We worked with CoST: the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative on a World Bank and GIZ project to create a schema that describes the sustainability of infrastructure projects.
Building infrastructure - like roads, hospitals and energy systems - is a resource intensive task. Collecting data about the sustainability of infrastructure projects can provide transparency and accountability, help governments better understand the impact of investment, and drive continuous improvement for future projects. Ultimately, this helps to build greener societies, stronger economies, and healthier communities in the long term.
We worked with CoST: the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative, to create a data model and JSON schema for publishing open data about the sustainability of infrastructure projects. The project was supported by the Open Contracting Partnership, and funded by the World Bank and GIZ.
Our approach
In partnership with CoST, we developed a clear and easy to use Sustainability Modules for OC4IDS, an existing open data standard used to represent, share and analyse data about infrastructure project procurement.
Together, we researched the demand for data with focus groups with stakeholders from 15 countries, including government officials, civil society, and contractors working to deliver infrastructure projects. We conducted supply side research on existing data about the sustainability of infrastructure projects, to ensure the module is relevant, comprehensive and helps to fill in data gaps. We worked in the open, defining the meaning of fields through Github issues with input from key stakeholders.
The module adds five high level metrics that can be used to disclose the sustainability of an infrastructure project. In total, there are now 77 additional data points, covering the impact on the economy and the environment, alongside social and institutional factors. We also added 34 data points to track climate finance data, for example alignment with a country’s commitments in the Paris Agreement. The modules are supported by clear and comprehensive documentation, and easy to use tools that help publishers convert their data from spreadsheets to JSON, and validate it against the standard with ease.
The result
By building a Sustainability Module for OC4IDS, we’ve provided a tool for governments, civil society, and contractors to drive transparency and accountability for infrastructure projects.
Ultimately, this data can generate insights that can be used to make better decisions that support long-term sustainability, build stronger economies, and create healthier, more resilient communities.