mited. INFRASTRUCTURE TO 2030: TELECOM, LAND TRANSPORT, WATER AND ELECTRICITY - ISBN 92-64-02398-4 - © OECD 2006 1. A CROSS-SECTORAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURES TO 2030 As discussed in the previous sections on small-scale and distributed systems, a more organic concept of urban infrastructure can be imagined which would rely much more on closed loop processes. In this case of more sustainable infrastructure, the advantages of high-density patterns and economies of scale could be combined with more eco-efficient modes of production, consumption and transport. Figure 1.4. Sustainable urban infrastructure Efficient use of water Recycling of waste water Fertilizer Paper, plastics, packaging Energy production, reuse of materials, composite materials Clean, efficient fuels Reduced CO2 Integrated, tailored flow of information Knowledge enhancement, and communication higher productivity Intelligent transport system Mobility Source: Adapted from Girardet, H. (1992), The Gaia Atlas of Cities, New Directions for Sustainable Urban Living, London: Gaia Books Limited. The two models would require significant investments in R&D, strong political will and social acceptance. The second would require more commitment and continuity since it would imply more institutional and organisational changes from the standpoint of many stakeholders and incumbents. As stated elsewhere in this publication and in the literature, big emerging markets would in principle have more leeway to choose the second route because of less legacy constraints, but it would require strong direction nonetheless. In all cases, policies will matter. Among the many policy issues that would need to be addressed, three stand out as particularly challenging: the willingness to curb individual mobility rights; the level of internalisation of costs expected from operators and end users; and the level of polarisation acceptable to society. Challenges related to the changing nature of infrastructure Convergence, security and reliability of su