Sustainability Analysis: Social
Sustainability Rating Systems
- A sustainability rating system (SRS) is a list of sustainability practices quantified using a common unit.
- FHWA's INVEST is a web-based SRS that includes transportation services, system planning, project planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
- SRS do not specifically pertain to pavements, however sustainable pavement practices can increase the total project score.
Resources
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LCA of Pavements Tech Brief -
State of practice on SRS -
Case Study on SRS Implementation
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Case Study on SRS Implementation Infographic
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INVEST Tool
Social Life-Cycle Assessment (S-LCA)
- S-LCA considers potential positive and negative social aspects of products and processes throughout the life cycle.
- Relevant indicators of an S-LCA are context-sensitive and are defined based on the affected stakeholders, such as workers, consumers, local communities, and others.
- Current sustainability rating systems (such as INVEST) incorporate topics that can be considered part of an S-LCA.