Towards a Unified Sustainability Assessment Framework: Bridging Green Buildings and Mega Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

Sustainability has become a fundamental priority in the global construction sector, encompassing both green buildings and mega infrastructure projects (MIPs). However, existing sustainability assessment systems typically address these two domains independently, often resulting in fragmented evaluations and missed opportunities for holistic sustainability outcomes. This paper explores the critical need for a unified sustainability assessment framework that integrates green building practices with large-scale infrastructure evaluation. Through a comparative review of leading certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, Envision, and CEEQUAL, this study identifies the methodological gaps and overlaps that currently limit cross-scale assessments. The paper proposes a structured approach for developing interoperable sustainability indicators and joint certification processes capable of providing comprehensive, lifecycle-based evaluations. A SWOT analysis is conducted to assess the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of adopting such an integrated framework. The findings demonstrate that harmonizing sustainability assessments across buildings and infrastructures can significantly enhance environmental, social, and economic performance, while reducing redundancy and improving certification efficiency. This research contributes practical insights for advancing sustainable development in complex construction projects, including mixed-use developments and large urban regeneration initiatives.