Methodology
GoldSET is based on multicriteria analysis (MCA) theory, an approach that has been widely used for integrating diverse stakeholder goals with performance criteria in engineering projects. The tool compares project options by scoring performance indicators, and aggregates them by dimension, based on their relative ranks and weight. Results are presented on a visual diagram that clearly illustrates the strength and weaknesses of each option across the three dimensions (environmental, social, and economic) of Sustainable Development. GoldSET module makes the decision criteria explicit, help achieve client-specific requirements that may impact long-term project performances, and facilitates cooperation among multiple stakeholders in the decision-making process.
How does it work?
The GoldSET© evaluation process can be streamlined into five key steps. The tool's methodology is adaptable and, in some cases, iterative. Ideally, every step is performed in close consultation with the client, especially personnel who are familiar with the technical, business/organization and stakeholder issues associated with the project.
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"Our five-stage approach enables clients to quickly recognize GoldSET's effectiveness in making good decisions about project alternatives and successfully integrate sustainable development into projects operations."
Robert Noel De Tilly, Associate and GoldSET Team Leader |
- Project Description
During this initial step, the user is asked to "set the scene" and identify the context in which the project and decision-making are taking place. Site conditions, project objectives, and key stakeholders and their issues must be identified.
- Options Development
The second step is to identify and elaborate on various remediation options and/or alternatives that are thought to be suitable for the site specificities and project restrictions. Those options will then be assessed from an economic, social and environmental standpoint.
- Indicators Selection
Indicators make up the backbone of GoldSET. Together, the entire set of indicators should be representative of a project's performance, impacts and cost, in the context of its objectives and stakeholder concerns. The tool provides several modules, which already include a set of pre-selected indicators, chosen based on international and industry-specific standards, as well as legal requirements. Indicators can be added or removed, depending on needs and the context of the project.
- Ranking and Scoring
For each indicator, every project option must me ranked according to a scoring scheme previously determined by the user. GoldSET automatically calculates the aggregate score for each project option and compares their performance across the three dimensions (environmental, social, and economic) of Sustainable Development.
- Interpretation and Decision Making
Results are presented as a visual diagram that clearly illustrates the strength and weaknesses of each option in regards to Sustainability. The evaluation process is iterative by nature, and further refining can be accomplished if additional information is available or if a new option is proposed. Sensitivity analysis can also be performed on the results to improve the reliability of the findings.
The right method to communicate your choices and results is often a crucial step to your project's success, GoldSET methodology entails a communication structure that brings a collaborative approach to the table by engaging all stakeholders and clients into the decision making process through every step of the assessment, allowing them to make decisions with broad consensus that can be easily defended.