Masters Theses

Yaqin Lin

Abstract

"Sustainable strategies are drawing growing attention as global environmental challenges increase concerns over energy consumption. As one of the most intensive consumers of energy, the transportation sector has a particular need to go green. Implementing alternative energy sources and applying advanced energy efficient technologies are two major approaches to achieve sustainability. Much work thus far used cost-effectiveness as an important criterion for assessing the practicability of sustainable strategies. However, few studies have evaluated such strategies systematically. This thesis has developed a framework of cost-effectiveness analysis to assess sustainability strategies. The framework summarizes the various effects of five representative alternative energy sources and calculates the costs of implementation. Combining this framework with key financial indices, this thesis specifies guidelines for systematic cost-effectiveness analysis and financial feasibility analysis. To demonstrate the functionality of the framework and the way to identify worthwhile opportunities for investment, three transportation sector case studies are presented, including an alternative energy demonstration project in Rolla, a renovation design for Rockport Welcome Center, and a strategy analysis for employing LED traffic signals in Missouri. This thesis facilitates stakeholders to generate a comprehensible comparison of multiple alternatives and to make strategy-adoption decisions based on their financial situation and preferences. This study should increase the comprehensive knowledge of energy saving practices, which will not only advance the affordability and attractiveness of sustainable strategies but also reinforce the concept of sustainability among the public"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Qin, Ruwen

Committee Member(s)

Long, Suzanna, 1961-
Grasman, Scott E. (Scott Erwin)

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Engineering Management

Sponsor(s)

Missouri University of Science and Technology. Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety
Missouri. Department of Transportation

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2011

Pagination

ix, 84 pages, maps

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 73-83).

Rights

© 2011 Yaqin Lin, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Sustainable development -- PlanningTransportation -- Cost effectiveness

Thesis Number

T 9835

Print OCLC #

792883487

Electronic OCLC #

908843561

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