The measurement of sustainability in the roads sector -South Africa

International Conference on Sustainable Civil Engineering

June 20-21, 2016 Cape Town, South Africa

Chantal Rudman

University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Civil Environ Eng

Abstract :

Globally, the transportation sector is estimated to contribute around a quarter of the world�s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst, as part of this sector, road transport contributes 80% (WRI, 2010).The depletion of fossil fuels and energy use follow similar degree of extent. As one of the greatest emitters towards environmental burdens, it is clear that the road industry in South Africa has a pivotal role to play in guiding government in a way that would avoid the current pitfalls and apply risk mitigationconcerning sustainable measures. Implementing legislationto pursue environmental and socio-economic prosperity, without understanding the complete picture, will lead to imminent shortfalls. In essence, this presentation addresses the risk of non- comprehensive legislation in quantifying environmental burdens and the importance of context sensitivity when measuring sustainability in developing countries. Following these issues, the responsibility of the road sector to guide and construct a sustainable measuring framework is highlighted, with key elements in the development of such a tool discussed. Life Cycle Analysis and rating tools are compared and risks and best practice are weighed considering current trends of both methods. A way forward and mitigation measures are proposed including some aspects for possible further development of critical elements for localization.

Biography :

Email: rudman@sun.ac.za