Impact of Primary Road Emissions on Social Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract: Assessing pavement sustainability involves evaluating environmental, economic, and social impacts. Among these, the social dimension is often the most overlooked in pavement studies due to its complexity. Executive Order 12898 mandates that federal agencies develop an Environmental Justice (EJ) strategy to enforce environmental regulations in minority and low-income communities. To enhance focus on the socio-economic impacts of transportation systems, the Department of Transportation has been investing in programs aimed at improving accessibility for underserved populations. Although trucks account for only 5% of traffic, they are estimated to contribute 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Roadways that carry truck traffic can significantly impact the socio-economic conditions of nearby communities. These impacts can be assessed throughout a roadway's life cycle using the Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA), which incorporates well-established methods such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to address the often-neglected social sustainability pillar. This study aims to apply SLCA principles, along with LCA and LCCA, to quantify the impacts of selected roadways on adjacent communities. The research began with a geospatial analysis to identify environmental justice communities near roadways, using databases from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Next, a quantified relationship between emissions and exposure to traffic-related air pollution was established, and roadways were classified based on various socio-economic indicators. The UNEP/SETAC SLCA guidelines were implemented for this analysis. The study's findings highlight the added value of incorporating social aspects into pavement sustainability assessments, revealing potential implications for the design and planning of transportation infrastructure.