As part of its ongoing collaboration with the Government of Colombia, Sinfranova provided technical assistance to the National Planning Department (DNP) for the development of a national Guide for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Disaster Resilience in Infrastructure Projects with Private Participation (Guía para la mitigación, adaptación climática y resiliencia frente a desastres en Proyectos de Infraestructura con Participación Privada), with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The guide serves as a reference for mainstreaming sustainability in infrastructure projects and reducing exposure to climate-related risks by offering practical tools for aligning these projects with national climate policies and international sustainability frameworks. Considering that 100% of Colombia’s territory is exposed to some degree of climate vulnerability or risk (UNDP, 2023), the guide represents a timely and much-needed resource for building resilience across the country. 

Designed for national and subnational public and private stakeholders, the guide provides technical criteria to be implemented during four key PPP phases: Initial Evaluation, Structuring, Transaction, and Contract Management.

Key activities conducted by Sinfranova:

• Reviewed and analyzed Colombia’s regulatory and policy framework, including the National Development Plan 2022–2026 and environmental standards of multilateral development banks.

• Conducted a benchmark of national and international best practices in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster resilience for PPP infrastructure projects.

• Analyzed national and international experiences in the use of green incentives, carbon neutrality strategies, and renewable energy in infrastructure projects.

• Identified good practices and guidelines for incorporating sustainability and climate resilience in PPP structuring processes and contractual documents.

• Design and final layout, including visual proposal, editing, and graphic validation of key materials

Additionally, the guide is complemented by a set of six appendices to support implementation:

• Performance indicators for climate goals in PPP infrastructure

• Rating systems for sustainable infrastructure (LEED, Envision, etc.)

• Financial and fiscal incentives for climate-smart investments

• Case studies of successful projects in mitigation, adaptation and resilience

• Guidelines for integrating sustainability in Terms of Reference (ToR)

• Regulatory framework on climate and PPPs in Colombia

With this work, Sinfranova continues supporting Colombia’s efforts to build climate-resilient and low-carbon infrastructure, aligned with its NDC goals and long-term national strategies. Other relevant initiatives carried out in the country include the Development of a Sustainability Dashboard for PPP Infrastructure Projects for the DNP and the Evaluation of Transportation Projects from a Sustainability Perspective for the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI).

You can access the full guide here and consult the complementary annexes here.