Environmental assessment
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Environmental Assessment: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Environmental Assessment Frameworks
Fully Integrating Environmental Assessment
A new framework for environmental assessment has been proposed to address the limitations of existing frameworks, which often fail to encompass all types of environmental assessments. This comprehensive framework integrates four general types of assessments: condition assessments, causal pathway assessments, predictive assessments, and outcome assessments. These assessments are organized in a two-by-two matrix based on the direction of causal analysis and whether the assessment identifies or solves problems. This structure aims to simplify terminology and enhance communication between different types of assessments and environmental programs, ultimately facilitating better decision-making in environmental management1.
Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA)
The Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) approach is designed to manage complex information and incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives to support environmental decision-making. This holistic approach builds upon existing tools and methods, emphasizing transparency and stakeholder engagement. The CEA is currently applied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can be extended to evaluate major issues such as the sustainability of biofuels3.
Theoretical and Practical Considerations
The Role and Functioning of Environmental Assessment
Environmental assessment is widely used globally, yet it often falls short of effectively promoting sustainable development. Theoretical shortcomings, particularly in understanding causation, limit its practical effectiveness. Research highlights the diversity of mechanisms through which environmental assessment can contribute to sustainability and underscores the need for a reflexive approach that accommodates various purposes, methods, and contexts2.
Improving the Effectiveness of Environmental Assessment
A study by the Midlands Region of the Environment Agency developed a best practice model for environmental assessment, emphasizing a holistic approach and updated quality assurance mechanisms. This model includes a more prescriptive project management process and the use of environmental action plans to ensure that environmental constraints are implemented effectively6.
Tools and Methods in Environmental Assessment
Building Environmental Assessment Tools
The field of environmental assessment tools for buildings is vast and diverse, with tools designed for different types of buildings and life cycle phases. These tools must evolve to address the shift from green building to sustainable building, incorporating economic and social aspects alongside environmental considerations. The effectiveness of these tools in influencing decision-making should also be analyzed4.
Quantitative Tools for the Built Environment
Quantitative tools for environmental assessment of the built environment have gained prominence, reflecting an understanding of cities and built environments as systems metabolizing matter and energy. These tools are crucial for further research and development in environmental assessment8.
Sector-Specific Environmental Assessments
Environmental Assessment in Health Care Organizations
A multi-criteria model for environmental assessment in health care organizations has been developed to ensure objectivity and ease of application. This model incorporates criteria relevant to internal environmental auditing processes and aims to support continuous improvement. A practical case study from a Spanish hospital demonstrated the model's application, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement9.
Environmental Performance of Universities
Universities are increasingly assessing and reporting their environmental performance within a supply-chain context. Hybrid life-cycle assessment methods, which combine input-output analysis and process analysis, are particularly suited for this purpose. These methods enable comprehensive results and support sustainable campus planning, as demonstrated by a case study at the University of Sydney10.
Trends and Future Directions
Bibliometric Analysis of Environmental Assessment Research
A bibliometric analysis of 113,468 publications over 20 years reveals trends in environmental assessment research. The focus has shifted from project environmental impact assessment (EIA) to strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Decision-theoretic approaches and new technologies, such as geographic information systems and modeling, have become prevalent. Hot topics like biodiversity and climate change are expected to remain central to future research. The analysis also highlights the importance of improving environmental assessment systems in developing countries5.
Conclusion
Environmental assessment is a critical tool for sustainable development, requiring comprehensive frameworks, effective tools, and sector-specific models. Ongoing research and development, along with stakeholder engagement and theoretical advancements, are essential for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of environmental assessments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Framework for Fully Integrating Environmental Assessment
This new framework for environmental assessment integrates four types of assessments, simplifying terminology and facilitating communication between assessments and environmental programs.
The role and functioning of environmental assessment: theoretical reflections upon an empirical investigation of causation.
Environmental assessment can contribute to sustainable development through diverse mechanisms, requiring reflexive accommodation of purposes, methods, and context to effectively achieve its goal.
Highly CitedComprehensive Environmental Assessment: A Meta-Assessment Approach
The comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) approach effectively manages complex information and engages diverse stakeholders to support sustainable environmental decision-making.
A critical review of building environmental assessment tools
This study categorizes and compares building environmental assessment tools, but future requirements and the shift from green to sustainable building require further analysis.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedBibliometric analysis of global environmental assessment research in a 20-year period
The focus in environmental assessment research has shifted from project impact assessments to strategic assessments, with biodiversity and climate change being key areas of focus.
Highly CitedDevelopment of guidelines for improving the effectiveness of environmental assessment
A holistic approach to environmental assessment, with updated quality assurance mechanisms and project management tools, can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental assessment processes in water projects.
An overview of the state of environmental assessment education at Canadian universities
Canadian universities have tripled the number of environmental assessment courses since the mid-1980s, but the complexity of environmental assessment requires further education and training.
Tools for environmental assessment of the built environment
This paper compares five quantitative tools for environmental assessment of the built environment, highlighting their current development status and potential for further research and development.
Highly CitedEnvironmental assessment in health care organizations
This study developed a multi-criteria model for environmental assessment of healthcare organizations, highlighting areas for improvement and recommending actions for sustainable improvement.
Evaluating the environmental performance of a university
The Path Exchange Method, a hybrid life-cycle assessment method, can effectively assess and report environmental performance in a university's supply chain, offering more abatement options and improved decision support for sustainable campus planning.
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