Three characteristics of good infrastructure

The early-80s government-led programme of public asset privatisation seen across water, energy and communications has seen these regulated industries roll out hundreds of billions of pounds worth of investment over the last three decades. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority announced last year over ￡600 billion set to be invested in infrastructure over the next 10 years with about half of that coming from the private sector. Considering past investment levels and future commitments, why do people in the UK feel that public infrastructure is still not working for them?

Could it be because 76% of all car trips made in the UK are in the two to three-mile band because we don’t have the choice of alternative solutions such as public transport, cycle or walking routes or access to other micro mobility services such as electric bikes or scooters? Or is it because less than half (41%) of rural premises have complete 4G coverage compared to 83% of urban homes and offices? Perhaps it’s because 3.5 million UK households – about 12.9% of households in total – are in fuel poverty where their energy costs are higher than is typical for their household type.

The above examples demonstrate where infrastructure is not delivering as it should. I believe the characteristics of good infrastructure are as follows:

1.   No one gets left behind

The examples cited demonstrate how infrastructure can leave all kinds of people behind and the subsequent, adverse impact on their lives and on the economy. Good infrastructure is inclusive, and this becomes even more pertinent with new technologies – and particularly in the technology rich, data-driven mobility sector set to transform our lives. People, regardless of where they live, their income or their physical or mental abilities should be able to access and benefit from new, technology-enabled infrastructure.  With careful planning and through data-led insight on infrastructure performance, inclusivity is possible and at the same time, can be achieved in a way that yields a sustainable return for the investor.

2.   Sustainability is explained and delivered

In an era when the public now has a much stronger voice than before and particularly on issues that really matter to them such as the impact of climate change on their lives, investors and operators must clearly explain and most importantly of all, deliver on their sustainability ambitions. No longer is infrastructure ‘stuff in the ground’. It really matters to people’s lives and to the planet – helping people live and travel more sustainably and enabling towns and cities to achieve their vision of sustainability. As a sector, traditionally, we have not had sustainability in our DNA. We need to reinstate it and communicate it so that clients and the public are engaged in what we are doing and see the tangible benefits delivered, for example, cleaner air, reduction in CO2 emissions and less congested streets.

3.   Connectivity is core

As we move closer to greater uptake of electric vehicles, we will consume more energy and rather than depend on fossil fuels or large-scale renewable energy, we’ll need to look at more local, cleaner and cost-efficient energy such as micro-grids, battery storage and heat networks. As autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles come to market, we will need more robust communications infrastructure to operate these technologies safely and efficiently. So, mobility, telecommunications and energy – all these are connected – and as investors in and operators of infrastructure, we need to understand this connectedness and act on it. As we move forward, this understanding of all things being connected will be bolstered by data – which will guide investment decisions and will provide crucial insight as to the performance of infrastructure assets.

Finally, Amey, today, launched a white paper on mobility in which we’ve highlighted the challenges and the opportunities to realise a future that is sustainable, delivers social value, and benefits SMEs and social enterprises. The paper is the first in our thinking around future technology challenges. Our next white paper looks at the energy sector which we will launch in early 2020.

Amey, as an investor, developer and operator of essential infrastructure, realises we don’t have all the answers. We’re interested in talking to innovative SMEs, funders of all kinds and those in the public sector looking to deliver vital services to their citizens. Connect with us in person and online.

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