Setting the Benchmark: How Perspektiv Helped METRONET Achieve a Gold Standard in Infrastructure Sustainability Council Ratings

Overview

Client: Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA), METRONET

Industry: Infrastructure and Transport

Service Area: Sustainable Infrastructure

Perspektiv played a pivotal role in supporting ALUA in achieving its Gold Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) v2.1 Design rating on METRONET’s Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.

This accomplishment demonstrates our expertise in delivering sustainability outcomes for large-scale infrastructure projects, setting new benchmarks for responsible and efficient development.

The Challenge

About METRONET

METRONET is transforming Perth’s public transport network, delivering new rail infrastructure, station precincts, and better connectivity for growing communities. The program is committed to embedding sustainability in every stage of development, ensuring long-term benefits for the environment and the people of Western Australia.

The METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project has achieved a prestigious Gold Design Rating under the ISC v2.1 rating scheme. This is the first project in Australia to receive this recognition under the updated framework, reinforcing METRONET’s strong commitment to its Sustainability Strategy.

A section of the new Armadale line as part of the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project

Where They Started

METRONET, Western Australia’s most ambitious public transport program, sought to achieve high sustainability standards in the Armadale Line Upgrade project. The goal was to secure an ISC Design Rating, ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability through rigorous assessment processes. Achieving this certification required extensive resource, energy, water, and waste modelling, as well as compliance with stringent sustainability benchmarks.

Prior to Perspektiv’s involvement, ALUA had ambitious sustainability goals but required expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the ISC rating process. The project needed a structured approach to resource modelling, sustainability performance measurement, and efficient documentation to meet ISC standards.

Our Approach to Achieve the Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gold Rating

Perspektiv’s secondment into ALUA was instrumental in managing the sustainability design certification process from inception to completion. We leveraged our proprietary ISC Aligned Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Tool to conduct comprehensive modelling and ensure compliance with sustainability benchmarks.

Key Steps We Took

Established a structured roadmap for achieving the ISC v2.1 Design Rating.
Developed a Resource Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan to drive circular economy outcomes.
Conducted resource, energy, water, and waste modelling using our ISC Aligned LCA Tool.
Established and implemented the Water Management Plan to guide the sustainable management of water sources and receiving water bodies through Water Sensitive Urban Design.
Delivered climate change natural hazards and resilience risk assessments to identify actions and design adaptation measures, ensuring infrastructure reliability and resilience in a changing climate.
Integrated ISC requirements to drive additional positive outcomes through the project’s Indigenous Participation Plan, in alignment with the METRONET Gnarla Biddi Aboriginal Engagement Strategy.
Managed documentation and submission requirements to ensure ISC compliance.
Provided strategic guidance to align project activities with sustainability best practices.

The Results

Key achievements include:

Highest ISC v2.1 Gold Design Rating score in Australia (April 2024).
New sustainability benchmark for METRONET and infrastructure projects across Australia.
18% carbon reduction, mitigating over 50,000 tCO2e emissions across the project’s lifespan.
34% water reduction, saving over 3,500 million litres of water, a crucial initiative given Perth’s drying climate.
Strengthened ALUA’s capability in sustainable infrastructure delivery.
Contributed to METRONET’s IS v2.1 Gold Design Rating, demonstrating best practices in urban design, stakeholder engagement, water management, and resource efficiency.

Perspektiv CEO, Pat Ilott, with the ALUA METRONET team and their Gold Design Rating certification

What This Means for METRONET

This achievement reinforces METRONET’s commitment to sustainability and sets a precedent for future projects. The ISC rating validates the project's adherence to best practices, ensuring long-term benefits such as reduced carbon footprint, enhanced resilience, and better environmental stewardship.

By embedding sustainability into the design process, the project contributes to social, environmental, and economic outcomes, including improved public amenities, enhanced transport connectivity, and a reduced environmental footprint. Features such as recreational spaces under the elevated rail, energy-efficient station infrastructure, and innovative construction techniques underscore METRONET’s forward-thinking approach.

What METRONET Had to Say

This was a complex project to design given its location and the requirement to ensure project infrastructure meets the needs of communities along the Armadale Line and contributes to social, environmental and economic outcomes,” Ashley said.

“The design rating confirms the project is on the right track to meet the milestones required to not only deliver sustainable and adaptable infrastructure, but to leave a positive legacy for WA - encouraging the growth of flourishing communities beyond the project’s completion.

METRONET Managing Director Ashley Vincent said the Gold rating was significant given the scale and complexity of the project. (As cited in metronet.wa.gov.au)

Perspektiv: Setting New Industry Standards

Perspektiv is proud to be the partner of choice for sustainable infrastructure projects across Australia, and the results speak for themselves:

Highest ever ISC score at the time on NorthLink WA (v1.2, 2017)
Highest ever score for v1.2 on Parramatta Light Rail (2021)
Highest ever score for any v2 project (2025)

These aren’t one-off wins, they’re a reflection of our proven methodology, commitment to quality outcomes, and ability to deliver at low cost with tangible results.

Our team brings:

A track record of delivering over 40 ISC Ratings, including numerous leading Ratings under v1.2
Deep sector knowledge and 50+ combined years of ISAP experience
Current delivery of 12 v2.1 Ratings
A reputation for keeping large design houses and contractors aligned to client outcomes

We don’t just understand the ISC framework, we understand what it takes to deliver Ratings efficiently and effectively. That’s why contractors and clients trust us to get it done.

Ready to Talk About Your Next Project?

Are you looking to integrate sustainability into your infrastructure projects? Perspektiv has the expertise to help you achieve industry-leading sustainability ratings. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your next project.