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ANALYSIS
Sustainability
A Circular Economy can drive the way forward for Sustainable Infrastructure MIDDLE EAST
Dr. Mohamed Nazier, WSP Middle East managing director – Transport & Infrastructure, discusses how sustainability management can bridge gaps between public sector climate objectives, supply chain behaviours, and desired circular outcomes June 2022 | MEConstructionNews.com
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ustainability has become a key focus area for governments around the world, especially following recent calls for immediate global action on climate change. With the formation of the Glasgow Climate Pact – which saw 197 countries agree to a new climate deal at the conclusion of COP26 in 2021 – the next wave of nationally determined contributions to limit greenhouse gas emissions has bolstered a collective ambition to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average by 2100. In the infrastructure domain, embedding circular models could be the ticket to greener infrastructure and sustainable construction practices. However, this is dependent on the public sector remaining firm on national climate plans and advocating stronger ownership, collaboration, and co-governance by stakeholders throughout the value chain.
Translating sustainability objectives into tangible practices throughout the various strata of the supply chain in the infrastructure space remains a key challenge. To address the gaps that exist, here are a few considerations towards how we can bridge gaps between government objectives and supply chain behaviours and strategies in order to deliver more sustainable, green infrastructure. SUSTAINABILITY AS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Since the dawn of the first industrial revolution, nearly every sector has adopted a linear approach towards the ways in which goods are manufactured from raw materials, sold, consumed, and ultimately discarded. The same ethos exists in the infrastructure sphere, with by-products of the construction process often being discarded instead of re-utilised within the built environment.
Bridging gaps By bridging gaps between government objectives and supply chain behaviours and strategies, more sustainable, greener infrastructure can be delivered.
197
Number of countries who agreed to a new climate deal at COP26 in 2021
