Simplified rating tool to evaluate sustainable practices of small-scale infrastructure projects in Australia – a comparative review
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to inform the requirements for developing a sustainable rating tool for small-scale infrastructure projects (SSIPs) through research findings.
Design/methodology/approach
A review-based comparative study of existing infrastructure sustainability (IS) rating tools for assessment of SSIPs is presented. Key stakeholder participants of the existing IS rating tools, are interviewed to identify existing barriers and requirements for sustainability rating. The study further presents possible rating tool options to optimise the sustainable performance evaluation of SSIPs.
Findings
Findings of this study indicated that prevalent IS rating tools are majorly applied to large-scale infrastructure projects and sustainability of SSIPs are seldom assessed. Based on a literature review and series of interviews, it was found that user friendliness, efficient structure, training and technical support, cost effectiveness and stakeholder recognition are the five key requirements of a sustainability rating tool for SSIPs. Additionally, six sustainability assessment options were proposed for SSIPs which range from pathways for existing tools through to new, customisable tools. Upon comparison, a new modified tool with verification process and revised tool with defined grouping of sustainable criteria was more effective for evaluation of SSIPs.
Research limitations/implications
Use of case specific information for validation and framework development may lack generalisation. However, methodology can be used for future decision-making by making necessary adjustments to suit different local regional requirements.
Originality/value
Despite lack of generalisation, the findings can lead to future general studies on sustainability of SSIPs. Findings of the study provide foundation knowledge and awareness for sustainability evaluation of SSIPs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC), Victoria University and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISC) for providing funding to undertake this research.
Declaration of interests
⊠ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
□The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:
Citation
Sandanayake, M.S., Vrcelj, Z., Bouras, Y., Chau, H.-W. and Hastings, P. (2023), "Simplified rating tool to evaluate sustainable practices of small-scale infrastructure projects in Australia – a comparative review", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2022-0089
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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