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

27 Pages Posted: 17 Mar 2017

See all articles by Yannick Cornet

Yannick Cornet

Technical University of Denmark

Merrill Jones Barradale

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado

Michael Barfod

Technical University of Denmark

Robin Hickman

University College London - Bartlett School of Planning

Date Written: March 9, 2017

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.

Suggested Citation

Cornet, Yannick and Barradale, Merrill Jones and Barfod, Michael and Hickman, Robin, Giving Future Generations a Voice: Constructing a Sustainability Viewpoint in Transport Appraisal (March 9, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2933499 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2933499

Yannick Cornet

Technical University of Denmark ( email )

Anker Engelunds Vej 1
Building 101A
Lyngby, 2800
Denmark

Merrill Jones Barradale (Contact Author)

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado ( email )

SEEC, 27 UCB Suite N321
Boulder, CO 80309-0027
United States

Michael Barfod

Technical University of Denmark ( email )

Anker Engelunds Vej 1
Building 101A
Lyngby, 2800
Denmark

Robin Hickman

University College London - Bartlett School of Planning ( email )

1-19 Torrington Place
London, WC1E 7HB
United Kingdom

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