INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACTS CALCULATOR: AN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT TOOL USING CO-BENEFIT APPROACH

Abstract

The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development recognized the concept of sustainable development which balances the economic, social, and environmental factors to meet our needs and the future.  Succeeding climate actions such as the Clean Development Mechanism, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions, Green Climate Fund, Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, and the Paris Agreement reinforce the support for co-benefits.  The co-benefits approach considers both development and climate benefits in a single policy.  The Sustainable Technology Assisted Route Planning for Region VI, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, considers this approach.  It aims to support the development of a sustainable Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) that integrates the road and maritime transport network of Region VI through the use of developed technologies for the transport sector while considering its social, economic, and environmental impacts.  The LPTRP is crucial in the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program launched in 2017.  In this regard, an Excel-based assessment tool compatible with a transport simulation tool is developed and presented.  The tool facilitates a swift processing of information from the simulation results of different scenarios to the comparative assessment of transport infrastructure proposals and policies.  It enhances the capabilities of local staff and researchers in assessing the effects of transport projects and programs using co-benefit analysis.  This endeavor hopes to foster better local decision-making related to transportation planning and management affecting not only the economy but also the environment.