Sustainability governance in the delivery phase of infrastructure : two case studies from the urban rail sector

Abstract

Infrastructure sustainability is a set of processes, activities and practices that pertains to the delivery phase of an infrastructure facility, such as a road or rail line. These processes, activities and practices minimise negative impacts and maximise opportunities across environmental, social and economic dimensions. Managing or 'governing' infrastructure sustainability is the focus of this research. There has been little academic research in this area, and while industry organisations have developed sustainability-rating tools that aim to publicly recognise sustainability outcomes in infrastructure delivery (which includes planning, design and construction), they provide only limited guidance on how to achieve or manage the outcomes that they assess. This thesis adopts case study methodology to explore the concept of governing infrastructure sustainability. The key aim of this exploration is to develop a framework that provides clearer guidance on governing infrastructure sustainability than has been available to date. The framework includes five stages and various steps within each stage. Two case studies approaches are explored - the Sydney Metro Authority (SMA) in Australia and the London 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority's transport division (ODAT) in the UK. Data collection methods comprised semi-structured interviews and review of related documentation, such as design and procurement. An inductive approach to data analysis of discovering themes and patterns in the data while integrating existing theory has been adopted. The key components and features of each approach to governing infrastructure sustainability are mapped out, with key challenges and how they were overcome discussed. Each case study approach is categorised under six different key components: i) overall structure: Sustainability Management Framework for SMA and Sustainability Management System for ODAT, ii) interfaces between the approach and planning approval, design and procurement processes, iii) roles and responsibilities in infrastructure sustainability, iv) decision-support tools including feasibility studies on specific initiatives, v) measuring, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and vi) knowledge-sharing and capacity building activities. The framework developed in this thesis not only fills the gap in the academic literature, it also provides a promising approach for sustainability advisers and other industry professionals to adopt on real-life infrastructure projects. This thesis will therefore be of interest and value to academic researchers, as well as infrastructure industry professionals. It will also assist in the further development of relevant rating and assessment tools.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	English