ABSTRACT
Lack of space, limited access to resources, carbon reduction, resilience, impact from climate change, and the need for more effective infrastructures are just some of the considerations to keep in mind when planning a new or refurbishing an existing immersed tunnels in the 21st century. Public demand is asking for ‘sustainable infrastructure’, but is it possible to be more specific, more tangible when aiming for it? Can the ‘sustainability’ of an infrastructure be better assessed based on evidence and measurements? Can the efforts of being more specific in defining parameters that describe a ‘sustainable infrastructure’ help the industry become more structured, collaborative, and motivated to suggest and test new and innovative solutions? This document briefly introduces the topics of sustainability using BREEAM Infra worth considering when planning, designing, constructing, and operating an immersed tunnel. BREEAM stands for 'Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology' and is the methodology which sets the world standard for rating systems of building and works as an environmental assessment method. The purpose of this paper is to show - by setting clear goals, monitoring and documenting results on specific sustainability topics - how it can inspire and assist in the dialogue for people involved in the early phases of an immersed tunnel projects, be them decision makers, specialists within engineering, economy, legal, environment and social science or stakeholders. Through sustainable development tunnel projects provide higher long-term value to societies, to the planet, and to future generations. The goal of a system like BREEAM Infra is to support quantifying, measuring, assessing, and evaluating where an immersed tunnel project could make a positive difference.
