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Book part
Publication date: 17 November 2023

Simon Ofori Ametepey, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

BE2ST-In-Highways is a framework for assessing the social impact of reusing materials in pavement building, using the Pavement Life-Cycle Assessment Tool for Environmental and…

Abstract

BE2ST-In-Highways is a framework for assessing the social impact of reusing materials in pavement building, using the Pavement Life-Cycle Assessment Tool for Environmental and Economic Impacts (PaLATE) and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). ENVISION is a two-stage assessment method with four levels of certification: bronze award, silver award, gold award, and platinum award. Stantec published the Green Guide for Roads in 2008 as a marketing tool to highlight its commitment to sustainable development (SD), and the certification policy was created using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification policy. As part of their first-year requirements, Stantec and a team of Worcester Polytechnic Institute students created another ‘Green Guide for Roads’ in 2009 to integrate previously missing components of the certification guidelines. GreenPave was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation as an SD certification framework based on the Greenroads and GreenLITES SD certification frameworks. Specifications are classified into three types: repair activities, new development projects, and credit for evident and clear criteria. The Greenroads SD certification process reintroduces SD ideas into highway building by awarding points to projects that effectively integrate SD objectives. I-LAST is a tool developed by the Illinois Department of Transportation, American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC), and Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) to analyse SD principles in road infrastructure building. INVEST (Infrastructure Voluntary Assessment Sustainability Tool) is designed to be simple to use and includes four stages of a project. Scorecards for pavement, basic rural, basic urban, extended rural, extended urban, and custom are included. CEEQUAL (Sustainability Assessment and Awards for Civil Engineering, Infrastructure, Landscaping, and the Public Realm) was established to improve infrastructure sustainability and award projects to organizations that address environmental concerns in a productive and effective manner. It is managed by CEEQUAL Ltd. and is based on three SD principles: environment, economics, and labelling the social component of SD with access. Customized scorecards may be used when a project does not fit into one of the pre-defined scorecards. The framework was initially created for the United Kingdom (UK) but has now been revised to be worldwide relevant and includes two categories of projects: domestic (UK and Ireland) projects and foreign initiatives. It also offers six project awards. This chapter reviewed frameworks, models, and guidelines for sustainable infrastructure projects, emphasizing the Be2st-In-Highway rating system, ENVISION certification policies, green guide for road rating systems, greenlights certification system or policy, Greenpaves rating system, Greenroads rating system, I-LAST certification tools, invest rating tools, CEEQUAL certification system, and stars rating tools.

Details

Sustainable Road Infrastructure Project Implementation in Developing Countries: An Integrated Model
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-811-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2008

Eric G. Olson

Over the past decade, concepts that focus on environmental stewardship have gripped the collective intellect of humankind, challenged our capacity to be self‐aware, and

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Abstract

Purpose

Over the past decade, concepts that focus on environmental stewardship have gripped the collective intellect of humankind, challenged our capacity to be self‐aware, and established a common global imperative to respond to critical issues that arise from world‐wide climate change and natural resource conservation. Yet, while most enterprises have already undertaken some form of “green” initiative, very few have established an enterprise‐level “green” strategy that responds to the new global imperative. This paper aims to provide a methodology and tool‐set to help close that gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a methodology and tool set needed to assess an enterprise and formulate green strategy. The scope covers: a definition of “green” strategy and the guiding principles for its formulation; best practices and illustrations of how they are being adopted; a methodology for developing an enterprise‐level green strategy that integrates with all the other areas of strategy formulation in an enterprise (business, operating/organization/information/technology applications, and infrastructure).A “green” maturity model and maturity assessment framework are also developed to help business leaders determine what their current state of “green maturity” is, and guide decisions on where they would like their business to be in the future.

Findings

The paper finds that business leaders and decision makers increasingly miss‐out on significant benefits because they do not consider “green” opportunities in a strategic context.

Originality/value

The methodology and tool set provided in this article can help business leaders capture new value from green opportunities. It can also accelerate changes to existing methodologies for formulating strategy to include important “green” dimensions. Each area of an enterprise is discussed in the context of how it can be affected and improved by having a green strategy.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Yair Wiseman

Nowadays, transportation authorities in various countries are in tension as to whether to invest in railroads or roads. There are arguments for each side, and in the end, each…

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, transportation authorities in various countries are in tension as to whether to invest in railroads or roads. There are arguments for each side, and in the end, each transportation authority reaches a kind of balance between the investments. This study aims to anticipate how autonomous vehicles will influence this decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The roads' capacity in the era of autonomous vehicles is assessed and research has concluded that the anticipated increase in road capacity will encourage transportation authorities to invest much more in roads than in railroads.

Findings

The appearance of the autonomous vehicles will significantly change the balance in favor of the roads, because the roads' capacity will be increased substantially so the roads will be able to accommodate many more vehicles.

Research limitations/implications

Currently, autonomous vehicles are still very rare.

Practical implications

The impact of autonomous vehicles on the decision whether to build more roads is explained.

Originality/value

The study explained why the transportation authorities in the various countries will be more inclined to switch to road construction and why the transition to more roads and fewer railroads will likely be done gradually as more autonomous vehicles enter service.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Ning Huang, Qiang Du, Patrick X.W. Zou and Youdan Huang

This study aims to analyze the interaction and key factors within the network of factors influencing the success of green highway projects.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the interaction and key factors within the network of factors influencing the success of green highway projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and interviews with experienced project managers, this study identified 33 influencing factors from the perspectives of stakeholders and life cycle. The interaction between these influencing factors was determined by surveying different experts, most of whom have participated in green highway projects in China. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was used to explore the impact and control ability of different factors.

Findings

According to the prioritization of these factors, the results showed that some key factors were identified, especially incremental cost, lack of standards and regulations, development of innovative technologies and materials, public awareness and environmental protection behavior. Finally, some meaningful suggestions were put forward for different influencing factors of green highway projects.

Research limitations/implications

While the key influencing factors of the green highway projects have been identified by considering the interrelationships between different factors, the specific influencing paths and levels of different factors are not analyzed, more studies and methods should be conducted on this area in the future.

Practical implications

This finding of factors influencing the success of green highway projects which is useful for managers to overcome various obstacles encountered in similar projects. Moreover, considering the interaction among the influencing factors enables managers to make systematic and efficient decisions.

Social implications

Developing green highways have been perceived as a major innovation to help achieve the synergy of environmental protection, economic development and social responsibility. Studying the key factors influencing the success of green highway projects and putting forward targeted suggestions are crucial for promoting the environmental protection transformation of highway construction.

Originality/value

Compared with most studies on the identification of key influencing factors of construction projects, this research emphasized the interaction between different factors within the system in the analysis process. The findings could provide useful references to promote the successful implementation of green highway projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Ernest Kissi, Prosper Babon-Ayeng, Clinton Aigbavboa, Daniel Duah, Eugene Danquah-Smith and Reuben Agyei Tannor

The adoption of green construction concepts in road infrastructure projects is an opportunity to minimise the carbon footprint while boosting the built environment's capacity to…

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of green construction concepts in road infrastructure projects is an opportunity to minimise the carbon footprint while boosting the built environment's capacity to promote sustainability. Consequently, this study examines the components of green road construction practices in developing countries such as Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research method, four hypothesised constructs identified from the review of relevant literature were tested. The views of 144 quantity surveyors, civil engineers and project managers within Ghana's three road agencies were elicited using a structured close-ended questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) based on the structural equation model (SEM) was adopted in analysing the data obtained.

Findings

The study's results reveal that the identified components: sustainable design, materials and resources, stormwater management and energy efficiency, significantly influence green road construction.

Practical implications

It reveals the critical elements of sustainable road design and construction, aiding organisations, construction companies and legislators in making informed choices on road design and construction.

Originality/value

Results from this study provide empirical evidence lacking in the literature about the main components of green road construction.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

William Rasdorf, Phil Lewis, Ingrid Arocho and Joseph Hummer

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the relationships between air pollutant emissions from heavy duty diesel equipment and highway construction project scope, schedule…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the relationships between air pollutant emissions from heavy duty diesel equipment and highway construction project scope, schedule, and budget. Objectives included estimating total project emissions; developing a daily emissions profile; and developing new emissions estimating metrics based on project scope, schedule, and budget.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach involved collecting real-world data related to project scope, schedule, and budget from two highway case study projects. The data were used to establish an emissions inventory estimating methodology to calculate total emissions for each case study. The total emissions were normalized based on project size, duration, and cost in order to develop new emissions estimating metrics.

Findings

The results proved that it is possible to characterize total equipment emissions based on project size, duration, and cost. The new emissions estimating metrics were quantitatively similar for both case studies.

Research limitations/implications

The results were based on two case study projects. Additional data from more projects is needed to provide more highly refined numerical results.

Practical implications

This approach enables project planners and managers to assess the environmental impacts of highway projects along with the financial and time impacts.

Social implications

Construction equipment is a major contributor to the nation’s air pollution problem. Before pollutant emissions can be managed they must first be measured.

Originality/value

The new emissions estimating metrics are a novel approach to comparing environmental impacts of two or more projects, as well as estimating total emissions for future highway construction projects.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 November 2023

Simon Ofori Ametepey, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 goals to address the world’s most pressing sustainable development (SD) concerns by 2030. Third-world countries…

Abstract

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 goals to address the world’s most pressing sustainable development (SD) concerns by 2030. Third-world countries have a lesser global environmental impact than developed countries, and account for 66% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Infrastructure development has a key role to play in establishing a green society, with approaches such as green policy, sustainable monitoring, and sustainability reports. Indirect and induced sustainable infrastructure development (SID) dominates the SDGs, with the goal of providing secure, acceptable, readily available, and efficient transportation networks by 2030. Road infrastructure development (RID) should become more sustainable considering depleting natural resources, fragile ecological circumstances, and limited financial resources. Sustainable road infrastructure projects (SRIPs) provide several advantages, such as increased economic efficiency, lower resource utilization, greater social well-being, and enhanced protection of natural services. However, incorporating SD prerequisites into highway infrastructure projects in developing countries has been difficult due to a variety of factors. Efforts to develop sustainability certification standards for infrastructure systems are recommended, and it is important to define relevant ideas and principles for SRIP implementation. However, incorporating SD prerequisites into highway infrastructure projects in developing countries has been difficult due to a variety of factors. Different people have varied ideas about sustainability. This book aims to provide a unified guideline to aid developing nations in undertaking SRIPs and to develop a SRIP implementation model. This chapter provided a background for the book; it also provided insight into its organization, foundation, and significance. It also discusses the objectives of the book and emphasized on the purpose and motivation for writing the book.

Details

Sustainable Road Infrastructure Project Implementation in Developing Countries: An Integrated Model
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-811-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

Klaus Tochtermann

The EC‐funded Alliance for a Sustainable Information Society (ASIS) was set up to investigate the potential synergy between Information Society Technologies (IST) and sustainable…

Abstract

The EC‐funded Alliance for a Sustainable Information Society (ASIS) was set up to investigate the potential synergy between Information Society Technologies (IST) and sustainable development. While applauding universal access to knowledge and understanding, ASIS warns of the potential “rebound effects” of IST in terms of the environment. Can underlying patterns of lifestyles and behaviour, particularly related to consumption, be reformed? Can IST satisfy our needs at a less material level? Scenario modelling offers some tantalising clues, but points consistently to the need to build a new framework for global consensus.

Details

Foresight, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2020

De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Caleb Debrah, Eric Oduro-Ofori, David John Edwards and Prince Antwi-Afari

The advances in green city growth are widely discussed in extant literature. The benefits of green cities to urban development in recent discussions of sustainability and…

Abstract

Purpose

The advances in green city growth are widely discussed in extant literature. The benefits of green cities to urban development in recent discussions of sustainability and sustainable development are well documented and cannot be overemphasised. Although a growing study on green building development in developing countries has been advanced in literature, there is a paucity of studies that explore green cities in developing countries. Moreover, evidence of studies that have focussed on green cities development in Ghana is lacking. Because of this identified knowledge gap, the purpose of this study is to establish the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries. This study has adopted the pragmatism as its undergirding research philosophy and the deductive research approach. In terms of methodological choice, quantitative research strategy was used to collect data from experts in sustainable urban development. The primary data retrieved from this study was analysed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index and one-sample t-test. The reliability and validity of this study were measured with the Cronbach’s alpha test.

Findings

This study established eight indicators for measuring green city development: air quality, water, sanitation, land use, health and safety, transportation, energy and building and construction. It was discovered that the development of green cities should enhance air quality, improve water production and supply, improve management in sanitation, promote mixed and integrative land use, maintain the health and safety of city dwellers, reduce the demand for transportation and formalise public transport, adopt renewable and efficient energy technologies and promote sustainable construction and green buildings. These indicators are key to policymaking and implementation of green cities development.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses primarily on Ghana; however, the findings of this study do not limit the generalisability, as it can be used as an example for other developing countries.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study adopted quantitative indicators that are reproducible in another geographical context. This study contributively adds to the discourse on sustainability, especially in Ghana, and can be a source of reference to motivate others to conduct further research in related areas. The outcomes of this study will help the local government, policymakers, city stakeholders and industry expertise to gain insights of the overall indicators that underpin green city development.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to posit in literature the foremost appraisal of green city indicators adaptive in Ghana, which could motivate other developing countries to develop their own green cities.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 25 September 2019

Minnette A. Bumpus and Nikita Floyd

The case should be introduced after students have been exposed to the following topics: the practice of entrepreneurship, opportunity recognition, market segmentation and minority…

Abstract

Theoretical basis

The case should be introduced after students have been exposed to the following topics: the practice of entrepreneurship, opportunity recognition, market segmentation and minority business enterprise.

Research methodology

The names of the companies and individuals in this descriptive case have not been disguised, with the exception of the solar company representative and his company affiliation. Information was obtained from interviews (i.e. first-hand accounts) with Nikita Floyd, President and Owner of Green Forever Landscaping and Design, Inc., and secondary sources cited.

Case overview/synopsis

Nikita, a 50-year old, African American male, had grown his business from a one-person seasonal landscaping business to a year-round landscaping and design business with full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees and an array of services and customer segments. To his delight, he was able to unite his avocation with his vocation. With over 30 years of experience in landscaping and landscape design Nikita was always scanning the landscape for new business opportunities that would align with his company’s mission statement and help sustain Green Forever’s core business.

Complexity academic level

This case is most appropriate for introductory undergraduate and graduate level courses in entrepreneurship.

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