Rodriguez Diaz, C R (2012) Development of a framework and a rating system tool, for sustainable infrastructure certification in developing countries, case study for Ecuador. PhD thesis, University of Florida, USA.
Abstract
Construction in developing countries, among the Latin American region, is an industry that accounts for around two hundred billion dollars annually, responsible for millions of jobs and a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product. In a region where civil infrastructure is a driver for development, construction represents in an average 6% of their GDP. Although infrastructure development is crucial for industrialization, the impacts on environment cannot be underemphasized. The challenge for the developing countries is to respond to the demands of lack of infrastructure in a way that is socially and ecologically responsible. Rating systems provide and effective framework for assessing building environmental performance and integrating sustainable development into construction processes. Existing frameworks focus to analyze the impact only for buildings. A holistic approach involving the participation of industry, government and academia is a key strategy for success. The objective of this research is to develop a strategic framework and a rating system for sustainable infrastructure implementation and measure in developing countries. The final purpose is that this framework serves as a reference for policies creation in the region and the rating system as a tool for official certification for civil infrastructure of all kinds and complexities.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Ellis, R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | certification; developing countries; government; industrialization; participation; sustainable development; Ecuador; environmental performance; gross domestic product; case study |
| Index terms: | case study, gross domestic product, environmental performance, implementation, academia, holistic approach, infrastructure development, sustainable development, industrialization, strategy, Ecuador, certification, developing country, complexity, construction process |
| Subjects: | management, educational institutions, systems engineering, administrative processes, business, data collection methods, economic development, sustainability assessment, development economics, infrastructure engineering, Geography, health safety and environment, building construction, economic analysis, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Education, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Procurement, International Construction, Contract Administration, Site Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here