11. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment: A Tool for Civil Engineering Research Prioritization and Project Decision Making

This chapter delves into the critical role of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) in civil engineering, focusing on its application as a tool for research prioritization and project decision-making. The authors emphasize the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the buildings and construction sector, which accounts for a significant portion of global energy use and carbon emissions. The LCSA methodology integrates environmental, economic, and social impact assessments over the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, providing a more holistic approach compared to traditional cost-focused decision-making processes. The chapter describes the development of an LCSA tool tailored for civil engineering research and demonstrates its application through an example focusing on liquefaction mitigation strategies. The example illustrates how LCSA can be used to compare emerging technologies with conventional methods, identify environmental hotspots, and guide research and development efforts toward more sustainable solutions. By highlighting the potential of LCSA to drive sustainability-oriented research and deployment of emerging technologies, the chapter offers valuable insights for professionals seeking to advance the sustainability of civil infrastructure projects.