Tool For Environmental Sustainability Research Articles

Intellectual capital and environmental sustainability measurement nexus: a review of the literature

The exploration of theoretical and empirical debates on intellectual capital and environmental sustainability measurement is a novel research inquiry which recognises the policy relevance of corporate environmental sustainability indicators. This article argues that at the current phase of IC studies, indicators linking IC to environmental sustainability is crucial. It draws on the review of intellectual capital and environmental sustainability literature. Findings suggest that specific IC measurement tools for environmental sustainability have been elusive. To fill the identified gaps, alternative composite indicators were proposed.

English

The Niger Delta Area of Nigeria has undergone several alterations in her environment through various projects development including oil and gas exploration, dredging and mining activities. These activities have continued to impact the environment as relevant organs of the government deliberately down play the relationship between environmental degradation/pollution and project developments. Though, there are plethora of international laws and conventions, some domesticated in the country, the objectives of these laws in relation to assessing the environmental impact (in this case the Niger Delta Environment) as applicable to project developments will be brought to the fore. The specific objective hereto is to appraise selected International Environmental laws and the Nigerian Environmental Impact Assessment methodology in demonstrating how the Niger Delta Environment can be preserved for future generation. This paper affirms that Environmental Impact Assessment laws are strictly predicated on adherence of procedural requirements and not the requirement for proper utilization of resources, this notwithstanding, provides a veritable tool for environmental sustainability if properly applied. Key words: International law, Niger Delta, environment, impact assessment.

Development and application of the renewable energy regional optimization utility tool for environmental sustainability: REROUTES

To expand the use of renewable energy, it is necessary to optimize energy production at a local level through an appropriate combination of different renewable energy resources. Additionally, the environmental impacts from the use of renewable resources must be considered from different perspectives. Thus, this study aims to develop a decision tool that evaluates and optimizes the renewable energy mix at a regional scale with regard to various environmental impacts. This tool was developed by creating a municipal energy database that includes five renewable energies (solar, wind, small- and medium-scale hydro, geothermal and biomass energy) and six evaluation indicators (proportion of developed renewable energy, economic balance, installed wind power, decrease in CO2 emissions, circulation rate of biomass resource, and impacted ecosystem area). Specifying different constraints in the model allowed investigation of the optimal renewable energy combination in a study area for two different scenarios, with the results highlighting the trade-offs between the scenarios. We also optimized the combination of different renewable energies for every municipality across Japan, while incorporating the natural conditions and varying demand structure. In conclusion, the tool developed in this study could support decision-making regarding the development of renewable energy resources.

Forest certification standards as a tool for environmental sustainability in wood building sector

The use of wood in the building sector is an effective way to fight against the worsening of the effects of green-house gas, in as much as it is the only construction material that, unlike all the others, absorbs harmful carbon dioxide from the air and only returns it after being burning it or being pulped. This study aims to highlight the peculiarities of wood and the environmental advantages linked to the use of this natural resource in the building sector, compared to traditional materials used in the construction industry, paying particular attention to the issue of environmental sustainability linked to the forests and to the most widespread certification schemes on the world scale, or rather the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC). Moreover, for each standard the technical and economic benefits deriving from the implementation of its systems of voluntary certification are underlined.

A Managerial Tool for Environmental Sustainability

Several frameworks, roadmaps and tools have already been proposed for supporting sustainability management, however, they do not comprehensively consider environmental sustainability and business performance. In order to fill this gap, in this paper a two-dimensional tool is proposed. It is based on two sustainability dimensions: the “Sustainability Progress” dimension and the “Environmental Sustainability” dimension. The “Sustainability Progress” dimension assesses the stage of the CSR-environmental culture evolution in an organization. The “Environmental Sustainability” dimension indicates the firm involvement in CSR-environmental practices. The tool allows positioning a company in terms of environmental sustainability among its competitors and provides strategic guidelines for sustainability improvement.

Biotechnological tools for environmental sustainability: prospects and challenges for environments in Nigeria-a standard review.

The environment is a very important component necessary for the existence of both man and other biotic organisms. The degree of sustainability of the physical environment is an index of the survival and well-being of the entire components in it. Additionally, it is not sufficient to try disposing toxic/deleterious substances with any known method. The best method of sustaining the environment is such that returns back all the components (wastes) in a recyclable way so that the waste becomes useful and helps the biotic and abiotic relationship to maintain an aesthetic and healthy equilibrium that characterizes an ideal environment. In this study, the method investigated includes biological method of environmental sustainability which seeks to investigate the various biotechnological tools (biotools) in current use and those undergoing investigations for future use.

DANTES: a demonstration project for sustainable development

PurposeTo present the EU project DANTES (Demonstrate and Assess New Tools for Environmental Sustainability), conducted by Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry AB, ABB, Stora Enso and Chalmers University of Technology. One of the project's goals is to assess and demonstrate tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and life cycle costing (LCC).Design/methodology/approachDifferent strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools as well as case study results are demonstrated through the project's web site (see www.dantes.info) and through several information campaigns during the project period. The paper presents an overview of environmental assessment tools and strategies for using these tools and methods.FindingsProvides information on the use of sustainability tools and methods, indicating the problems that can be addressed by the application of the tool as well as how and who can use the tool. The results from the project were translated into strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools.Practical implicationsImplementation of the strategies demonstrated in the project reduces costs by increasing the performance of products, processes and services, as well as the drive and awareness of companies' personnel in environmental issues. It also promotes good practices.Originality/valueThis paper describes the DANTES project, which is aimed at educating industries on how to use sustainability tools to address environmental problems. It offers practical help to different departments within companies.