Work

The limits of value engineering assessment criteria for integrating sustainability issues - Lessons from early design phases of major civil engineering infrastructure projects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Addressing sustainability challenges requires the integration of environmental and social dimensions into engineering design. This study examines major civil engineering infrastructure design projects using the Value Engineering (VE) method to evaluate the extent to which current assessment criteria address these challenges. Using empirical data from ten industrial projects in the nuclear and railway sectors, this paper aims to diagnose the limits of VE assessment criteria in integrating sustainability dimensions. Our analysis reveals that 78% of value criteria are techno-economic, with social and ecological dimensions often marginalised. Three key limitations are identified: a functional bias in VE methods; subjective, context-dependent criteria; and a lack of standardised frameworks for sustainability integration. These findings emphasise the necessity of adapting VE methods to more effectively address sustainability in the initial design stages.

Source: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2026.101547

Authors: Alexis Lalevée, Claudine Gillot

Institutions: Université de Technologie de Troyes, Université Paris-Saclay

Language: English

Topic: Value Engineering and Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,350