IDBG Framework for Planning, Preparing, and Financing Sustainable Infrastructure Projects: IDB Sustainable Infrastructure Platform

This paper introduces a framework of sustainability criteria that covers an integrated spectrum of economic, financial, environmental, social, and institutional dimensions for infrastructure projects. The framework addresses three key stages of infrastructure delivery: policy and planning (or upstream level), project preparation and design, and financing. The framework was developed by reviewing and building upon existing sustainability rating systems, tools, and multilateral development bank frameworks, safeguards, and policies. The framework consolidates the fundamental environmental, social, institutional, economic, and financial principles for implementing sustainable infrastructure investments and is applicable throughout the entire project cycle and across different sectors and regions. By integrating the four dimensions of sustainability across the project cycle, the framework provides a holistic structure for sustainable infrastructure that will help avoid fragmented, uncoordinated efforts that overlook opportunities.