The journey to sustainable infrastructure

An organisation’s ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure depends on a variety of different factors which extend far beyond traditional engineering approaches. In order to deliver sustainable outcomes, an organisation needs to have aligned capabilities across people and process; an informed view of its current position; clear vision and operating principles; as well as the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change. Dunedin City Water and Waste Services Business Unit has undergone a transformational change to enhance its capability and delivery in a number of these areas. This journey has involved a co-ordinated approach across both management and technical disciplines.

The change process has been a balance of both planned and organic change, as the organisation has continued to adjust in response to its developing knowledge and competence. This paper discusses the various aspects of the change process and the integrated approach that has been taken. It reflects on the challenges of translating technical information on infrastructure constraints into long term plans for action, whilst concurrently developing an organisational capability and team culture capable of delivering a new vision for the future.