Sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature, considering that, despite being essential to achieving the sustainable development goals, sustainability performance in road infrastructure projects is a persistent challenge. Therefore, determining how sustainability can be assessed in these projects is crucial, necessitating a systematic review of the sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PRISMA principles, 54 peer-reviewed papers from 2010 to 2022 were retrieved from three search databases (Scopus, Research for Life and Google Scholar) as part of a systematic literature review. Data analysis techniques included both descriptive and content analysis.

Findings

The study identified 22 indicators. The results emphasized that the sustainability of road infrastructure projects should consider all three sustainability dimensions to provide development while meeting human needs, preserving the planet Earth and enhancing economic growth. Similarly, indicators should be incorporated from the design phase to implement and attain sustainability successfully.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study will serve as a guide to road infrastructure stakeholders to understand the relevant sustainability indicators to assess the sustainability performance of their projects.

Originality/value

The study’s findings provide the sustainability assessment indicators for roads, which serve as a foundation for developing a sustainability assessment indicator framework for road infrastructure projects. Future research can look at establishing the indicators for the end-of-life phase of the project lifecycle.

Citation

Kapatsa, C., Kavishe, N., Zulu, S.L. and Maro, G. (2024), "Sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects: a systematic literature review", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-06-2023-0241