When it comes to building sustainable infrastructure, it’s not just about the end product; it’s about the process.
The Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme, developed by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), is Australia and New Zealand’s only comprehensive framework for evaluating the sustainability performance of infrastructure across its entire lifecycle: planning, design, construction, and operation.
Projects that achieve strong IS ratings demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits, from waste reduction and energy efficiency to community engagement and innovation.
Below, we explore some of the key ways projects can earn ISC credits and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
1. Use of Recycled and Recyclable Materials
One of the most effective ways to earn ISC credits is through the use of recycled materials in construction and manufacturing.
Credits such as Rso-4 (Resource Recovery) reward projects that divert waste from landfill by integrating products with established recycling or reuse pathways.
At Plasgain, products like Plaspole™ and Plasslab™ are made from 100% recycled plastic, directly supporting these criteria. Every pole or cable cover represents thousands of plastic containers diverted from landfill; providing both environmental and measurable sustainability outcomes under the IS Rating Scheme.
✅ Relevant Credits:
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Rso-4 – Resource Recovery
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Was-2 – Diversion from Landfill
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Mat-1 – Materials Life Cycle Impact Measurement and Reduction
2. Sustainable Procurement and Local Manufacturing
The IS Rating Scheme places strong emphasis on sustainable procurement, rewarding projects that prioritise ethical, low-impact, and locally sourced materials.
By partnering with Australian manufacturers who demonstrate transparent supply chains and sustainability certifications, projects can secure credits under Rso-7: Sustainability Labelled Products and Supply Chains.
Choosing Australian Made products not only reduces transport emissions but also supports local economies and aligns with the ISC’s Local Procurement and Economic Contribution criteria.
✅ Relevant Credits:
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Rso-7 – Sustainability Labelled Products and Supply Chains
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Proc-1 – Sustainable Procurement
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Ec-1 – Local Economic Contribution
3. Designing for Durability and Adaptability
Infrastructure designed for longevity and adaptability earns recognition under the IS framework.
Materials that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled at the end of their life, or that have extended durability, help reduce the need for future resource use.
Plasgain’s engineered products, for example, are built to withstand harsh Australian conditions without corrosion or degradation.
This reduces maintenance requirements and extends product lifespan, key factors in earning credits related to material adaptability and whole-of-life performance.
✅ Relevant Credits:
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Rso-5 – Adaptability
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Rso-6 – Materials Life Cycle Impact Reduction
4. Innovation and Circular Economy Integration
The IS Rating Scheme encourages innovation that goes beyond standard practice.
Credits like Inn-1 (Innovation) are available to projects that demonstrate new methods or technologies to enhance sustainability, particularly through circular economy principles.
Circular innovation can take many forms:
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Designing products for end-of-life recyclability
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Creating closed-loop manufacturing systems
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Using Material Circularity Indicators (MCI) to measure and verify circular performance
These innovations not only earn credits but also strengthen a project’s reputation for leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
✅ Relevant Credits:
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Inn-1 – Innovation
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Mat-1 – Life Cycle Assessment and Impact Reduction
5. Measuring and Demonstrating Environmental Performance
To earn ISC credits, sustainability must be measurable and verifiable.
This often involves the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or third-party certifications like Global GreenTag™ and GreenRate™, which quantify environmental impacts across a product’s life cycle.
Using products with verified EPDs, such as those produced by certified Australian manufacturers provides transparent data for IS Materials Calculators and supports credit evidence for materials selection.
✅ Relevant Credits:
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Rso-6 – Life Cycle Impact Measurement
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Rso-7 – Sustainability Labelled Products
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Inn-1 – Innovation
6. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Finally, collaboration is central to the IS Rating Scheme’s success.
The ISC actively promotes partnerships between industry, government, and manufacturers to drive systemic sustainability improvements.
Projects that integrate collaborative frameworks, engage with sustainable suppliers, or contribute to research and knowledge sharing may qualify for additional innovation or governance-related credits.
Driving Sustainable Outcomes with Plasgain
At Plasgain, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into everything we do.
Our locally made products help infrastructure projects reduce landfill waste, lower embodied carbon, and meet IS Rating Scheme targets across multiple credit categories.
By choosing Australian-made, recycled, and fully recyclable materials, project teams can enhance their IS performance while supporting a cleaner, more circular economy for future generations.
Ready to enhance your project’s sustainability rating?
Learn more about how Plasgain’s products can contribute to ISC credits and circular economy outcomes.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can help your next project meet its IS goals.
Credit and References:
https://www.thinkstep-anz.com/resrc/webinars/accessing-isc-credits-for-project-circularity/
https://steel.com.au/resources/articles/infrastructure-sustainability-rating-scheme