MacAskill, K and Guthrie, P (2014) Application of sustainability principles in post-disaster reconstruction. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 30th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2014, Portsmouth, UK.
Abstract
The link between a sustainability agenda and post-disaster reconstruction is gaining increasing attention. However it is not clear how sustainability thinking affects outcomes of reconstruction programmes. This paper identifies key factors that influence how sustainability principles are integrated into decisions for reconstruction. This is based on empirical research conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand, following earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The discussion focuses on the role of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) in the cityÕs reconstruction. SCIRT is a collaborative organisation that was established to deliver the rebuild of infrastructure networks (wastewater, water supply, stormwater and roads) through an alliance agreement for design and construction. Information has been gathered through semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the reconstruction, supported by an investigation of relevant government reports and project documentation. It is clear that constrained finances place a significant limitation on what can be achieved in post-disaster reconstruction. Working within this limitation however, there are several factors that shape how sustainability principles are incorporated into decisions for the design and construction of infrastructure. Some of the key factors identified through the Christchurch case study are: (a) Decision boundaries: organisational arrangements influence how and what decisions are made regarding the nature of infrastructure reconstruction or repair; (b) Conflicting timescales: there is a trade-off between the short-term need to restore services and longer-term considerations of improved system development and maintenance; (c) Best practice: opportunities to adopt sustainable approaches (as defined in the business-as-usual infrastructure construction) can prove to be elusive where adhering to a pre-conceived level of Ôbest practiceÕ may not be appropriate; (d) Resilience: the concept of resilience is clearly embedded in options analysis for repairing or rebuilding infrastructure, helping to facilitate a longer-term perspective.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision analysis; post-disaster reconstruction; resilience; sustainability |
| Index terms: | infrastructure construction, repair, boundaries, option, earthquake, best practice, post-disaster reconstruction, investigation, stormwater, project documentation, design and construction, decision analysis, programme, rebuilding, interview, Christchurch, reconstruction, water supply, New Zealand, case study |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, building construction, project controls, environmental engineering, environmental hazards, infrastructure and transport systems, civil engineering, post-disaster and reconstruction, maintenance engineering, Geography, contractual arrangements, property law, project planning, business, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Time Control, Urban Studies, Legal Issues, Risk Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice |
| 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