Mapping sustainability assessment with the project life cycle

Traditionally viewed as a technically based exercise focused on assessing the sustainability performance of buildings, sustainability assessment is increasingly called upon to play a proactive role that supports the management of sustainability across the project life cycle. Calls are emerging for assessment to evolve as a tool that contributes to the predominantly subjective nature of decisions taken across the project life cycle and to achieve better integration between assessment and project activities. This paper aims to contribute towards this emerging understanding by considering an empirically based case study which follows a progressive approach to apply and integrate sustainability assessment with the life cycle stages of a university campus building project. The paper presents the findings of a mapping exercise that identifies the emerging phases and activities of the assessment in relation to the stakeholders involved and life cycle stages. By exploring an empirical context that is by nature forward thinking, some recommendations are drawn to facilitate the evolution of sustainability assessment towards the advocated approach.