Environmental Assessment Methods Research Articles

THE CARBON FOOTPRINT AND MONETARY VALUE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAIRMENT BY THE DISPLACEMENT TOWARDS PROTECTED AREAS IN ECUADOR

Objective: Generate environmental awareness and economic valuation of the pollution caused by the movement of people to the protected areas (PA) of Ecuador from the city of Ambato. Theoretical Framework: The perspectives of alternative development and sustainable development models provide the theoretical framework that supports this work and allows us to envision alternatives for solving environmental conflicts such as pollution and environmental deterioration of the country's protected areas. Method: The methodology used was built based on environmental assessment methods. Thus, first, the country's protected areas were identified, and the distances from Ambato to the PAs in kilometers were calculated. Then, the fuel used for the trip was calculated, as well as the fuel consumption of the round trip, which helped to obtain the carbon footprint generated by the transfer and determine the environmental cost of the carbon dioxide emission. Results and Discussion: The investigation results determined that the cost of environmental contamination when visiting the 47 Ecuadorian protected areas was $395,391.37. Research Implications: However, the contribution of this study focuses on providing evidence that conserving nature is more profitable than exploiting it. Originality/Value: The study demonstrates the need to change transportation for a sustainable mobility system to achieve social, economic, and environmental balance.

Enabling comprehensive assessment of marine eutrophication impacts and their evaluation against regional safe operating space

Abstract Purpose Nitrogen emissions from human activities are contributing to elevated levels of eutrophication in coastal ecosystems. Mechanisms involved in marine eutrophication show strong geographical variation. Existing life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) and absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA) methods for marine eutrophication do not adequately represent this variability, do not have a full global coverage, and suffer from other limitations, such as poor estimation of coastal residence times. This study aims to advance LCIA and AESA for marine eutrophication. Methods We aligned and combined recent advancements in marine eutrophication LCIA and AESA methods into one method. By re-running models underlying the combined methods and incorporating additional data sources, we included marine regions missing in previous methods and improved fate modeling, with the inclusion of denitrification and plant uptake in the air emission-terrestrial deposition pathway. To demonstrate and validate our method, we applied it in a case study. Results The developed method allows the assessment of marine eutrophication impacts from emissions to soil, freshwater, and air at high resolution (0.083° and 2° × 2.5° for inland and air emissions, respectively) and spatial coverage (all ice-free global continents). In the case study, we demonstrate the added value of our method by showing that the now quantified spatial variability within spatial units, e.g., river basins, can be large and have a strong influence on the modeled marine eutrophication from the case study. Compared to existing methods, our method identifies larger occupations of safe operating space for marine eutrophication, mainly due to the high resolution of the coastal compartment, reflecting a more realistic areal extent of marine eutrophication impacts. Conclusions Although limited by factors such as simulations based on a single reference year for modeling inland and air fate, our method is readily applicable to assess the marine eutrophication impact of nitrogen emitted to any environmental compartment and relate it to the safe operating space. With substantial advancement of existing approaches, our method improves the basis for decision-making for managing nitrogen and reducing emissions to levels within the safe operating space.

A Study on the Introduction of Impact Assessment System for Coastal Erosion

Recently, the impact of climate change with sea levels rise, abnormal high waves, and continuous construction of artificial structures such as ports and harbors, has led to an increasing trend in coastal erosion. In this study, the scope and method of Environmental Impact Assessment, Utilization of Sea Areas, Disaster Impact Assessment, and Risk Assessment of Coastal Disasters System, which are carried out during development projects and erosion reduction projects carried out on the coast, are analyzed to identify each problem. , we proposed a plan to introduce the Impact Assessment System for Coastal Erosion, which can minimize the impact of coastal erosion by deriving improvement measures.

BIM to BREEAM: A workflow for automated daylighting assessment of existing buildings

By conducting an assessment of the existing building stock from the perspective of the Green Building Certification System (GBCS), it is possible to contribute to the improvement of energy utilization and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as promoted through the Renovation Wave strategy by the European Union. These aspirations will simultaneously contribute to enhancing human well-being, indoor environmental quality, and comfort. This paper describes a novel methodology for enhancing the renovation of existing buildings at the design stage using automation within the Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. By parameterizing the requirements of GBCS using a visual programming tool, real-time insight into the number of achieved certain issue credits in the certification process is enabled. It was also created to enable designers in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector to continuously monitor the development of design and make modifications as early as possible in the design process. Thus, cost overruns in design projects, as well as later renovations and building maintenance, are prevented. This research has utilized the capability of BIM to perform rapid compliance simulations with Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) requirements without the need for manual calculations and/or computer simulations in other software, which would increase the time required for analysis due to additional modeling requirements. The methodology is demonstrated using the automation of the Daylighting section of the issue Hea01 Visual Comfort from the Technical Manual SD225 1.4 − BREEAM International Non-Domestic Refurbishment 2015, and the validation was performed on a BIM model of an existing building belonging to the educational sector. The application of the described methodology in the case study reduced the time required for assessing the number of achieved daylighting credits by 40%, with potential savings extending up to 80% depending on the chosen criteria for analysis. The tool is designed to be applicable to other GBCS, building types, and newly designed buildings as well.

[Development of a new method for assessing the availability of low-sodium foods in Japan].

Objectives　Food environment improvement involving salt reduction requires improving access to and labeling low-sodium foods. Assessing the implementation status of these measures is also necessary. However, to date, no established methods exist for assessing the availability of low-sodium foods in communities. In this study, we aimed to devise a survey on the availability of low-sodium foods as a community food environment assessment method in order to establish common assessment methods, criteria, and practical measures, as well as standardization nationwide.Methods　A preliminary survey on the availability of low-sodium foods was conducted in Kitakyushu City in four stores with nationwide representation. Consent for providing information on handled product lists was obtained. The on-site lists collected through direct investigation by surveyors were compared with the handled product lists provided by the stores and analyzed to identify survey challenges and examine feasibility and the potential for accuracy. The definition of low-sodium foods, which emerged as a challenge in the preliminary survey, was confirmed. Preliminary survey data were carefully reviewed to establish classification criteria for low-sodium foods and create a low-sodium food list to serve as a reference for on-site surveys. Forms for recording the results of on-site surveys and a survey manual were developed. Registered dietitians conducted on-site surveys using the manual to confirm its applicability.Results　The preliminary survey results revealed that the on-site lists had fewer omissions and greater feasibility than store-provided lists. After clearly defining low-sodium foods, we established classification criteria (three major categories, seven subcategories, and 37 minor categories) considering the ease of on-site investigations and purchases. Three forms for recording survey results were developed, including a standard input form allowing detailed documentation of the availability of individual low-sodium foods, an aggregation form for a quantitative assessment of low-sodium foods availability, and a display form visualizing the availability of low-sodium foods by store. Furthermore, a survey manual was developed explaining the purpose and approach of the low-sodium foods availability survey, definition and classification criteria for low-sodium foods, and the three forms for recording survey results. Findings indicated that all registered dietitians could conduct on-site surveys using the manual and successfully collect and organize data.Conclusion　On-site surveys using the manual and documentation forms enabled easy and accurate assessments of low-sodium foods availability. Thus, this standardized method to assess the availability of low-sodium foods could be a food environment assessment method for regional salt reduction initiatives.

Towards green evolution in urban Egypt: assessing Al Rehab City through LEED-ND and BREEAM-communities frameworks

AbstractThis article provides a comprehensive analysis of the application of green neighborhood rating systems, specifically Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) and Building Research Foundation Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)-Communities, in the context of Cairo, Egypt, focusing on Al Rehab City, a prominent urban area in New Cairo. The study begins by providing a background on Al-Rehab City, explaining its strategic planning, urban design, and demographic dynamics. It then delves into the current state of sustainable urban planning in Egypt, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that exist in this rapidly urbanizing context. The core of the article includes a comparative analysis of LEED-ND and BREEAM communities, assessing their adaptability and relevance to the Egyptian urban landscape, especially Al Rehab City. It explores many sustainability issues such as smart location, neighborhood pattern and design, green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community engagement. The discussion extends to examine how each of these aspects of sustainability applies to Al Rehab City, complemented by case studies and examples of current sustainable practices in Cairo. Furthermore, the article identifies specific local challenges in implementing these assessment systems, such as economic constraints, policy constraints, and cultural factors. It also suggests opportunities for improvement, including the potential for public–private partnerships, policy reforms, community engagement, technological innovation, and sustainable urban development modeling. In conclusion, the article provides insight into the future prospects of green urban planning in Cairo. The potential impact of adopting comprehensive assessment systems is discussed, with an emphasis on the role of Al Rehab City as a potential model for sustainable urban development in Egypt and the wider MENA region. The article aims to contribute to the discourse on sustainable urban planning, and provide a roadmap for integrating global sustainability standards into the unique context of Egyptian cities.

A fish biodiversity protection based approach for assessing environmental flow regime in rivers

Available environmental flow assessment methods are not able to integrate the impacts of flow regime on the fish biodiversity which means improving these methods is necessary. This study proposes a novel approach to assess environmental flow regime in which the fish biodiversity index is simulated in the structure of the environmental flow assessment for protecting the fish biodiversity values in the case study. Due to considerable impact of water quality parameters as well as physical flow parameters, two combined physical flow and water quality indices were considered as the inputs of simulating fish biodiversity index. Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) as well as hydraulic simulation were applied to simulate combined indices of physical flow and water quality. Moreover, a multiple linear regression (MLR) model was utilized for simulating the fish biodiversity index. Due to necessity of simulating natural flow regime in the representative river reach, soil and water assessment tool as a known hydrological tool was applied as well. According to evaluation indices of the case study, ANFIS model as well as SWAT and MLR are reliable to assess environmental flow considering the fish biodiversity. The minimum environmental flow in the study area was assessed 40% of mean annual flow in which the difference between fish biodiversity index between the natural flow and environmental flow is less than 10%. However, significant improvement of water quality is a prerequisite before implementing the proposed environmental flow regime. High computational complexities is one of the weaknesses of the proposed method.

Sustainability assessment frameworks for delivering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets: A case of Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) UK New Construction

AbstractDue to the potential role of the construction industry in addressing the global challenge of climate change, stakeholders are beginning to develop the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework. Prior to this, several assessment frameworks such as the building research establishment environmental assessment methods (BREEAM), LEED, and Green Star Certification amongst others have evolved to evaluate a development against an array of sustainability indicators. Through document analysis, this paper explores the extent sustainability assessment frameworks can help UK construction companies demonstrate their commitment to ESG targets. Findings show that although the BREEAM assessment framework captured environmental and social aspects to some extent, there appears to be much desired in its consideration for governance issues. Subsequent versions of the assessment frameworks should attempt to include some of these credits that are not currently included in the framework to guarantee stakeholders that the uptake of the framework in the decision‐making process would help to deliver ESG targets.

The added value of environmental certification in the Dutch office market

Purpose This study examines the relationship between environmental building certification Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM-NL) and office rents in the Dutch office market.Design/methodology/approach A hedonic price model was used to assess the impact of BREEAM certification on office rents. The study is based on 4,355 rent transactions in the period 2015 to mid-2022, in which 331 transactions took place in certified office buildings and 4,024 transactions in non-certified office buildings.Findings The results provide empirical evidence on quantitative economic benefits of BREEAM-certified offices in the Netherlands. After controlling for all important office rent determinants, the results show a rental premium for certified office buildings of 10.3% on average. The green premiums highly differ across submarkets and vary between 5.1 and 12.6% in the five largest Dutch cities. Additionally, the results show significant positive correlation between BREEAM-NL label score and rents, whereby better performing buildings generally command higher rents.Originality/value The study contributes to the current literature on green building economics by providing, as one of the first, empirical evidence on the existence of financial benefits for BREEAM-certified office buildings in the Dutch office market.

Potential of BREEAM-C to support building circularity assessment: Insights from case study and expert interview

Lack of knowledge and tools hampers circular transition in the construction industry. This study analyzes the potential of a framework of circular indicators put forward by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM-C) as an answer to the prevailing need of a metric for building circularity assessment to promote circular construction. A qualitative analysis approach is adopted, involving literature review, comparative case study and semi-structured interviews conducted for collecting expert opinions. An in-depth scrutiny of the BREEAM-C indicators revealed that they are rooted in circular principles, cover building circularity realizable through circular strategies, and have given due consideration to circularity in different impact areas, structural layers and life-cycle stages of buildings. Moreover, BREEAM-C indicators not only show capacity in identifying CE-related practices implemented, but also serve as benchmarks testifying that CE principles/strategies are incorporated in the design, construction, operation and management of the buildings. Despite having room for expansion, BREEAM-C has proven to be applicable and practical with potential for use in Taiwan as confirmed by expert opinions. Nevertheless, adaptation/localization is required to cater for different concerns with respect to climate and safety as well as local context and legislations.

Life cycle assessment of integrated microalgae oil production in Bojongsoang Wastewater Treatment Plant, Indonesia.

This study aims to determine the eco-friendliness of microalgae-based renewable energy production in several scenarios based on life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA provides critical data for sustainable decision-making and energy requirement analysis, including net energy ratio (NER) and cumulative energy demand (CED). The Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen Leiden (CML) IA-Baseline was used on environmental impact assessment method by SimaPro v9.3.0.3® software and energy analysis of biofuel production using native polyculture microalgae biomass in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) Bojongsoang, Bandung, Indonesia. The study was analyzed under three scenarios: (1) the current scenario; (2) the algae scenario without waste heat and carbon dioxide (CO2); and (3) the algae scenario with waste heat and carbon dioxide (CO2). Waste heat and CO2 were obtained from an industrial zone near the WWTP. The results disclosed that the microalgae scenario with waste heat and CO2 utilization is the most promising scenario with the lowest environmental impact (- 0.139kg CO2eq/MJ), positive energy balance of 1.23MJ/m3 wastewater (NER > 1), and lower CED value across various impact categories. It indicates that utilizing the waste heat and CO2 has a positive impact on energy efficiency. Based on the environmental impact, NER and CED values, this study suggests that the microalgae scenario with waste heat and CO2 is more feasible and sustainable to adopt and could be implemented at the Bojongsoang WWTP.

Prioritization of the ecotoxicological hazard of PAHs towards aquatic species spanning three trophic levels using 2D-QSTR, read-across and machine learning-driven modelling approaches

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a common group of environmental pollutants that endanger various aquatic organisms via various pathways. To better prioritize the ecotoxicological hazard of PAHs to aquatic environment, we used 2D descriptors-based quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR) to assess the toxicity of PAHs toward six aquatic model organisms spanning three trophic levels. According to strict OECD guideline, six easily interpretable, transferable and reproducible 2D-QSTR models were constructed with high robustness and reliability. A mechanistic interpretation unveiled the key structural factors primarily responsible for controlling the aquatic ecotoxicity of PAHs. Furthermore, quantitative read-across and different machine learning approaches were employed to validate and optimize the modelling approach. Importantly, the optimum QSTR models were further applied for predicting the ecotoxicity of hundreds of untested/unknown PAHs gathered from Pesticide Properties Database (PPDB). Especially, we provided a priority list in terms of the toxicity of unknown PAHs to six aquatic species, along with the corresponding mechanistic interpretation. In summary, the models can serve as valuable tools for aquatic risk assessment and prioritization of untested or completely new PAHs chemicals, providing essential guidance for formulating regulatory policies.

Data quality in environmental assessment methods – Implications for the operational management in manufacturing

To implement environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient manufacturing, the quantification of the environmental impacts is a central task. This task requires suitable methods. Various lifecycle phases, including remanufacturing concepts, and the associated increasing complexity demand a change from static to dynamic assessment methods. Flexible changes must be considered. Thereby, data quality has a major impact on the subsequent assessment results. Though the available data amount in a manufacturing environment is constantly increasing, the influence of data quality on the respective method – and thus, the reliability of the results – remains a key issue. To address this problem, this paper investigates the necessary developments regarding data quality for environmental assessment methods in dynamically changing manufacturing settings. First, relevant data quality dimensions are identified. Subsequently, a cross-comparison of data quality dimensions and different approaches of environmental evaluation in manufacturing is developed. The necessary changes to data quality requirements in operational environmental assessments are derived. Finally, a concept for the improvement of data quality in dynamic assessments is proposed and discussed based on the use case of battery modules’ remanufacturing. This paper contributes to the development of environmental assessment methods that are evolving from static, historical data-based evaluations to dynamic assessment tools of flexible productions.

An environmental pollution assessment method for tourist attractions in nature reserves based on factor analysis

An environmental pollution assessment method for tourist attractions in nature reserves based on factor analysis

Ecodesign approach for complex systems – Electric Vehicle case study

The reduction of environmental impacts from the early stages of product and system design is a major challenge. Thus, traditional ecodesign methods are not appropriate because they reason by fixing the functional definition of products/systems and address the complexity of these new systems in a simplistic way, which leads to a marginal reduction of impacts. Moreover, these methods do not consider the attractiveness for users, leading to an optimization oriented towards functional reduction. In this paper, a comprehensive ecodesign approach is presented suggesting a paradigm shift, which involves a hybrid ecodesign approach based on constraint modeling of systems based on the constraint satisfaction problem formalism (CSP) with more traditional environmental assessment methods to decide which design choices to make. This approach was applied to generate and characterize product and life cycle architectures of a serial hybrid vehicle powertrain focusing on the use and end-of-life phase.

Exploring environmental and social performances of circular start‐ups: An orientation and certification assessment

AbstractThe circular economy (CE) aims to deeply transform the current linear model of economy and society into a business model capable to extend the lifetime of resources and decrease environmental impacts. For this to happen, changes in societal systems and production sectors, from micro to macro, are required.The present research, based on a multiple case‐study explorative approach of circular start‐ups (CSUs), investigates their adoption of environmental impact assessment methods, environmental and social certifications and contribution to a better integration of the social dimension in the CE model. Results indicate that three out of six CSUs carefully measure and certify their environmental and social impacts. Life Cycle Assessment resulted the most adopted environmental assessment method, while two CSUs are also certified benefit corporations. CSUs are mainly oriented toward the use of quantitative methods for the measurement of environmental and social impacts. Additional efforts are still needed toward the implementation of qualitative methods to properly highlight the achievement of social benefits (environmental and social awareness, employees' engagement, work time and free time balance, consumers health and safety, among others) for their stakeholders (workers, local community, consumers). Nevertheless, CSUs case studies highlight their potential of supporting the transition toward a fair CE while at the same time facilitating the integration of social dimension aspects into the CE model. Finally, by developing appropriate business to consumer models, CSUs can strongly affect consumption behaviors and habits, making them also more aware and responsible of their environmental and social life cycle impacts and improvement potential.

Assessment of performance and environmental friendliness of a sorbent-based remediation method for heavy metal and metalloid contaminated soils

The contamination of natural ecosystems with heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs) primarily results from anthropogenic activities. Consequently, ongoing efforts are dedicated to the development of technologies aimed at restraining the mobility of HMMs and expediting chemical reactions that convert pollutants from mobile to immobile states. Addressing the reclamation issue always necessitates the selection of the most promising and effective type of reclamation work, as well as justification of land prioritization for reclamation purposes. In terms of performance and future potential, the sorbent-oriented approach, grounded in the concept of “green” utilization of man-made waste as a raw material for creating novel composite sorbents, is gaining traction for land reclamation in disturbed areas. In international practice, diverse environmental risk assessment methods are employed to substantiate the necessity for and prioritize reclamation efforts.The aim of the present study is to evaluate established conventional methods for assessing the risks associated with environmental harm. Additionally, this research aims to assess the efficacy and ecological compatibility of the composite sorbents developed by the author. This evaluation will be conducted by assessing and comparing the levels of potential environmental risks or risks of environmental damage subsequent to the application of these sorbents.The objectives of this study are as follows: 1) to explore the theoretical aspects of HMMs: including the formulation of a definition, investigation onto the origins of HMMs, examination of HMMs’ toxicity, and identification of prevalent methods for evaluating the environmental risks associated with HMMs; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of established methods for assessing the environmental risks posed by HMMs; 3) to assess the efficacy and environmental sustainability of the composite sorbents developed by the author. This evaluation will involve an examination and comparison of the levels of potential environmental risks and the risks of environmental damage subsequent to the a pplication of these sorbents.The research subject: the mining allotment within the Levikhinskoye mine (classified as an environmental disaster site) is investigated as a disturbed land ecosystem, encompassing industrial waste dumps containing HMMs.The research hypothesis aims to establish the viability of “green” waste utilization from industrial sources as a raw material for composite sorbents used in land reclamation, without escalating the environmental damage. The conducted experiments revealed that sorbents composed of peat/water treatment sludge (at a ratio of 20/80 wt. % with natural moisture content) and peat/diatomite/water treatment sludge (at a ratio of 5/15/80 wt. % with natural moisture content) exhibited the highest level of performance, surpassing an overall efficiency of 89%. A sorbent composed of peat/diatomite (at a ratio of 25/75 wt. % with natural moisture content) demonstrated an overall efficiency of 67.7%. The estimated environmental risks (ER and ED) after the application of the proprietary composite sorbents, which include water treatment sludge, exhibited an average reduction of 89.5% and 88%, respectively.

Taking the spatio-temporal effects of climate change into account for Life Cycle Assessment of prospective scenarios to secure water supplies in agricultural areas

To cope with climate change, agricultural territories are forced to implement adaptation strategies, including the implementation of irrigation infrastructures. These strategies are deployed over a long term, and their environmental performance may vary in time and space due to climate change. Environmental assessment methods that include spatio-temporal dynamics must be developed to identify long term “no-regret” scenarios. This study proposes an innovative approach based on the coupling between a crop model, i.e. AquaCrop, and the Territorial-Life Cycle Assessment (T-LCA) framework. Results are exemplified and discussed, with comparison of scenarios with or without irrigation, between 1981 and 2099, at six contrasting locations in terms of climate and soil conditions for the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 5-8.5 scenario developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The assessments report that climate change can affect the eco-efficiency of irrigated perimeters over time. Moreover, climate change may alter the conclusions of the comparison of scenarios with or without irrigation infrastructure at a given location. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed on key parameters of the study highlighting the importance of the electricity mix. Finally, spatio-temporal dynamics need to be considered to assess the environmental performance of long-term land planning scenarios and account for environmental effects such as climate change.

Environmental health risk assessment of urban water sources based on fuzzy set theory

Abstract Water pollution and protection of water resources have become an urgent task for humanity today and are also important components of environmental risk assessment. In response to the problems of high risk level and low risk credibility in the current environmental health risk assessment of urban water sources, this article aims to use fuzzy set theory to comprehensively evaluate the environmental quality and quickly monitor the safety of urban water sources. Therefore, this article analyzed the health factors of the urban water source environment and then studied the content and uncertainty analysis of health risk assessment. Finally, it constructed a health risk assessment system and proposed corresponding water environment protection strategies. In the experimental section, the risk level and risk credibility of the water environment were analyzed. Through comparison, it was found that the risk level in the new water environment health risk assessment was 0.16 lower than that in the traditional water environment health risk assessment, and the risk credibility was 0.11 higher than that in the traditional water environment health risk assessment. The water quality monitoring effect in the new water environment health risk assessment was 7.3% higher than that in the traditional water environment health risk assessment, The health hazard effect is 8.2% lower than traditional water environment health risk assessment. In summary, water environment health risk assessment plays an important role in protecting the water source environment. Health risk assessment of the water environment helps to reduce water pollution, improve water quality, and ultimately improve human health. Moreover, using fuzzy set theory makes it easier to comprehensively and efficiently evaluate the water environment. The innovation of this article lies in paying attention to the importance of fuzzy set theory in water pollution risk assessment and applying fuzzy technology to water pollution control strategies, to better improve water quality and optimize water source environmental health risk assessment methods.

Application efficiency of sodium-based inhibition suspensions while rock waste processing

Is the determination of the processing efficiency of rock waste using sodium-based inhibiting suspensions to normalize the thermal state of the waste? The problems were solved through methods of mathematical statistics, a method of environmental assessment of options for a technological solution, and x-ray fluorescence analysis of the rock waste samples before their processing using inhibiting suspensions and after it. Indicator analysis of rock waste processing by means of the sodium-based inhibiting suspensions helps elaborate recommendations to use them at the initial stage of the rock waste formation for the provision of ecological stability of mining regions. Relying upon the research results, it has become possible to propose new methods to process rock waste with the help of sodium group solutions owing to which environmental impact on chemical processes within interstitial space of the rock waste is leveled. For the first time, such sodium-based soda solutions as sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hydroxide have been proposed to process rock waste mass. For the first time, it has been identified that the use of sodium-based inhibiting suspensions while rock waste processing helps minimize its interaction with the environment as well as the thermal oxidation reactions of the rock waste. The research has helped identify interaction between the rock waste mass samples taking into consideration the environmental impact. The proposed methods to perform processing using sodium-based suspensions have been applied for the combined rock waste treatment to avoid environmental risks for mining areas and forecast a level of environmental impact on the rock waste processed with the help of sodium solutions. The abovementioned will help reduce the probability for the development of sulfuric acid zones as the factor favouring rock waste self-ignition processes.