The final episode of the Constromart Knowledge and Experience seminar series featured an enlightening discussion led by Mr. Prince Osisiadan on “International Sustainability Standards Requirements for Infrastructure Development.” The discussions focused on sustainability and its relevance to infrastructure development and factors critical for selecting a standard, including alignment with project goals, comprehensive coverage, and criteria such as rigor, credibility, and recognition.
Mr. Osisiadan’s presentation highlighted the importance of adhering to international sustainability standards. For example, ISO 14001, widely adopted by Ghanaian companies and established by the International Standards Organization, provides a robust framework for environmental protection and adaptation. He added certification involves iterative audits and recertification, fostering continuous improvement in environmental management systems. This standard promotes risk-based thinking and ensures compliance with environmental laws, enabling organizations to effectively identify and mitigate environmental impacts.
Moreover, Mr. Osisiadan outline the reporting scopes of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) widely used in the US and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) from the UK. LEED covers the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, utilizing a point-based system to assess energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and sustainability practices. Similarly, BREEAM measures and enhances sustainability performance across diverse building types and phases.
Additionally, Mr. Osisiadan discussed the significance of GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards, which are globally recognized for effectively communicating environmental, social, and economic project performance to stakeholders. These standards provide a structured framework for reporting on various aspects of project sustainability, ensuring transparency and accountability. He highlighted EDGE from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), emphasizing resource efficiency, and ESTIDAMA from the UAE, which integrates cultural considerations into environmental, economic, and social factors.
Mr. Osisiadan stressed the importance of procedural compliance in sustainable infrastructure development, such as conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) or Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA). An SEA ensures the alignment of projects with community or national strategic plans, promoting coherence with broader development objectives. Conversely, an EIA focuses on specific environmental impacts throughout project phases, incorporating community engagement and public hearings to secure public support and project approval.
Furthermore, Mr. Osisiadan emphasized considerations of climate resilience and economic impacts in infrastructure projects. He highlighted the need for projects to withstand natural disasters and evaluated economic benefits, including contributions to local GDP and opportunities for community economic development. Upholding labor standards and fostering community engagement were also emphasized as crucial factors for project success.
In conclusion, the session underscored the pivotal role of international standards in guiding sustainable infrastructure development. Mr. Osisiadan’s insights highlighted the need for continuous improvement, community involvement, and adherence to regulatory frameworks to achieve sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.
