CoST works with government, industry and civil society to promote the disclosure, validation and interpretation of data from infrastructure projects, to inform and empower citizens  to hold decision-makers accountable. It is a country-centred multi-stakeholder initiative designed to promote transparency and accountability in publicly financed construction.

The CoST framework contains several features which are then applied and adapted within the specific country context, with disclosure, assurance and a multi-stakeholder approach being the three essential elements. The objectives are:

• Improve the value for money spent on the construction of public infrastructure.
• Achieve the delivery of good quality infrastructure projects at lower cost.
• Improve the use of funds in public construction, resulting in better and more reliable infrastructure.
• Free savings to extend social and economic services
• Raise investor confidence