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Cost-Benefit Analysis as a Sustainability Assessment Tool: Evidence from Dutch ex-ante motorway appraisal projects

Agterhuis, S.P. (2023) Cost-Benefit Analysis as a Sustainability Assessment Tool: Evidence from Dutch ex-ante motorway appraisal projects.

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Abstract:To reach sustainability goals, future motorways need to be built and function sustainably within their environment. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the sustainability impacts of policy options and alternatives in ex-ante motorway appraisal projects. Cost-Benefit Analysis is an economic appraisal tool that is widely used to evaluate alternatives and identify the best solution to a transport problem, such as congestion or safety concerns. Currently, scientific literature does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the extent to which CBA can be used as a sustainability assessment tool in motorway appraisal projects. This study seeks to understand to what extent CBA can be and is being used as a sustainability assessment tool in these projects, in theory, and within Dutch CBA practice. It makes use of a literature study, case study research and an expert survey. A set of six criteria for evaluating sustainability assessment tools was derived from literature and compared to practice. These criteria are (1) boundary orientation, (2) full approach, (3) strategic sustainability thinking, (4) trade-offs, (5) contextual input and (6) transparency. The findings show that CBA can to a large extent be used as a sustainability assessment tool. However, Dutch practices have to be improved to do so.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:56 civil engineering
Programme:Civil Engineering and Management MSc (60026)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94961
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