Development of a green road rating system for South Korea

Abstract

Construction stakeholders implement sustainable strategies and technologies to achieve the ‘triple bottom line’ of a road’s ecological, social, and financial performance. The primary goal of a green road is to reduce environmental and social problems and enhance economic prosperity in the surrounding area as a result of the road construction. To achieve these ends, sustainable road rating systems have been developed in a number of countries that integrate sustainable practices into their specific local context. The objective of this research was thus to develop a green road rating system for South Korea. A green road rating system framework was developed based on existing green road rating systems that includes suitable categories, indicators, and credits, and applies appropriate weightings to each. A green road rating system manual was created to provide a comprehensive guide for the design and construction of green roads that can also be used as an education manual for construction professionals and students; the associated web-based certification and registration system will support and facilitate a viable green road construction certification system for South Korea. The authors present a number of recommendations related to the development of a green road rating system tool, including a detailed process for creating an assessment framework, identifying categories, indicators, and credits, and assigning weightings. The green rating system proposed here will not only help achieve the goals of sustainability but will also change the paradigm of road construction and construction education in South Korea. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.