Measuring the Sustainability of Shared-Use Paths: Development of the GreenPaths Rating System

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Measuring the Sustainability of Shared-Use Paths: Development of the GreenPaths Rating System

Michelle Oswald Beiler

The application of sustainable performance measures continues to increase with the development of sustainable rating systems such as leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED), as well as transportation-focused programs, such as Greenroads. Established transportation rating systems focus primarily on the design and construction of motorized facilities such as local roadways and highways. As a result, there is the opportunity to develop a rating system focused on shared-use paths that are for nonmotorized (pedestrian and cycling) mobility. The primary objective of this research is to develop a sustainable rating system for the design and construction of shared-use paths, called GreenPaths, in order to promote environmental, social, and economic benefits through the development process. Sustainable indicators (credits) for shared-use paths are developed and then weighted using the analytic hierarchy process. GreenPaths is then applied to a real-world shared-use path facility, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Union County, Pennsylvania. The case study results indicate the applicability, relevance, and significance of the rating system toward measuring sustainable design and construction practices for shared-use facilities.