Toward a More Sustainable Rating for the Built Environment: A Comprehensive Construction Assessment Framework

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to propose an integrated assessment approach, which is based on the broad interdependencies of our infrastructure systems and built environment, for better evaluating the construction industry, and its processes, within the context of sustainable development. The available evaluation tools and techniques focus mainly on assessing the environmental and mechanical aspects of construction. The problem is even compounded with the: (1) fragmentation and stratification of the construction industry; (2) disconnection between the industry and its consumers due to stark asymmetry of information, cultural differences, and inefficient contractual arrangements; and (3) recent urban governance trends that promote regionalism or liberal expansionism. To fill in this critical knowledge gap, the proposed framework creates a holistic framework to study, simulate, analyze, and predict over time the civil infrastructure resource dynamics within the broader socio-economic structures of its stakeholders.

Meeting Name

Construction Research Congress 2012: Construction Challenges in a Flat World (2012: May 12-23, West Lafayette, IN)

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Built environment; Civil infrastructures; Contractual arrangements; Cultural difference; Evaluation tool; Infrastructure systems; Integrated assessment approach; Knowledge gaps; Mechanical aspects; Socio-economics; Urban governance, Construction industry; Critical infrastructures; Economic and social effects; Economics; Research, Sustainable development

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-078441232-9

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 2012

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS