Public Opinion As an Indicator of the Social Sustainability of Construction Projects

Increasing the use of social sustainability in the decision-making process of construction projects requires that it be defined such that it can be evaluated objectively. One potential indicator of social sustainability in construction projects is public opinion, which can provide a means to evaluate the level of social sustainability on a construction project in normative ways. In this study, the causes for public opposition to a construction project are investigated using a framework that incorporates social principles of sustainability (as defined in current literature). The framework is demonstrated using two case studies: (1) California Delta (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta), and (2) the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. Key observations are summarized using grounded theory. Preliminary analysis indicated that the public perception of unfulfilled social sustainability principles related to providing human basic needs, are common triggers of public opposition in construction infrastructure projects. This study provides the basis for research considering social sustainability principles and public opinion in construction projects. An improved understanding of the correlation of these factors could enable decision makers to better incorporate them during the planning phase of the project.