Giving Future Generations a Voice: Constructing a Sustainability Viewpoint in Transport Appraisal

Abstract

In order to give future generations a voice in decisions that will impact them, this paper proposes a dual-approach method for constructing a “sustainability viewpoint” in transport appraisal. Our method juxtaposes an expert-based SV with a principle-based SV. In the former, sustainability experts are asked to prioritize criteria for project assessment. In the latter, criteria weights are calculated based on sustainability theory (“strong” and “weak” sustainability). Multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is used to make the various actors and sustainability viewpoints explicit. Together, these viewpoints are intended to inform decision-making.

The appraisal of HS2 Phase I in the UK is used to demonstrate this method. It is found that all three variants of the sustainability viewpoint result in similar project preferences – which differ from that of other transport professionals.

We conclude by arguing for the explicit inclusion of a sustainability viewpoint within transport appraisal, on a multi-actor basis. We also recommend hiring more transport planners with sustainability experience into government planning agencies. Finally, we suggest additional testing of different approaches, along with further research on how SVs should be incorporated into appraisal processes.