ASSET MANAGEMENT IS ALL ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY Presenter: Graeme Dunnet, Sector Leader Infrastructure Asset Management - Australia Opus International Consultants
OVERVIEW What is sustainability? The Challenge Where does Asset Management Fit? Is it just about re-branding"?, or A shift in how Asset Management is Delivered? Changing Focus requires Different Skills and Inputs Conclusions
What is Sustainability? Well used term relating to wise use of: Environmental Economic and Social resources Emphasis varies across States of Australia and the world Other barriers apparent lack of practical tools / practices / approaches
What is Sustainability? development that meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. 2 Or providing more, for less cost and impact, for longer, for more generations Or, perhaps something more practical we can measure? the adoption of a triple bottom line approach to whole of life management of resources; balancing the environmental, social and economic aspects of providing a service through managing resources to get the best long term outcome. 2 UN World Commission on Environment and Development
The Challenge Achieving sustainability is a challenge we avoid at our individual and collective peril. The need for immediate action to improve the efficiency of our economy, mitigate climate change and adapt to demographic and environmental change is clear. What remains uncertain are the best mechanisms to use to achieve these goals. 1 LG have significant power to influence An opportunity to be the mediators of change? Asset Management = Sustainable Management 1 Seizing the Sustainability Advantage: Consult Australia Feb 2011
The Challenge Feel like an Insurmountable Challenge? Too much.. Costly Complexity Support People Silos Changes
The Challenge A Good Game Plan Vision Pragmatic Achievable Early wins Long term goals Continuous Improvement
WHERE DOES ASSET MANAGEMENT FIT?
Where Does Asset Management Fit? AM by it s nature is sustainable practice
Where Does Asset Management Fit? Provides a Foundation Founded on Thorough Understanding of Assets vrrroo o m
Performance Monitoring Performance Reporting Quality Management Continuous Improvement Where Does Asset Management Fit? Provides a Framework 1 2 Framework Goals & Objectives Policies & Legislation Governance Asset Inventory Measure Condition Key Questions What do we have? What condition is it in? 3 4 5 Asset Description Performance Criteria Future Demands Levels of Service Performance Lifecycle Assessment Management Option Identification Optimization & Budget Risk Management Considerations Decision Making 7 What is it worth? What do we want it to do? What do we need to do to it? When do we need to do it? 6 Forward Works Financial Summary Program Program Development How much will it cost?
Where Does Asset Management Fit? Provides a Process Supported by Well Structured Decision Making Processes Asset Management Plan Practices Processes Systems
Where Does Asset Management Fit? Some Examples Social Increase Community Cohesion Economic Reduction in Congestion / Road User Costs Environmental Reduction of Emissions
IS IT JUST ABOUT RE-BRANDING
Is It Just About Re-Branding Need to take the decisions makers, politicians, broader public along but how? Promote existing AM standards, guidelines (IIMM) Enforce consideration of triple bottom line Reinforce and communicate long-term timeframes Reinforce and communicate the tools in our AM toolbox Communicate a balanced approach
Is It Just About Re-Branding Where are we now! Document where you are Current practices and polices Looking at changes to move forward Understanding the gaps Plan for the future Do we have everything we need?
A SHIFT IN HOW ASSET MANAGEMENT IS DELIVERED?
A Shift in How Asset Management is Delivered? More explicit about the social, environmental and economic inputs, issues and impacts our AM decisions Communicate costs and benefits against higher level sustainability objectives Policies and programs Tell our stories to help educate and seek feedback e.g. NZ network example Matching carbon footprint to maintenance options Tax breaks for green buildings an AM story Working collaboratively rather than in silos Internally within our organisations Broader community perspective
A Shift in How Asset Management is Delivered? Requires Leadership Visionary Set Direction Empower Energize Reward
A Shift in How Asset Management is Delivered? Active Participation by LG Just hiring a consultant to do it all is not advised Creates sense of ownership Generates buy in Engages people Encourages looking at better ways of doing things
A Shift in How Asset Management is Delivered? Varying needs requires varying approaches One Size Does Not Fit All Implementing will require ability to understand LG s existing business environment and incorporating solutions that will work
A Shift in How Asset Management is Delivered? Could be a Bumpy Ride Leadership Organizational Complacency Loss of Focus People skills / changes
DIFFERENT SKILLS AND INPUTS
Different Skills and Inputs Rebranding and change in focus will require diverse teams Working alongside asset managers not for them Listening and understanding community needs Developing long term relationships To be the best at helping our communities to visualise and achieve their dreams and aspirations, through trusted relationships.
Different Skills and Inputs It will require making changes Past vs. Future What is done? How it is done? Who does it? Where? Why? Change Management Planning is Critical
Different Skills and Inputs The positives: Different perspectives, team dynamics and relationships we get from personnel coming from different backgrounds Directors of first impressions direct interface with communities they serve Integrated approach Consult and engage Do it right for life
CONCLUSIONS
Conclusions Move away from the emotion of sustainability to the practical triple bottom line creates value Current AM practices tick a lot of the boxes Need to be vigilant in getting new message (rebranding) across Communities will become aware AM mechanisms to help build sustainable futures More holistic approach will require a more diverse skill set within our AM teams
Conclusions Like good wine, will take time to mature Need to lay vintage before any improvement can start Start now! Write down your assumptions and communicate widely May need some tweaks Next year s plans / outcomes will definitely be better
Thank You