Appendix B. Description of the Rating Systems for the Examined Criteria of the TOPSIS Calculation
For the determination of the weights of the different rating systems by category, the study collected the relevant information for each criterion. The final determination of the weights, however, was based on the results of personal interviews of industry and academic experts, in addition to the personal experience and technical estimation of the authors. It was also based on the comprehensive publications of Andrew S. Chang and Calista Y. Ts [
49,
50]
K1—Accessibility
Greenroads: The evaluation sheet and the descriptions of the scoring are available on the website of the system (greenroads.org). An online evaluation form is also available free of charge. However, an exact description of the criteria and the scoring are available to non-members by paying 40 US dollars or becoming a member. Membership fees range from USD 25,000–10,000 per year, depending on the type of membership. Free trainings, webinars, and case studies are also available through the website for further understanding of the system. Points achieved: 5.
Green LITES: The latest (2nd) version of the evaluation sheet and guide can be downloaded free of charge from the GreenLITES website (
www.dot.ny.gov/programs/greenlites/project-design-cert) for both the planning and maintenance project levels. However, since 2016, no new projects or developments have been posted on the website. Points achieved: 3.
I-LAST: The guide can easily be downloaded for free from the Illinois Department of Transportation website (
idot.illinois.gov). The file presents the evaluation system well and provides a checklist with a detailed explanation of their elements. Points achieved: 4.
ENVISION: A lot of information about the system is available on the ENVISION website (sustainableinfrastructure.org). The guides can be downloaded from the website after a little searching, and their criteria, credits, and scoring are understandable and clear. However, the rating is membership-based and costs between USD 20,000–35,000/year, depending on the type of the membership (individual member/company of various sizes). Qualification is available for a USD 2000 registration fee + USD 12,000–56,000, depending on the size of the project. Points achieved: 5.
INVEST: The website (sustainablehighways.org) provides a lot of information about the system, its structure, elements, and results. The elements, description, and scoring of the guide are available on the website, although accessing and downloading the full rating system is not easy. The interface of the website answers a number of questions. Points achieved: 4.
K2—Clarity and comprehensibility
Greenroads: The evaluation system is understandable, the scoring is clear, and the checklist can be easily filled for the evaluation using the online interface. Qualification requires the involvement of a third party. Points achieved: 5.
GreenLITES: The evaluation form is available in Excel format, and the guide briefly describes the conditions for the points available for each criterion. Points achieved: 4.
I-LAST: The guide adequately explains which cases can be awarded 1, 2, or 3 points for the different criteria. The process of self-assessment is clear. Points achieved: 5.
ENVISION: The evaluation can be clearly carried out on the basis of the guide and the online evaluation form. Qualification requires the involvement of a third party, who reviews and approves project evaluations at certain stages. Points achieved: 5.
INVEST: While the website shares a lot of information with the interested party, it may seem chaotic at first. However, essentially all the important information is available for free through the website. Registration is required to score a project. Points achieved: 4.
K3—Scope, applicability at different stages of projects
Greenroads: The applicability of the system covers the project development phase (i.e., planning, design, and construction); however, certification is given only after the project is built. Points achieved: 3.
GreenLITES: The system is suitable for the sustainability evaluation of projects during planning, design, and maintenance. Points achieved: 2.
I-LAST: The system can be used during project development. Points achieved: 3.
ENVISION: The rating system can be applied to projects from system planning to operation and maintenance. Points achieved: 4.
INVEST: From the system planning processes to the operation and maintenance activities, the system can be purposefully applied to projects for evaluation. Separate checklists are available for the different stages. Points achieved: 5.
K4—Availability of required data
This criterion measures if a special database or regular survey is needed in order to perform the evaluation, and if so, if it is currently available in Hungary.
Greenroads: Points achieved: 4.
GreenLITES: Points achieved: 3.
I-LAST: Points achieved: 3.
ENVISION: Points achieved: 4.
INVEST: Points achieved: 3.
K5—Availability of required documentation
This criterion measures if additional documentation is needed for the planning and design phase, which is not part of the current Hungarian practice, and if so, whether it is currently available in Hungary.
Greenroads: Points achieved: 4.
GreenLITES: Points achieved: 3.
I-LAST: Points achieved: 3.
ENVISION: Points achieved: 4.
INVEST: Points achieved: 3.
K6—Internationally applicable experiences
Greenroads: Numerous projects outside of the US have proven the international applicability of the system. Points achieved: 5.
GreenLITES: While the elements of the system are generally applicable, the results of the application of GreenLITES shown on the website are only until 2016. The evaluated projects are located in the United States. Points achieved: 2.
I_LAST: There is no information about the application of the system on the organization’s website. Points achieved: 1.
ENVISION: In addition to the United States, the rating system has been successfully applied in Canada, Italy, Israel, and Saudi Arabia on various types of projects, demonstrating its widespread applicability. Points achieved: 5.
INVEST: While the elements of the evaluation are applicable internationally and the system has been successfully applied in several US states, it has only been used in one project outside of the US (in Paraguay), according to the website. Points achieved: 3.
K7—Training and development
Greenroads: The organization provides webinars, training, and other opportunities to learn about the evaluation system and to spread the importance of sustainability. Currently, the second version of the guide is applicable, but the test version of Version 3 was introduced on 27th of August 2020. The system is constantly being reviewed and improved as needed. Points achieved: 5.
GreenLITES: Since 2016, no new projects or developments have been added to the website. Points achieved: 2.
I-LAST: The self-assessment system has not been further developed since the 2012 version. Relatively little information about the results and efficiency of the application is available. Points achieved: 2.
ENVISION: The latest version of Envision was released in 2018, which also shows that the system is under constant development and testing. The organization holds a number of trainings, conferences, and webinars for members. Points achieved: 5.
INVEST: The latest version of the system was released in 2018. Based on the information available on the website, the last workshop was held in 2016. Points achieved: 3.
K8—Importance of energy efficiency
Greenroads: Energy and carbon footprint are among the project requirements. This means that all projects should improve the accountability of energy and emissions for project materials and construction activities. Moreover, reducing energy and CO2 emissions comes up in the case of other credits as well (e.g., material and design, and utility and control). Points achieved: 3.
GreenLITES: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 5.
I-LAST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
ENVISION: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
INVEST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
K9—Importance of environmental awareness of material and track structure
Greenroads: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
GreenLITES: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 5.
I-LAST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
ENVISION: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
INVEST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 2.
K10—Importance of environmental awareness of water and the ecosystem
Greenroads: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
GreenLITES: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
I-LAST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 5.
ENVISION: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
INVEST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 2.
K11—Importance of accessibility and equality in the project development
Greenroads: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
GreenLITES: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 2.
I-LAST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 4.
ENVISION: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 3.
INVEST: Evaluation based on the results of the previously presented
Figure 3.
Points achieved: 5.
K12—Encouraging innovation
Greenroads: In the criterion of Creativity and Effort, 1–5 points are available for applying innovation ideas. This constitutes a maximum of 4% of the total score. Points achieved: 3.
GreenLITES: Certain elements of the system reward the application of innovation methods with points but it is not a priority in the evaluation. Points achieved: 3.
I-LAST: During the evaluation, an innovation category was created, where points can be obtained in a range from 1 to 3. This represents less than 1% of all points earned. Points achieved: 2.
ENVISION: For each major category, the scheme rewards the application of innovations with 1–10 points if the project uses innovative technologies or processes that are novel in their use, in their application, or in their local regulatory or cultural environment. Points are also awarded if the project implements measures that exceed the highest requirements within one or more quality of life credits or if it highlights additional aspects of sustainability that are not currently recognized by Envision. Points achieved: 5.
INVEST: Up to three innovative criteria are available for each evaluation sheet for each of the four modules. Bonus points can be earned if innovative criteria are used. The maximum number of innovation bonus points that can be earned is 10 points, which is about 6 to 15% of the evaluation. Points achieved: 3.