This approach ensures the sustainability of the infrastructure throughout its entire lifecycle.[1] Sustainable infrastructure therefore plays a pivotal role in achieving a Just Transition, which aims to facilitate a shift towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy in a fair and equitable manner. This transition is built on three pillars: social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic development.[2] Sustainable infrastructure investments are well-positioned to make significant contributions to each of these pillars:
- Social inclusion: Infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and digital infrastructure, have the potential to create jobs and facilitate skills development. This can help to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality in an emerging markets context. Our infrastructure investments for example have contributed to the creation or maintenance of over 370 direct jobs since inception.[3] Furthermore, community engagement throughout the infrastructure planning and implementation process can foster social cohesion and empowerment, if undertaken in accordance with international best-practice standards, such as the IFC’s Performance Standards.[4]
- Environmental sustainability: The infrastructure investment decisions made today have long-term implications for carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions.[5] Sustainable infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy facilities, waste management systems, and clean transport investments can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their associated environmental footprint.[6] They can also help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as by improving resilience to extreme weather events through the implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure. For example, our investment in Tecso ChargeZone, an Indian electric vehicle charging business supported the replacement of over 800 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles, resulting in a reduction of approximately 200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per month.[7]
- Economic development: Infrastructure is a key driver of economic growth and development. It stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, and attracts investment. Sustainable infrastructure, in particular, can foster economic diversification, and innovation, leading to long-term economic resilience and prosperity.[8] For example, digital infrastructure can play a particularly catalytic role in stimulating economic growth.[9] Our investments in digital infrastructure with AMN and CREI Philippines, for instance, have provided new or improved access to communications networks for over 11 million people in Asia and Africa, contributing to financial inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, sustainable infrastructure investments align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our investments currently contribute to six of the SDG’s including SDG 8 (creation of job opportunities and economic growth), SDG 7 (the provision of affordable and clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action).[11] These goals are particularly important for the Just Transition and support its three pillars.
In conclusion, sustainable infrastructure plays a crucial role in accelerating a Just Transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. However, it is important to recognize that while sustainable infrastructure is a significant component of a Just Transition, achieving a comprehensive socio-economic transformation requires collaboration across all sectors and stakeholders. By embracing sustainable infrastructure, we can pave the way for a more equitable, reSsilient, and sustainable future.
[1] Source: Sustainable Infrastructure Investment | UNEP – UN Environment Programme
[2] Source: Just-Transition-Criteria.pdf (impactinvest.org.uk), page 6
[3] Source: BlueOrchard
[4] IFC’s Performance Standards
[5] Source: Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Infrastructure Investment Decisions (climatexchange.org.uk)
[6] Source: Infrastructure-for-climate-action_EN.pdf (unops.org)
[7] Source: BlueOrchard and Tesco Charge Zone
[8] Source: Building the Future of Quality Infrastructure (adb.org)
[9] Source: Sustainability | Free Full-Text | How Does New Infrastructure Investment Affect Economic Growth Quality? Empirical Evidence from China (mdpi.com)
[10] Source: BlueOrchard, AMN, CREI
[11] Source: BlueOrchard
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Any reference to sectors/countries/stocks/securities are for illustrative purposes only and not a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument/securities or adopt any investment strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Tahmina Theis
+41 22 596 47 69
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
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