Convention Theme

Infrastructure plays a pivotal role in human subsistence. Massive investment is being made to create infrastructure needed to fulfil human needs and aspirations. Globally, USD 9.2 trillion in infrastructure spending needs to be made every year until 2050. Almost three quarters which goes towards the new construction. Asia and pacific is one of the fastest growing regions with significant investment being made to propel and sustain the growth. The Asian region alone needs USD 1.7 trillion annually exclusively for infrastructure until 2030 to maintain the momentum of economic growth, alleviate poverty, and mitigate climate change risks.

The construction and use of our built environment accounts for about 40% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nearly a third of all waste during the manufacture and procurement of construction material, actual construction, operation and maintenance and demolition and waste processing. It is estimated that GHG emissions will rise to about 37% in 2030 compared to 2005 levels, affecting the natural and the built environment if efficient policies are not implemented. Climate change will have profound impacts on a broad spectrum of infrastructure systems (water supply, energy, sanitation and drainage, transport and telecommunication), services (including health care and emergency services), the built environment and ecosystem services. Because of the threat posed by climate change, infrastructure must not only meet the need of economic growth, but of sustainable economic growth. The infrastructure must be resilient to the effects of climate change and must minimally emit GHGs.

This brings the opportunities for the industry stakeholders as the positive externalities of green infrastructure and investment for sustainable development is immense.