Infrastructure sustainability rating tools–exploring opportunities for the engineering profession based on international research

In an attempt to encourage and incentivise sustainable infrastructure practices, rating tools have been developed in different geographies. This paper explores the value of such tools in educating the engineering profession and shifting action within the infrastructure industry. The paper draws on a substantive international scale research programme, which examined multiple aspects of rating tool design and use, the context in which the tools operate, and the links between the tools and an evolving sustainability agenda. Research data from 119 civil infrastructure projects and 63 interviews with infrastructure owners and tool users provided significant findings on sustainability outcomes achieved, factors affecting outcomes and the wider influence of the tools. Rating tool influence was evident beyond rated projects in practitioner’s broader professional practice, in policies and practices within their home organisations and in the engineering profession and infrastructure sector more broadly. Research outputs include a conceptual framework on rating tool influence and a sustainability maturity model for infrastructure owner organisations. These outputs can assist asset owners, advisors and other professionals to develop strategies for addressing the challenges of sustainability in civil infrastructure development. In particular, the findings contextualise the tools as ‘processes of change’ at the individual, organisational and industry level.