Rather than relying entirely on large centralized systems, infrastructure components may be located closer to buildings, neighborhoods and renewable resources.

For example, a district energy system can incorporate local energy sources such as geothermal energy or heating/cooling exchange from a water body. While large, centralized systems may be still be appropriate in many cases, this approach will result in a network of more distributed and/or ‘on-site’ infrastructure systems, with shared elements, finely integrated into the fabric of the built environment.  The presence of sustainable infrastructure that residents and businesses can see contributes to more efficient behavior, and catalyzes other sustainability projects.

The benefits of sustainable infrastructure multiply through integration with buildings and across multiple infrastructure systems. For example, a landscaped open space can manage stormwater, reduce heat islands, provide shading so that air conditioners need to run less often, and create a public amenity.

Sustainable infrastructure can be especially efficient in mixed-use neighborhoods. Diverse land uses and building types even out the demand for service. For example, residents tend to use power, water and other utilities in the morning and evening, while business use peaks in the daytime. Mixed uses also create opportunities for resource re-use and synergies. The end result is urban neighborhoods that are more self-reliant.

Sustainable infrastructure is efficient. For example, new wastewater treatment technology combines biological processes with advanced process monitoring and control to optimize efficiency, from both energy and treatment perspectives.