity, where diverse cultural expressions are honoured and celebrated.
- Inclusivity and Equity.
We need our projects to recognise the rights and aspirations of Māori, Pacific People, and First Nation people - ensuring equitable access to infrastructure services, benefits, and opportunities. Promoting STEM in schools is also crucial if we want to encourage and foster the next generation of Māori, Pacific People, and First Nations engineers and professionals in the infrastructure sector. When we have more Tangata Whenua, Indigenous and Pacific People voices working in infrastructure, their voices are amplified helping contribute to a society where all communities can thrive and prosper. Organisations like Amotai in New Zealand and Supplier Nation in Australia are shining examples of organisations that work towards supplier diversity.
- Social sustainability in infrastructure projects extends to economic empowerment, aiming to create opportunities and prosperity for First Nations, Māori and Pacific People communities.
Targeted initiatives such as capacity building, skill development, and business support programs enhance the participation and success of these communities in the infrastructure sector. By fostering local entrepreneurship, building local workforce capabilities, and supporting First Nations, Pasifika and Māori-owned businesses, these projects lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and self-determination.
Social sustainability for our Māori, Pacific People, and First Nations communities is crucial.
Sustainability of Business:
Visibility of pipeline and stability of pipeline are essential elements towards successful project delivery, and the long-term sustainability of business.
With pipeline visibility clear information about projects in the pipeline is available, including scope, timelines, budgets, and potential opportunities for participation. Pipeline stability on the other hand, refers to the consistency and predictability of the projects. It involves ensuring a steady flow of projects and minimising fluctuations or disruptions that could hinder progress.
Pipeline Visibility:
Planning and Preparation: With visibility of pipeline, stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, and investors, can plan and prepare for upcoming projects more effectively. They can align their resources, skills, and capabilities to meet the anticipated demand.
Market Opportunities: Visibility of pipeline allows businesses to identify market opportunities and strategically position themselves to secure contracts and partnerships. It enables them to stay informed about potential projects and develop tailored strategies to maximise their chances of success.
Economic Growth: A transparent and visible pipeline promotes economic growth by creating a favourable environment for investments. It instils confidence in both public and private investors, encouraging them to commit resources to infrastructure development.
Collaboration and Coordination: Visibility of pipeline facilitates collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. It allows for early engagement and fosters partnerships, enabling efficient project delivery and avoiding potential bottlenecks.
Pipeline Stability:
Long-Term Planning: A stable pipeline provides a foundation for long-term planning and investment. It allows businesses to make strategic decisions and allocate resources with confidence, knowing that there is a consistent stream of projects over time.
Workforce Stability: A stable pipeline supports workforce stability by providing continuous employment opportunities for infrastructure workers, engineers, and other professionals. It helps reduce uncertainties and fluctuations in employment, contributing to a more sustainable industry.
Supply Chain Efficiency: With a stable pipeline, suppliers and contractors can optimize their supply chains, ensuring a smooth flow of materials, equipment, and services. It enables them to establish reliable partnerships and streamline operations, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Investor Confidence: A stable pipeline attracts investor confidence and fosters long-term investments in infrastructure projects. Investors are more likely to commit capital when they have the assurance that there is a stable pipeline of projects that offer a reasonable return on investment.
Collaboration is a common thread throughout infrastructure projects. It is crucial in establishing frameworks that support sustainable business practices and create a conducive environment for innovation and growth. As referenced earlier, when you put a focus on social sustainability, you create a social licence. This, in turn, creates a cooperative pipeline of work and ultimately a more sustainable business model overall.
Both New Zealand and Australia can foster collaboration between industry associations, financial institutions, and government agencies to develop frameworks that incentivise sustainable business practices. This collaboration can include initiatives such as green finance programmes, tax incentives for sustainable investments, and certifications that recognise and promote sustainable business operations.
Pipeline visibility and stability are essential for effective long-term results
Resilience in Infrastructure:
Resilience has become a crucial consideration in infrastructure development, given the increasing threats posed by natural disasters and climate change. It is vital to integrate resilience into the planning, design, and delivery phases to ensure infrastructure can withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change.
Resilient infrastructure absorbs and adapts to disruptions, maintains essential functions during and after crises, and swiftly recovers. It requires a holistic approach that combines engineering solutions with adaptive strategies like climate-responsive design and robustness. By prioritising resilience, we reduce vulnerability and enhance the long-term viability of our infrastructure.
Incorporating climate change risk assessments and future-proofing measures is essential. Thorough analysis of potential hazards, environmental changes, and socio-economic factors helps identify vulnerabilities and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. This proactive approach allows us to design and construct infrastructure capable of withstanding current and future challenges.
Resilience encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions, emphasising the interconnectedness of our systems. It involves community engagement, partnerships, and sustainable practices throughout the project life cycle. By embracing resilience, we create an integrated and adaptive infrastructure network that benefits society.
Climate-responsive design, risk assessment, and community engagement are critical for long-term adaptability in a changing climate.
How do we turn ambition to action?
In the face of challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, both New Zealand and Australia possess the ambition to create a sustainable and resilient future.
However, ambition alone is not enough; it must be translated into action through collaborative efforts, innovative approaches, and a steadfast commitment to turning ideas into reality.
In the face of scarcity of resources, such as, skilled labour, and lead time, collaboration emerges as the key to overcoming these challenges and achieving sustainable infrastructure development.
By breaking down silos and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, stakeholders can enhance the security of the supply chain and accelerate innovation. Collaboration also paves the way for sustainability, enabling the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and materials.
Moreover, by prioritising social sustainability, equity, and inclusion, infrastructure projects can empower our Māori, Pacific people, and First Nations communities and create a greener road to development.
Visibility and stability of the project pipeline are vital for the long-term sustainability of businesses, as they allow for effective planning, coordination, and workforce stability.
Finally, integrating resilience into infrastructure planning and design ensures that our projects can withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, safeguarding our communities and promoting long-term viability.
Bridging the gap is both an opportunity and a responsibility for our whole industry. Transforming ambition into action requires commitment, teamwork, and a shared vision for sustainable infrastructure development.
By embracing these principles and implementing the strategies outlined, we have a roadmap, a Green Road that can pave the way for constructive outcomes. It is through shared knowledge, innovation, and collective efforts that the ambitions of New Zealand and Australia can be realised, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Let’s turn ambition to action.
Walk the Green Road with us.
