Transport infrastructure procurement models to support carbon reduction

Advancing sustainable procurement in transportation infrastructure, where project decisions have long-term implications for carbon emissions, resource efficiency, and social equity, is essential. Traditional procurement frameworks often for reasons of fiscal constraint, prioritise lowest cost, and heavily discount future benefits. Such an approach is not in keeping with the articulated governmental goals around emissions, sustainability, and resilience, and more robust methods are needed to allow best value across a range of outputs. 

Empirical research is needed to enable the integration of sustainability principles, such as lifecycle costing, community benefits and recyclability, into traditional public purchasing models. To do these likely methodological approaches will include mixed-methods research, combining quantitative lifecycle assessment (LCA) and cost–benefit analysis with qualitative case studies and policy evaluations. These methods will allow you to measure environmental and economic performance, while exploring institutional, behavioural, and regulatory factors influencing procurement decisions.

Comparative case studies of transportation projects, such as highway expansions, rail upgrades, or port developments, can reveal best practices, barriers, and contextual differences in implementing sustainability criteria. The aim of this project will be to transfer conceptual frameworks into measurable and operational practice. By linking policy objectives with empirical data and stakeholder insights, the work will enable more transparent, accountable, and adaptive procurement systems capable of delivering long-term economic, social, and environmental goals.