Building Environmentally and Economically Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure: Green Highway Rating System
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139, Issue 12
Abstract
A rating system is introduced that employs life-cycle analysis techniques to provide a quantitative assessment of the environmental and economic sustainability of highway designs. Energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, life-cycle cost, and other factors are considered. On the basis of the score received, a design is assigned a label commensurate with the level of sustainability achieved. Analysis of a pilot project shows that relatively modest changes in a highway pavement design, such as using recycled materials, results in significant environmental and economic benefits. The system can be used to motivate material recycling, resulting in more sustainable construction and growth.
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Acknowledgments
Support for this study was provided by the Recycled Materials Resource Center. Dr. Pat Eagan of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mr. Gary Whited of the Wisconsin Construction and Materials Support Center, and Mr. Steve Krebs of Wisconsin Department of Transportation assisted in the study. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provided input as a stakeholder. Mr. Charles Coulter of Lafarge North American provided source and cost data for fly ash.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139 • Issue 12 • December 2013
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 16, 2012
Accepted: May 21, 2013
Published online: May 23, 2013
Published in print: Dec 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Jan 27, 2014
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