The think tank, whose advisory group includes Labour shadow ministers and advisers, said the renewal of energy and transport systems in the UK cannot be delivered if the government continues with “the traditional route of low level engagement with the public”.
Green Alliance called for a stakeholder council, which would provide a “broad civil society input” into the planning assessment and reviews.
The think tank also recommended that the planning process should include “city and county infrastructure dialogues”.
Shadow cabinet minister Chi Onwurah said: “Britain’s infrastructure needs to change significantly over the next decade to become both smarter and greener.
“This cannot be something which is done to people, it must be done by and with the people on this country, in everyone’s interest.”
Alistair Harper, head of politics at Green Alliance, added: “With all parties committed to providing more power at a local level, we have a real opportunity to ensure our low carbon infrastructure is decided and delivered in a more exciting way for the country.”