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Sustainability appraisal in infrastructure projects (SUSAIP): Part 1. Development of indicators and computational
O O Ugwu1, M M Kumaraswamy1, A Wong2
1Centre for Infrastructure and Construction Industry Development (CICID), Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
Automation in Construction
|June 25, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a structured methodology and analytical decision model to translate sustainability goals into actionable steps for infrastructure projects. It addresses challenges in multi-dimensional sustainability appraisal, offering a framework for consistent evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Civil Engineering
- Decision Science
Background:
- Translating strategic sustainability objectives into project-level actions is challenging due to multi-dimensional perspectives (economy, society, environment) and a lack of structured methodologies.
- Existing approaches often struggle with information integration across hierarchical levels in infrastructure projects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an analytical decision model and structured methodology for sustainability appraisal in infrastructure projects.
- To address the difficulties in implementing sustainability objectives at the project level.
- To lay the groundwork for integrated sustainability appraisal and process automation in infrastructure.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes the 'weighted sum model' from multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA).
- Employs the 'additive utility model' from analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for decision-making.
- Develops a model from first principles, including key performance indicators.
Main Results:
- Presents a novel analytical decision model for sustainability appraisal.
- Outlines a structured methodology to bridge strategic goals and project-level actions.
- Identifies key performance indicators for infrastructure sustainability.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model and methodology offer a systematic approach to sustainability appraisal in infrastructure.
- Potential applications include process automation for integrated sustainability assessment in design and construction.
- Recommendations are provided for future sustainability research in this domain.
Keywords:
Design for sustainabilityKey performance indicatorsMulti-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)Reasoning mapSustainability indexUtility modelWeighted sum modelMore Related Videos
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