The new PCRs dedicated to infrastructures – Interview with Sara Bressi

You have dealt with the development of the PCR dedicated to infrastructures at a technical level: what kind of work has been done?
The work was structured in different steps: the first was to create a framework on the state of the art, that is to summarize and analyze what had been done up to that moment, a work of reviewing the existing literature to evaluate the starting point. and any limits. The second step was then to try to bridge the limits of the previous standards downstream of technical-scientific discussions with the subjects involved. In this regard, I would like to thank Dr. Andrea Morfino, Sphera consultant for the important collaboration. In particular, the main aspects touched were: the modification of the functional unit and the mandatory or optional modules for the EPDs, which depend on the type of infrastructure analyzed. Another important aspect was the introduction of a “pre-project EPD” which estimates the preliminary environmental impacts on the basis of the data assumed and available in the design phase of the infrastructure and a “post-project EPD” which aims to verify the environmental impacts calculated after the construction of the infrastructure using the primary data collected in this phase. Last but not least, guidelines have been created for calculating the impacts deriving from the use phase of the infrastructures.
In your opinion, what is the value of this type of work and what results will it lead to?
The value of this type of work lies in trying to define first of all the rules for a correct comparability of the EPDs relating to infrastructures, providing guidelines and specific requirements for the development of the EPD for the evaluation of the environmental performance of the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, airports, bridges and viaducts. These PCRs also have a wide field of applicability: they refer to both new and existing infrastructures, taking into account the design phase and up to the conclusion of the works. My hope is that these PCRs will therefore lead to incentives for the implementation of EPDs and more generally an attention, now more necessary than ever, to the reduction of environmental impacts resulting from the activities of this sector.
What was the role of ICMQ within the working group?
The role of ICMQ was to ensure that all procedures for publication were carried out correctly. He dealt with the preliminary management of the PCRs and the management of the public consultation. It also actively participated in the revision work providing an important contribution for the subsequent publication.