01 Jul 2025

Kris Fumberger appointed to lead digital overhaul of ISC’s IS Rating Scheme

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council has appointed Kris Fumberger as Executive Director of Product Solutions to enhance digital transformation and expand its IS Rating Scheme.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) has announced the appointment of Kris Fumberger as its new Executive Director of Product Solutions, a role designed to drive the digital transformation and expansion of the IS Rating Scheme. Fumberger, who steps into the position on 1 July 2025, brings more than 20 years of experience in sustainability, ESG advisory, and digital innovation, having held senior roles across sectors including shipping, finance, and infrastructure. His previous work includes developing the GHG Rating and Maritime Emissions Portal at RightShip, tools now used globally to benchmark environmental performance, highlighting his expertise in sustainability assessment platforms akin to ISC’s own rating scheme.

This newly created executive-level position underscores ISC’s strategic ambition to enhance and digitise its infrastructure sustainability ratings, reflecting a broader organisational evolution. Toby Kent, ISC’s CEO, described Fumberger’s recruitment as a pivotal moment, praising his combination of commercial insight and personable leadership as qualities that will resonate well with the organisation’s members and team. Jeremy Stone, Deputy Chair of ISC, emphasised that the appointment signals a strong future and builds on the council’s proud legacy in sustainable infrastructure.

Fumberger himself expressed enthusiasm about the role, particularly ISC’s influential position in aligning infrastructure outcomes with global sustainability targets. He highlighted the potential for advancing the IS Rating Scheme through digitisation, leveraging data insights, and developing complementary offerings that would enhance value for ISC members and stakeholders.

The appointment comes at a time when ISC is responding to tightening sustainability regulations and increased expectations across the infrastructure sector. The organisation has been navigating notable policy developments, including Australia’s federally endorsed Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP) Policy, which utilises the ISC’s IS Rating as a key framework for measuring environmental outcomes in government contracts. This policy, part of a broader national shift toward decarbonising infrastructure delivery, requires suppliers to report on environmental metrics, reinforcing the importance of robust sustainability rating systems.

ISC’s leadership has also been attentive to global sustainability trends and risks. Recent CEO updates highlighted the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events flagged in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2025, emphasising the urgency for coordinated action. Additionally, ISC continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion as vital to fostering collaboration and innovation within their ecosystem.

The organisation’s drive toward innovation and member engagement is further exemplified by its upcoming events, such as the ISC Connect Conference, which convenes industry leaders to showcase sustainable infrastructure achievements and discuss ongoing challenges. Previous iterations of the event have featured prominent speakers from government, industry, and climate advocacy groups, underscoring ISC’s role as a convener in the field.

With Fumberger’s leadership, ISC aims to blend strong commercial management, digital expertise, and sustainability principles to not only maintain but also significantly enhance the IS Rating Scheme’s impact and accessibility. This aligns closely with the role’s broad remit, which includes strategic growth, business unit management, and ensuring that ISC’s offerings remain relevant and impactful as industry standards evolve.

As the infrastructure sector faces increasing pressure to deliver sustainable outcomes, ISC’s move to bolster its digital capabilities and rating systems through experienced leadership positions it to support members and stakeholders effectively in meeting these challenges.