Sustainability in Civil Engineering

Reflection on progress –

I believe now I have wider understanding of the environmental assessment tools however, I think I could improve this understanding by exposing myself to new researches and journals on footprint analyses frameworks.

4. Comparison of different life-cycle assessment tools

Evidence –

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools are designed to evaluate the environmental impact of industrial procedures and to measure the feasibility and sustainability in buildings and green sites. The methodology makes use of the product life cycle analyzing the inputs and outputs at each stage from the design, production, delivery, utility, reusability, recycling and disposal. The various environmental factors that the LCA takes into account are inventory analyses in terms of ecological or ecosystem variables, health and production output effects on the environment to optimize processes and ensure compliance to environment friendly practices and standards. Different tools and processing methodologies will result in varied results as each has its own strengths and weaknesses and it depends on the LCA practitioner to make use of the most optimized tool to measure environmental impact. Some examples of such tools include the ENVEST, BREEAM, Smart waste and the CEEQUAL tool, with fundamental framework analyses including lifecycle sway evaluation LCIA, life-cycle analyses, LCI investigation along with elucidation (Otiz et al., 2009)

As discussed previously, various tools will produce different results as each assessment tool has its own strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation of my A470 project through the CEEQUAL tool has provided further information on the key strengths of this tool and areas of improvement. The idea is to use the most optimized tool for measuring sustainability and often the selection of the particular tool will depend on the assessment practitioners perspective and measurement criteria.  From the literature reviewed, it was observed that the CEEQUAL tool is probably one of the most reliable and comprehensive assessment tool that provides reliable data that can be used in an effective manner to assess sustainability feasibility. Compared to other LCA tools, it was found to be a more stable and strong evaluation scheme that resulted in producing accurate information that could be used by project owners to improve their building's sustainability ratings and help achieve development objectives in conformity with defined policies and legislation.

References to external sources –

Comparison of Best Life Cycle Assessment Software, Link City 2015. Available from: <http://www.linkcycle.com/comparison-of-best-life-cycle-assessment-software/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

Comparison of energy-based indicators used in life cycle assessment tools for buildings, Science Direct 2014. Available from: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132314001425/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

Planning and Project Management, Chuthamat's Space 2015. Available from: <http://chuthamatc.blogspot.com/2011/10/objective-16-planning-and-project.html/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

Kubba S. (2012). Handbook of Green Building Design and Construction: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes. UK: Butterworth Heinemann.

Ortiz, O., Castellsa, F. and Sonnemann, G. (2009) Sustainability in the construction industry: A review of recent developments based on LCA, Construction and Building Materials, 23(1), pp. 28-39.

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

The research for this objective and my study on the CEEQUAL and LCA tools have both refined my knowledge and practical know-how of tools and models adopted by various companies to measure sustainability in buildings. This will further facilitate me when I would be evaluating construction projects in my career and making use of environment friendly best practices in the construction industry.

Reflection on progress –

I plan to further study various analytical tools and measurement models catering to built environment to further develop an in-depth understanding of this objective that will facilitate me in my career. Various LCA processing techniques currently being used by the practitioners requires extensive analyses in terms of its productivity and impact, and hence a detailed study is needed to understand the SOPs of LCA and related tools

5. Comparison of the application of different international building assessment tools to a case study

Evidence –

Building assessment tools are quickly developing in many regions and widely accepted as measurements tools for sustainability of buildings. The studies show that Design performance and sustainability ratings are reliant on the scheme used, for example an office building got a high rating score based on the Green Star scheme, but a low score based on BREEAM and it was unsuccessful based on its evaluation when certified with the LEED scheme (Roderick et al, 2012), it has been concluded that this wide difference is due to the three schemes having different energy assessment methods and performance criteria.

Wallhagen et al, 2013 in their research had developed a similar study on the comparison of different schemes namely EcoEffect, LEED and Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) on a new multi storey residential building. It has been observed that weighting plays a major role in the building assessment schemes, for instance, the LEED scheme is very much focused on reuse and recycling while EcoEffect focuses on hazardous substances (Wallhagen et al, 2013). However, the literature resources discuss a variety of issues on weights of different environmental aspects and there is no definitive agreement on the concept of green buildings.

Therefore, the evidence based on the literature reviewed suggest that although different assessment tools can produce different results for any particular case study, the objective of all such tools is to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the build environment. Hence, and particular tool can be used to undertake assess the building, following its particular sets of standards for rating and assessments.

References to external sources –

Ya Roderick, David McEwan, Craig Wheatley, Carlos Alonso, 2012, A comparative study of building energy performance assessment between LEED, BREEAM and Green Star schemes.

Marita Wallhagen, Mauritz Glaumann and Ulla Westerberg, 2008, What Is A “Green” Building According to Different Assessment Tools.

Indicators of Sustainable development - key indicators United Nations UN 2015. Available from:<https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/natlinfo/indicators/guidelines.pdf/>.Accessed [23 November 2015].

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

The evidence above shows a good understanding of different directions and characteristics regarding “green” building assessment tools have been developed, in terms of aim, content and aggregation. This helped me to further improve my overall judgement that one tool is not always perfect to reduce environmental impacts, and there will be marginal difference between the ranking results based on different schemes as there is definitive agreement on the core weighing system or foundational criteria which is the crux of these assessment tools.

Reflection on progress –

I have explored the subject but in-depth understanding will require me to further investigate interaction between different bodies of knowledge. The practical assessment, evaluation and the research on indicator sets will prove beneficial for me in my future endeavors and professional initiatives as I now have a deeper understanding of the effective framework for measuring sustainability in development endeavors. I need to further gain an operational understanding of the various assessment sets available along with their feasibility analysis for which I would require further research and studies. I believe this is important as it would enhance my skillset and professional prowess to deliver the best and enable me to make use of best practices that ensure sustainable development

6. Understanding of your professional responsibilities in relation to sustainability and the code of conduct of your profession

Evidence –

Originally the economic side for projects was the main driver of a project success such as with canal and railway buildings and less attention was typically given to the environment. Another key factor was the lack of media coverage on drivers impacting the environment. It was only with the start of the 20th century that factors affecting the environment such as pollution started being recognized (transport issues, 2006). The public inquiry was the main reason why concerns over environment have been recognized. In the UK it was the Buchanan report that pinpointed the environmental impact that construction projects have. The transport sector in the 1980s was mostly either privatized or deregulated and many road projects had been cancelled. Environmental pressure groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth were formed and largely contributed to putting pressure on large-scaled projects. In the 1990s governmental entities were becoming aware of the environmental issues and had published promoting greener transportation methods with emphasis on the importance of using public transport or bikes as opposed to personally owned car. In 1992, the Rio Earth Summit resulted in the Agenda 21 legislation which puts the emphasis on engineers taking account of environmental issues from planning, throughout design to final execution of a project.

The construction sector is viewed as having a critical impact on the environment as it accounts for the important use of resources and waste emissions through an activities’ chain that starts upstream with the extraction of raw materials, going through to processing, fabrication and building large blocks, etc.  It is also viewed as one of the largest polluters of the environment by industry

To mitigate for potential risks that would affect “Our Common Future”, (definition by the Brutland Commission), the construction industry should use the sustainability agenda and practices to reduce its negative impacts affecting the environment. While being a driver to economic success, the construction industry should also achieve sustainable practices and undertake initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment.

As we move forward, sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions are more critical in being implemented by the civil engineering profession. It is estimated by 2025, that water withdrawals will increase by 50% in emerging countries and 18% in developed countries (Ernest & Young, 2015). Natural resources should therefore be effectively managed and protected. This can be accomplished by the adopting to sustainable methods of construction and best practices, which includes legislations, codes of conduct and best practices. Practically, a professional / practitioner must assess the activity in process and analyze how it can be completed considering the least impact it may generate on the environment. For example, at the time of the building designs, considerations must be given to provision of day-light utilization, natural ventilations, use sustainable and recyclable materials and optimized method of waste management.

References to external sources –

Ernest& Young, 2015, Megatrends 2015 - Making sense of a world in motion.

Marita Wallhagen, Mauritz Glaumann and Ulla Westerberg, 2008, What Is A “Green” Building According to Different Assessment Tools.

Paul W. Jowitt, 2004, Sustainable Development and The Formation of The Civil Engineer, ICE Engineering Sustainability volume 157 Issue 2.

Grace K C Ding, 2007, Sustainable Construction – The Role of Environmental Assessment Tools, 2007, Australia.

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

Based on the evidence cited above, it can be ascertained that I now have a complete realization and understanding of responsibilities and the code of conduct expected of a person in the civil engineering profession. The extensive study and practical endeavors undertaken by me for the awareness and achievement of this objective have provided me with the required knowledge regarding environmental friendly practices and sustainability measures while designing,  constructing, operating and maintaining buildings or green sites. I plan to utilize this knowledge and understanding to further enhance my core abilities relative to the civil engineering profession in future.

Reflection on progress –

The study and research for the achievement of this particular objective has further refined my information base which will facilitate my work in this profession. I need to gather a much deeper awareness regarding the implantation of best practices that cater to sustainability in the construction industry and overall environment for which I would need to undertake further research and practical initiatives.

7. A detailed understanding of practical details and examples of how your profession could impact on sustainability issues.

Evidence –

As the construction sector is an important contributor to the economy, even small practices that lead to efficiencies during the construction and operational life of a development project will have an important positive impact on the economy and the environment.

The development of engineering practices and the new technologies that are used in this sector assist in finding solutions to environmental issues within the context of the building industry. It is, for instance, worth mentioning that water scarcity in the Middle East is one major issue causing conflicts between countries and people endeavoring to gain access to water and consequently it is detrimental to address the issues related to water resources through a basic role played by civil engineers setting sustainable water strategies encompassing the technical side.

Global Megatrends that will be shaping our environment in the next decades include lifestyle issues, technologies and economic growth which is the area for civil engineers where they would apply technology to respond to human and society needs. Design of large irrigation and hydropower schemes focused on the economical side and not taking account of the environmental damage (loss of soil fertility, soil erosion, damage to the ecosystem, etc…) can no longer be viable. Civil engineers need to adapt and have an even more central role, benefiting the society while working with natural sources of power. They need to approach their engineering work with a holistic view taking into account macroeconomic factors, social, environmental and economic while reaching their engineering perspectives which is at the heart of sustainable developments.

Thinking sustainable and implementing technically viable solutions with economic designs and environmentally friendly solutions is the only way to manage population growth, climate change and the aging Infrastructure. With environmental management, environmental planning, environmental Infrastructure, waste management solutions, green building designs, sustainable planning, energy efficient technologies sustainability concerns can be successfully addressed.

Using rammed earth wall as opposed to using concrete walls, using energy from renewable solutions such as water, sun, wind and use of locally sourced materials are examples of how the civil engineering profession can have an impact on sustainability issues. With the latest tools enabling sustainable designs, the use of Building Information Modeling allows the analysis of heat gain, solar, ventilation, and energy efficiency through modelling airflow and ventilation and the integration of the direction and location of the sunlight, BIM providing heating and cooling advantages and long term energy cost savings (Fehrenbacher, 2011). Accurately modelling buildings and coordinating between all engineering disciplines, BIM generates costs savings in material and labor by increasing efficiency in designs and minimizing material waste (BIM journal, 2009).

References to external sources –

Fehrenbacher, J, 2011, ‘How Building Information Modeling (BIM) helps Buildings Go Green’, inhabitat, 30 June 2011.

BIM Journal, 2009, BIM explained.

Paul W. Jowitt, 2004, Sustainable Development and The Formation of The Civil Engineer, ICE Engineering Sustainability volume 157 Issue 2

Grace K C Ding, 2007, Sustainable Construction – The Role of Environmental Assessment Tools, 2007, Australia.

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

The research and evidence highlighted above reflects the initiatives undertaken on my part to enhance my knowledge base and further refine by prowess as a prospective civil engineer that can positively contribute to the environment by employing sustainability measures and valuable environment friendly practices.

Reflection on progress –

The knowledge of how I can contribute to green sites and to global sustainability objectives has been polished further through my research and work on this particular objective. I plan to make use of the extensive online resources available to gain an insight of how my work in this domain could help address sustainability concerns across the globe.

8. Understanding of how policies and procedures to manage sustainability are used in at least one organisation (e.g. your own company or British Land)

Evidence –

For this particular evidence I have researched about the quality management system of the Michelin Company and based on the information I received from one of its ex-employee the details have been highlighted below for lucid understanding. The Michelin Company makes use of the ISO 14001 standard to optimize its processes to ensure conformity in terms of quality and an environment friendly production system (Chuthamat, 2015). The primary product for this company is Tyre which is produced using chemical, water and rubber/elastomers as raw materials. The production process results in carbon emission and other pollutants hence the organization has implemented the ISO 14001 standard to refine their quality management system and to maintain their environmental management system. This ensures environment friendly practices that conform to sustainability objectives that are cost effective, help minimize waste production and make efficient use of natural resources.

However, it must be noted that integration of new technology must be adopted on regular basis and the systems installed for the waste management and purifications must be regularly inspected. According the Michelin Company’s employee, the company seeks to ensure that the waste produced during the manufacturing process is maintained within the allowable limits, and therefore the data on the waste is properly maintained/recorded and the process is inspected on periodic bases as per the ISO 14001 standard

References to external sources –

Planning and Project Management, Chuthamat's Space 2015. Available from: <http://chuthamatc.blogspot.com/2011/10/objective-16-planning-and-project.html/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

Sustainability Report 2011, British Tobacco Company 2015. Available from: <https://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.bat.com/groupfs/sites/BAT_8NXDKN.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/C125795300362522C125785B0053A2E5/%24FILE/sustainability_and_our_business_full.pdf/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

The sustainable economy, Harvard Business Review 2015. Available from: <https://hbr.org/2011/10/the-sustainable-economy/>.Accessed [19 November 2015].

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

EIA Project_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.docx

Summary of achievement –

Through my study for this objective I am now aware of various practices adopted by organizations to optimize their business processes.  It helped me learn about industry standards and practices employed across the globe that contribute towards environment friendly goals and sustainability endeavors.

Reflection on progress –

The experience would further facilitate me in my civil engineering career as I now have a deeper understanding of sustainability practices, policies and environmental management models adopted by organizations. I can further enhance my skill set by researching on additional areas relevant to industry standards and policies.

9. Aware of how Environmental Management Systems can improve sustainability

Evidence –

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are specialized models, policies or frameworks that are employed by industries and organizations to minimize the environmental influence as a consequence of their business processes (Green Plus, 2015). An important international EMS standard widely adopted across the globe by various organizations is ISO14001 that defines the criteria that companies can use through their planning, monitoring, measurement and decision-making processes to refine and maintain their environmental management system. This further facilitates organizations to formulate effective legislation and policies to encourage environment friendly practices.

Similarly, various ISO standards as well as Great Britain's independent regulator for work-related health, safety and illness HSE, have been implemented which are based individual industrial practices, which also comes under the environmental management systems. For example, there are various sets of standard when working with different forms of materials on site, typically for their disposal and implications. From the literature reviewed, it was noticed that these standard facilitate the stakeholders of the industry to understand the environmental requirements of each activity, and provided critical information on how to best utilize the available resources. Under the umbrella of project’s environmental management systems (EMS), each activity has to be completed in accordance with the optimized standard, and hence these standards provide support in completing project which higher level sustainability (EMS, 2015).

References to external sources –

How an Environmental Management System (EMS) helps create a sustainable business, Business Case Studies 2015. Available from:<http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/travis-perkins/how-an-environmental-management-system-ems-helps-create-a-sustainable-business/#ixzz3ryv1mOtu/>.Accessed [19 November, 2015].

Environmental Management Systems-Bonus, GreenPlus 2015. Available from: <http://gogreenplus.org/nuts-and-bolts-guide/performance-nuts-and-bolts-guide/sustainability-management/bonus-environmental-management-systems/>.Accessed [19 November 2015]

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

EIA Project_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.docx

Summary of achievement –

While researching for this objective, I realized that most organizations widely adopted the use of such environmental management models to ensure their processes conform to sustainability criteria. This enhanced my understanding of why such planning systems are important and how they contribute towards a sustainable environment.

Reflection on progress –

I further plan to take up research into case studies relevant to the use of planning systems and how organizations make use of such management frameworks and standards to optimize their processes in order to ensure conformity to sustainability objectives.

10. Familiarity with planning systems, e.g. legislation, area plans, procedures, rights of appeal, control systems and responsibilities

Evidence –

Planning systems greatly facilitate the achievement of sustainability objectives on a global level. Through planning systems, effective legislation and high-impact policies can be curated that can result in green designs and sustainable environments. Such planning systems aim at minimizing the impact of environmental flows and construction endeavors like the carbon emission levels, zero landfill policy and water conservation legislation (Chuthamat, 2015). Such planning systems receive significant input from relevant stakeholders in the form of decisions and feedback to formulate necessary legislation and policies.

A vast majority of research also impacts these legislation, area plans, and procedures, rights of appeal, control systems and responsibilities etc., as the industrial operating practices are subjected to continues-improvements, as suggested through the development of various HSE and other legislations of local bodies which have been derived, revised and developed for the course many years (Loe, 2000).

The whole idea of sustainable development reflects the awareness of ensuring best practices in the design, building, operations and maintaining of sites or buildings. The entire process requires that project owners understand the value of implementing optimized procedures during planning, evaluating, designing and executing construction endeavors.  The stakeholders have hence adopted to control and management frameworks such as BIM for implementing such best practices and the entire development process are now more precisely planned and monitored to ensure conformity to sustainability objectives. The strategy also the local development plan and the policies formulated by international committees to promote a safer and more productive eco-friendly environment along with standardized processes that are based on quality standards.

The stakeholders including community members have become more aware of their responsibility in encouraging sustainable development efforts through these frameworks. The same holds true for urban designs and commercial building construction such as public transport networks and urban infrastructure.  Optimized design, well-planned layouts, optimized activity planning and availability of these policies/frameworks provides for a higher quality of life for the community members including convenience and comfort which are primarily considered to be major success factors for sustainable environments and are also the main goals of sustainability development (Adil Khan, 2015).

One key example of implementing legislation, area plans, procedures etc. in urban design is the proper layout and quality construction of roads and highways that facilitate comfortable commuting. Another example is related to the proper planning and design of the drainage systems and water distribution outlets that can provide security against environmental risks like floods and other consequential damages. The design should consider these factors along with proper discharge and management of relatively large volumes of water. Some of the practices undertaken by government institutes for urban designs include the utilization of recyclable material in construction and prefabrication of buildings to minimize pollutants emission and promote conservation of natural resources. The concept of Eco-Village also addresses the sustainability concerns further promoting environment friendly practices (Chauthamat 2015). Further design considerations like use of passive solar energy, high insulation standards and use of portable solar screens greatly facilitate the achievement of sustainability objectives. Also the use of a combo of best and power plant purely designed based on the biomass concept that will influence sustainability by producing steamed water and zero carbon electricity for consumers. There are various construction projects in urban design that have implemented these practices. These practices therefore must conform to local sustainability policies and measurement schemes.

References to external sources –

Khan,Adil. 2015, PLANNING FOR AND MONITORING OF PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY: A GUIDELINE ON CONCEPTS, ISSUES AND TOOLS. Available from: <http://www.mande.co.uk/docs/khan.html/>.Accessed [23 November 2015].

Martin Guy Sexton, 2000, Sustainable Built Environments and Construction Activity through Dynamic Research Agendas, April 2000.

Paul W. Jowitt, 2004, Sustainable Development and The Formation of The Civil Engineer, ICE Engineering Sustainability volume 157 Issue 2

Rebecca Johansson, 2011, Evaluation of experiences from using CEEQUAL in infrastructure projects - A case study of the Crossrail programme and the Olympic Park.

Planning and Project Management, Chuthamat's Space 2015. Available from: <http://chuthamatc.blogspot.com/2011/10/objective-16-planning-and-project.html/>.Accessed [23 November 2015].

Loe, E. (2000). The Value of Architecture: Context & Current Thinking. London: RIBA Publications

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

EIA Project_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.docx

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

Through my research and study for the achievement of this particular objective, I have now gained an in depth understanding of the significance of legislation and policies relative to ensuring sustainability in the environmental flows and green sites. As my supplementary evidence reveals, I have greatly benefitted from my evaluation of the ETA construction project and CEEQUAL evaluation that included analysis of such legislation.

Reflection on progress –

I plan to further extend my knowledge base regarding policies and legislation relative to planning systems in the construction industry through research and studies. There is a need to understand the significance of undertaking best practices that contribute to sustainable development in every sphere of the community at each level or echelon. The government organizations and sustainability development committees have formulated legislation and policies to ensure environment friendly procedures but it is primarily the responsibility of the population at large to implement such practices and cultivate a deeper realization of the need to promote sustainability.

11. Knowledge of contract systems and how they may influence sustainability

Evidence –

Within the construction industry stakeholders play a major role on the sustainability development (Sexton, 2000). The stakeholders normally participate to influence the level of sustainability importance and criteria during the feasibility stage (Ding, 2007). Sustainability development objectives are always on periphery understanding and behavior of the stakeholder.

Most literatures resources discuss the influence of the stakeholders on the progression and promotion of the sustainability. The lack of effective coordination between the design firms, contractor, and the client, is considered as a barrier to develop a sustainable development. However the client plays the key role since he is primarily accountable for building of the team and the payment of fees.

The issue of linking stakeholders (Client, investor, designer, contractor, suppliers, Operations/maintenance/ management) is one of the key points if we need to promote and encourage sustainability development. For instance, the project “A470 Lledr Valley Improvement” overall, demonstrated a good Sustainability consideration feasibility featured in various aspects, but in my opinion the most important factor was the establishment of good relations between the project’s partners, which would facilitate and encourage the team to succeed in areas like careful design and programming. This can be accomplished through many of the construction and engineering contracts (NEC), however, an important aspect is the type of management model and procurement systems being applied for the project. For example, an NEC contract with Design and Build systems is selected for a project, the contractor may assume the responsibility as well as the risk of undertaking the design as well as conduction of the project. However, if the sustainability aspects and overall management are set as the priority, the contract type must be tailored to management contract, where management responsibilities are shared among the different teams and the stakeholder of the project (Mendler and William, 2000).

References to external sources –

Martin Guy Sexton, 2000, Sustainable Built Environments and Construction Activity through Dynamic Research Agendas, April 2000.

Grace K C Ding, 2007, Sustainable Construction – The Role of Environmental Assessment Tools, 2007, Australia.

Mendler, Sandra F., and William Odell (2000) The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

(CEEQUAL_PreAssessment_WPA_Int_Scoresheet_Adapted_by_HWU_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.xlsx)

Comments and Evaluation of CEEQUAL_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba

Summary of achievement –

Form the above I now have a good understanding of the significance of the contract system and how it impacts the sustainability development in a project. The topic widened my view on the key role of the client to influence the sustainability and how it is linked to his priorities and objectives.

Reflection on progress –

I think this will be an important part of my future as my target is to promote initiatives that are linked to the stakeholder together with their objectives and priorities in particular contractual procedures which will indeed help to promote the sustainability development in projects.

12. Understand the purpose and processes of Strategic Environmental Assessments or Sustainability Appraisals and Environmental Impact Assessments

Evidence –

The strategic environmental assessment, also referred as SEA, is systems adopted by the organizations to ensure that sustainability parameters as well as environmental aspects are effectively considered at the initial stages of the drafting and designs, policies or any other frame works. The literature reviewed in my research suggested that the SEA analyzes various parameters of the project mitigates any forms of risk to the environment by ensuring that sufficient measures are  being undertaken to address the concerns raised under the environmental assessments, and hence it is one of the influential systems in place for mitigation of environmental hazard in construction industry

Similarly, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is considered as dynamic process which evaluates the impact on environment through a particular development / construction project. This assessments considers key variable such as economic, social, on-site safety and health etc., and is aimed to produce standard operating practices to mitigate any risks involved in the project (He and Zhang, 2011)

When undertaking development initiatives or built environment endeavors it is important for all stakeholders including designers,  contractors, government agencies, policy groups, sponsors and related entities to formulate a mutual agreement that reflects a framework for the facilitation of sustainability efforts.  In my local area, UK and other European countries the need for sustainability development is manifested through policies or standards like EIA or ISO 4001 and environment friendly practices that are measured through refined environment management tools and sustainability assessment programs or tools.  During my critical evaluation of the case study relative to the EIA project I implemented the critical aspects of assessing development project with special emphasis on evacuating sustainability and analyzing the EIA of the project.

References to external sources –

He, X., and Zhang, K. (2011). Multidisciplinary approaches to new pathways to sustainable development. Environment and development

Planning and Project Management, Chuthamat's Space 2015. Available from: <http://chuthamatc.blogspot.com/2011/10/objective-16-planning-and-project.html/>.Accessed [23 November 2015].

Rebecca Johansson, 2011, Evaluation of experiences from using CEEQUAL in infrastructure projects - A case study of the Crossrail programme and the Olympic Park.

Grace K C Ding, 2007, Sustainable Construction – The Role of Environmental Assessment Tools, 2007, Australia.

References to your Supplementary Evidence –

Critical analysis of the EIA case study “The Forth Replacement Crossing” is including in the Supplementary Evidence (EIA Project_IDL_H00142885_Ahmed Heiba.docx)

Summary of achievement –

As depicted from my supplementary evidence cited above, I fully understand and comprehend the vital need to periodically assess and evaluate sustainability in buildings to promote a safer and greener global environment. The particular case study of the EIA project that I undertook further helped me realize the significance of strategic environmental assessments and their role in achieving sustainability objectives.

Reflection on progress –

I believe I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability measurement tools and the need for environmental impact assessments in the promotion of greener sites. I plan to further undertake a case study for a civil engineering project and critically evaluate the sustainability factor to further refine my experience.  The research and study I undertook for the achievement of this objective has broadened my understanding and knowledge regarding the need for implementing environment friendly practices in the various dimensions of the community across the globe. The practical initiative on my part to study and evaluate the EIA project further enabled me to acquire knowledge regarding how the policies and standards implemented in a practice can ensure sustainable development.

13. Critical analysis of the details of at least one Environmental Impact Statement

Evidence –

The Critical analysis of the case study “The Forth Replacement Crossing” demonstrates that the most fundamental environmental as well as sustainable aspects can be successfully considered in an environmental impact assessment (EIA). It was also important to note at this point that EIA is an essential requirements of the large scale project under the UK legislations as well as the Scottish parliament. For this particular case study, appropriate assessment were conducted and the reports were generated for the sites, and a summary in the form of an environmental statement was presented. The work completed on this EIA identified the key issues which included the adverse as well as beneficial aspects of the project on the environmental at large.

In response to this assessment, the vicinity area was inspected to identify the constrains of the environment, potential impacts, measures to be incorporated to the scheme to avoid any adverse impacts along with investigation of the residual effects of the scheme were undertaken. The results obtained of this assessment were then compared with the baseline-conditions, and the FRC proposals were incorporated with outcomes. This assessment impacted and addressed various concerns including the land use, Geology, Contaminated Land and Groundwater, Freshwater Ecology, Estuarine Ecology, Landscape, Visual, Cultural Heritage, Air Quality during Scheme Operation, Noise and Vibration during Scheme Operation, Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians and Community Effects, Disruption due to Construction and Policies and Plans according to the Forth Replacement Crossing, DMRB Stage 3 Environmental Statement, Non-Technical Summary of the year 2009.

This case studies highlights the larger concerns of the built environment in terms of environmental impact and how these conflicts and issues are addressed through the implementation of principles and planning systems, contracts and environmental management systems. Another case study is the Stone bridge Hillside Hub crowns study that shows 14 years of regeneration on stone bridge through provision of mixed tenure residential blocks (chauthamat, 2015). Since the organization has utilized best practices during the construction and design of the apartments therefore each of their building block achieved an Eci-homes rating of 'very good'. Their primary care center achieved an 'excellent' rating with the NEAT (NHS Environmental Assessment Tool). This primarily reflects how a construction design can achieve a higher sustainability rating through them implementation of an environmental assessment. Other case studies also reflect how project owners try to balance the three core elements significant to the sustainability promotion.