Infrastructure WA

IWA Chairperson, Nicole Lockwood was recently invited to attend the Global Infrastructure Initiative Summit in Tokyo alongside some of the world’s most senior leaders in infrastructure and capital projects, with a focus on creating pathways to sustainable infrastructure.

Ms Lockwood participated in a discussion about orchestrating a sustainable energy transition and spoke about how governments can lead the way by providing the necessary strategic direction and incentives for new and emerging technologies that will help accelerate transition.

“Governments have an important role in providing milestones, targets and setting an overall strategic direction for the economy and energy sector wide transition,” Ms Lockwood said.

“The WA Government announcement in June to cut its own emissions by 80 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030 is setting a great example.

“This significant target shows leadership for business, industry, and the broader economy to follow,” she said.

Following the summit Nicole was given a tour of the exciting Toranomon-Azabudai project to get a firsthand view of how infrastructure in Japan is planned, financed and delivered.

Once complete the building’s electricity source will be supplied from entirely renewable sources and its design will feature ample green spaces to create a sense of wellness. 

Ms Lockwood mentioned industry is increasingly recognising, and responding to, the scale and complexity of the net zero emissions opportunity.  

“While on a significantly larger scale to similar precincts closer to home, the project demonstrates effective energy performance in the built environment to help reach a net zero emissions future,” she said.

“Examples such as this can provide inspiration for the planning of many projects currently underway, such as the Future of Fremantle project.” Ms Lockwood said.