Quantitative approaches for including equity in risk and resilience infrastructure planning analyses
Risk and resilience assessments for critical infrastructure focus on myriad objectives, from natural hazard evaluations to optimizing investments. Although research has started to characterize externalities associated with current or possible future states, incorporation of equity priorities at project inception is increasingly being recognized as critical for planning related activities. However, there is no standard methodology that guides development of equity-informed quantitative approaches for infrastructure planning activities. Here, to address this gap, we introduce a logic model that can be tailored to capture nuances about specific geographies and community priorities, effectively incorporating them into different mathematical approaches for quantitative risk assessments. Specifically, the logic model uses a graded, iterative approach to clarify specific equity objectives as well as inform the development of equations being used to support analysis. We demonstrate the utility of this framework using case studies spanning aviation fuel, produced water, and microgrid electricity infrastructures. For each case study, the use of the logic model helps clarify the ways that local priorities and infrastructure needs are used to drive the types of data and quantitative methodologies used in the respective analyses. The explicit consideration of methodological limitations (e.g., data mismatches) and stakeholder engagements serves to increase the transparency of the associated findings as well as effectively integrate community nuances (e.g., ownership of assets) into infrastructure assessments. Such integration will become increasingly important to ensure that planning activities (which occur throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure projects) lead to long-lasting solutions to meet both energy and sustainable development goals for communities.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0003525
- OSTI ID:
- 2311697
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 2007125
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--2023-10183J; {"","Journal ID: ISSN 0272-4332"}
- Journal Information:
- Risk Analysis, Journal Name: Risk Analysis; ISSN 0272-4332
- Publisher:
- WileyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Hydrogen Sustainable Infrastructure Guidelines (H2SIG)
Challenges at the Frontiers of Matter and Energy: Transformative Opportunities for Discovery Science