HQE Sustainable Infrastructures
In the HQE Sustainable Territories family, HQE Sustainable Infrastructures certification (HQE-SI) certifies that an infrastructure addresses all sustainable development challenges.
HQE Sustainable Infrastructures is designed for all infrastructure projects’ developers, both private and public. Several technical guides facilitate its adaptation to any type of infrastructure:
· Transport of people or goods: road, rail (train, station), urban (bus, tram, metro, parking, cable car, etc.), air (airport, etc.) and boat (river, port, etc.) transport
· Infrastructures for the production, storage and transport of water and energy (heat, cold, gas, electricity, renewable energies, etc.), telecommunications infrastructures, water treatment plants and stadiums, etc.
It combines:
· goals for improving the project’s societal, economic and environmental performance, while considering local characteristics;
· a Project Management System, addressing the project’s governance issues: consultation with stakeholders, cost control and deadlines, etc.
HQE Sustainable Infrastructures is based on a reference framework established in partnership with Alliance HQE-GBC, consistent with the HQE framework for building and allowing for a flexible and contextualised approach on the ground.
It includes an audit at the end of each of the four infrastructure project phases – Preliminary studies and program, Design, Implementation and Commissioning – a total of four audits.
Learn more about the HQE Sustainable Land Planning family and its benefits for our clients (HQE Building page)
A comprehensive approach based on 19 complementary themes
Living Well Together (SI)
Quality spaces and facilities, promoting social interaction, social and generational diversity, social inclusion and cohesion and gender equality, etc
Mobility and Accessibility (SI)
Optimisation of infrastructure’s function – Complementarity of transport modes – Connection with structuring hubs and services – User safety and accessibility, etc
Health and Comfort (SI)
Comfortable spaces for individuals and business users (hygrothermal, acoustic and visual comfort), etc
Heritage and Landscape (SI)
Infrastructure landscape integration – Enhancement of local heritage and identity – Landscaping management, etc
Resilience, Safety and Security (SI)
Management of climate risk – Management of project-related risks – Infrastructure’s capacity to adapt to risk, etc
Energy and Climate (SI)
Limitations on traffic-related greenhouse gas emissions – Limitations on infrastructure’s energy consumption – Energy management during works phase, etc
Nature and Biodiversity (SI)
Conservation of natural environments and ecosystems – Protection of fauna and flora during works phase – Choice of local plant species, etc
Water (SI)
Optimisation of water resource– Rainwater management – Conservation of drinking water – Water management during works phase, etc
Resources and Waste (SI)
Polluted land management and reuse – Reduction of environmental impact of materials and products – Management of waste from infrastructure activity, etc
Pollution (SI)
Management of air pollution and air quality – Management of light pollution – Management of sound and vibration pollution, etc
Economy and Long-term Cost (SI)
Anticipating operating costs and expenses – Optimisation of financing method – Promotion of innovation, etc
Vibrancy and Local Development (SI)
Impact of infrastructure on economic vibrancy – Appeal of local area, job creation – Use of local branches, etc
Services and Productive Functions (SI)
Services offered, retail outlets and public facilities addressing the needs of inhabitants and workers – Supply and urban logistics, etc
Adaptability and Scalability (SI)
Anticipation of infrastructure’s usage, operation and future prospects – Capacity to adapt and scale up infrastructure, etc
Project Management (SI)
Optimisation of work site operations – Knowledge of underground networks – Reduction in nuisance caused by work site – Information and communication during works, etc
Governance (SI)
Identifying, prioritising and considering the needs and expectations of stakeholders – Effects of infrastructure on existing activities, etc
Synergy and Coherence with territories (SI)
Integration within and changes to local area – Coordination with other projects in the area, etc
Land Management (SI)
Optimisation of infrastructure’s land entitlements – Negotiations on land acquisitions – Subsequent management of entitlements, etc
Digital Innovation (SI)
Promotion of innovation – Digital solutions at the service of sustainable development – Data governance
Correlation with key public policy, business and investor indicators
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Significant contribution to SDGs 3, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13
- Some contribution to SDGs 1, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 17
- Indirect contribution to SDGs 2 and 5
HQE Sustainable Infrastructures: When? How? What cost? What score?, etc.
Recommended phase for certification entry
- Preliminary studies and program
Recourse to an HQE Certification Referent recognised by Certivea
- Recommended, particularly if you have not sought HQE certification before
- 36 professionals are HQE-SI Certification Referents (number at 01-01-2022)
Contact with Certivea during the certification process
- Contact with your Certivea correspondent by e-mail or phone
Scoring scale
- No scoring: the infrastructure is either certified or not
Communication on the project’s certification
- Communication is possible on the certification in progress
- Once the infrastructure enters into service, it is possible to communicate without time limitation, on the certification issued by Certivea
Fees paid to Certivea for the certification process
- Depends on project
- 29.000 € in average
- Price includes the cost of the auditor, an independent third party commissioned and paid by Certivea
Key stages of HQE Sustainable Infrastructures certification
