The role of sustainability rating systems in delivering infrastructure and building engineering’s contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation

Although overall drivers for climate change mitigation and adaptation are clear, it is often difficult for professionals working on infrastructure and buildings to assess what relevant action they should be taking in their designs and construction. In parallel, scientists working on construction or environment-related topics often need guidance on the key construction areas that need further investigation to assist with the challenges derived from the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Over the last few years, rating systems have been developed for the environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure, and more recently their sustainability performance. Their development has included the formation of assessment questions and criteria that direct designers and constructors towards improved environmental and social performance. Alongside those rating systems, tools such as carbon calculators have also been refined to enable option comparisons. This paper explores a selection of climate change-related issues assessed in or by such rating systems and tools, and how the nature of assessment questions, scoring systems and measurement tools can drive improved performance. Through that improved performance, design and construction teams can maximise their contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and scientists identify the key areas for further examination.