Sustainable master planning

Sustainable master planning provides a strategic framework towards the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure systems. Emphasis is placed on sectors with high potential for "green" job creation- employment that contributes to protecting and preserving the environment and identifying how these activities can accelerate the transition to Green Growth.

Construction, at its most basic level, is the process of assembling the structures and facilities that support human settlements and make infrastructure operational.Fundamental to social and economic development, construction shapes the way decisions are made about the production and distribution of goods and services and determines how the essential needs of a population are met. The construction of eco-efficient infrastructure- economically efficient, environmentally sustainable systems that provide citizens with safe and reliable access to shelter, energy, transportation, water, proper sanitation and disposal of wastes- is becoming increasingly critical in Asia and the Pacific.

Eco-efficient construction is based on a whole-systems approach- various types of infrastructure (including transport, energy, water, shelter etc.) and the physical landscape are seen as comprised of interdependent components that interact with the greater natural, social and economic environment. By carefully assessing socio-economic and environmental impacts throughout the various stages of a project's life-cycle, eco-efficient construction practices seek to ensure that infrastructure operates in ways that optimise performance and cost, expanding the delivery of services to those most in need. The mismanaged expansion of many Asian cities has contributed to the environmental degradation of the region, negatively affecting the quality of its air, soil and water, leading to the collapse of biodiversity, and leaving human settlements more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. More than half of the world's new construction is occurring in Asia, following practices that continue to have an enormous negative impact on the environment. Construction is frequently planned and coordinated with little attention to environmental performance, often resulting in non-durable, energy inefficient designs that are assembled without regard for long-term sustainability or human health.A limited supply of quality, affordable housing constrains disadvantaged groups from securing adequate accommodation, many of which must resort to living in environmentally degraded or deteriorating areas, such as urban slums.

Sustainable master planning thus refers to a decision-making process whereby communities are involved in enhancing the efficiency of infrastructure services, as well as conserving and restoring local ecology, to better address the challenges people face in accessing land and basic needs.When developed alongside supportive vocational training and employment policies, sustainable master planning represents a primary vehicle in moving towards Green Growth.

Green Buildings

Widely dependent on fossil fuels, buildings are notorious energy consumers- by some estimates, accounting for over 90 percent of all electricity use in certain countries. Along with being one of the highest emitters of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), buildings and construction devour the largest percentage of natural resources per capita in their intake of land, water and raw materials. Given the above, it is not surprising that the construction and operation processes also typically produce massive quantities of waste and pollution.

In addition to retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency, the eco-efficient design, construction and operation of green buildings can be used to improve the environmental quality of infrastructure services in ways that reduce long-term utility costs while enhancing occupants' safety and health .Investing in green buildings not only can yield significant savings for households and businesses, it also has potential to promote opportunities for greater socioeconomic development. Employment in the building and construction sector often makes up a large percentage of the labour market. Accordingly, eco-efficient construction practices can encourage linkages with green businesses that offer environmentally-friendly products and materials, and deliver services such as the installation and maintenance of ESTs. Vocational education and job training is crucial in this regard.

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