Abstract
Brownfields revitalization transforms vacant, contaminated properties into valuable community assets, and it is crucial in restoring the environment, protecting human health, boosting local economies, and promoting environmental justice. This thesis aims to investigate brownfields cleanup and redevelopment through the lens of sustainability. Using EPA-funded brownfields in Massachusetts that have undergone cleanup as a study group, a sustainability index for brownfields cleanup and redevelopment was developed. This framework is built on the three pillars of sustainable remediation: environmental, social, and economic. For each pillar, the framework incorporates indicators based on publicly available data to calculate an overall sustainability score. Applying this framework to the study group revealed opportunities to enhance sustainability in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment in Massachusetts. The results indicate that two of the factors with the most ability to improve sustainability are remedial practices and land reuse. To enhance sustainability, it is vital to implement green remediation methods and ensure future land uses (e.g., affordable housing and community spaces) directly benefit surrounding communities. Overall, the developed framework for measuring sustainability in brownfields revitalization can be implemented at the local, state, or federal level in remedial alternative analysis, redevelopment planning under various land reuses, and reporting on sustainability impacts after cleanup and redevelopment.