Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology Research Articles

Assessing the sustainability of Blue Economy activities using an ecosystem and life cycle-based approach: Possibilities, challenges and implications for an informed policy making

The global ocean faces increasing exploitation to meet the demand of a rapidly growing globalisation. Human marine activities are leading to local environmental pressures/benefits, for example on marine ecosystems and their services, but also through their value chains on terrestrial ecosystem services, and to global pressures such as global warming. Effective management of marine activities is essential for the conservation of the natural environment. There is a growing need for holistic sustainability assessment tools capable of quantifying environmental impacts at various geographical scales, alongside evidence-informed policies. This study examines the evolving marine policy landscape, identifies key legislation that supports the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy, traces its historical development, and explores the integration of ecosystem services assessment and life cycle assessment as methodologies for assessing environmental sustainability within this legislation. The review shows that current legislation falls short in providing instructions on how to measure sustainability impacts in a consistent way, i.e., which methods/indicators to use. Therefore, this study supports evidence-informed policy-making by proposing a quantitative and comprehensive environmental sustainability impact assessment methodology, integrating both ecosystem and life-cycle based methods, to a Belgian multi-use case study involving offshore wind energy and mussel farming. Considering the impacts that were possible to assess and the limits of the methodology used, the value of the positive impacts of the MUOF was +61.3 M€ y−, while the negative ones were −4.0 M€ y−1, resulting in a net handprint of +57.0 M€ y−1, primarily attributed to the benefits of the local ecosystem service ‘offshore renewable energy’ However, such a solution is not necessarily scalable, due to cumulative impacts. An analysis was conducted to identify areas for enhancing the methodology to more effectively meet policy needs. The study highlights the importance of using scientifically grounded methods to inform policy decisions.

Adapting an environmental impact assessment method for open pit mines in Myanmar: A modified semi-mathematical Folchi approach

Since 1970, the global adoption of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has fostered the development of multiple EIA methodologies, ranging from sample techniques to scientific approaches, for assessing environmental impacts. These methodologies encompass diverse models such as Ad hoc, matrices, checklist, network, overlay, mathematical, simulation, and dispersion models. Among these, the Folchi method is one of the quantitative matrix methods, assigning magnitudes to each impacting factor based on different possible scenarios. In this method, a matrix consisting of weighting factors is systematically utilized to quantify and standardize the effect of each impacting factor on various environmental components. Myanmar, as a developing nation that has recently implemented EIA practices, has encountered significant challenges in the realm of EIA, particularly concerning methodologies for impact evaluation, assessment, and the formulation of effective mitigation measures for various development projects. To address these challenges, this study introduces an adapted semi-mathematical Folchi EIA method, demonstrating its application in open-pit mines across Myanmar. Adjustments were made to integrate domestic environmental guidelines and EIA procedures, often overlooked in previous studies. The assessment of impact magnitude prioritizes sensitivity, project type and size, and pollution thresholds. Additionally, the correlation weights (nil, minimum, medium, maximum) between impact factors and environmental components were also adjusted based on the project's nature and regional conditions. The findings of this study revealed both positive and negative environmental impacts associated with the four case study mines. Decision-makers and stakeholders can utilize this approach in decision making process, advancing sustainable development. With suitable adaptation, this approach can facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment of diverse environmental and social impacts associated with various development projects in the country.

Optimizing offshore wind export cable routing using GIS-based environmental heat maps

Abstract. In the United States, there are plans to produce up to 30 GW of offshore wind power by the year 2030, resulting in numerous seabed lease areas which are currently going through the leasing or construction and operations phase. A key challenge associated with offshore wind is optimal routing and installation of the subsea power cables, which transmit power from the main offshore wind energy production area to a land-based station, where it connects to the electrical grid. By traversing a vast extent of the seafloor, the installation and operational phases of subsea power cables have the potential to result in a range of environmental impacts, which may negatively affect sensitive biological, physical, human and/or cultural resource receptors. Presented here is a case study from southeastern North Carolina to identify optimal seabed cable routes and coastal landfalls for a recently leased offshore wind farm by using a combination of publicly available data, coupled with standard environmental impact assessment methodologies and geographic information system (GIS)-based heat maps. The study identified a range of high-risk areas, in addition to a number of potential low-risk routes and landfall areas which minimize seabed user conflicts and impacts on environmentally sensitive locations. Although additional high-resolution and site-specific environmental, geological and biological surveys are required to develop a robust cable installation plan, the preliminary steps from this research optimize early-phase marine spatial planning for offshore wind projects and other similar subsea industries.

Is normalization in Life Cycle Assessment sustainable? Alternative approach based on natural constraints

Life cycle assessment, a widely used methodology of environmental impact assessment, employs the step called normalization to allow comparison and contextualization of the multiple environmental impacts driven by human activities. However, the currently used normalization references based on total human impacts do not reflect any sustainability limits. This leads to a paradox where the more humanity causes an impact, the less important it appears in the results. We propose that normalization references be based on natural constraints, values that delimit the level of impact which can be expected to cause no significant harm. Such approach can be applied to most characterization methodologies, as we demonstrate on the case of Environmental Footprint methodology with 16 impact categories. In this work we quantify such normalization references, we compare them to the currently used values and we statistically test the difference on the case of 60 processes from common LCA databases. The results show that the proposed normalization method significantly changes the relative ranking of most of the impact categories. According to our findings, the proposed method may alter the ranking of assessed scenarios and change the conclusions and recommendations of LCA studies. This shift in the rationale for normalization can provide a different perspective on results interpretation and thus offer more robust policy guidance.

Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Building Design in South Asian Countries: A Review of the Current State of the Art and Research Potentials

A literature survey was proposed, aiming at summarizing the state of the art and, consequently, the research potential, in the increasingly popular field of circular economy, specifically applied to the construction industry in South Asian countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh). In particular, the role of a life cycle assessment (LCA) to support the circular building design concept in construction projects was investigated. This review organized 71 published papers that examined environmental building assessments, certifications for sustainable buildings, the awareness of sustainable buildings, and recent advancements in this field between 2005 and 2022. The review pointed out that half of the LCA studies used the cradle-to-grave LCA methodology for environmental impact assessment, while the other half used the cradle-to-cradle LCA methodology. Regardless of the recent research, the literature still lacks the cradle-to-cradle implementation of the LCA methodology in selected countries which is essential for implementing truly circular building strategies. Moreover, the literature showed a lack of interest and awareness among all stakeholders in the construction of environmentally friendly buildings. The main barrier to carry out LCA for building performance is the unavailability of a regional database, which was pointed out in the literature, as well as the criteria for certification that are not available or do not comply with the standards of the specific contexts of Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY INDICATORS TO DESIGN SUSTAINABLE ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS: RESULTS FROM WORKSHOPS WITH INDUSTRIAL EXPERTS

AbstractTo help industries in their sustainable and circular transition from internal combustion engine production to electric motor production, the deployment of (i) a sound environmental impact assessment methodology, such as life cycle analysis, coupled with (ii) Design for Re-X tools, such as circularity indicators, is instrumental. To demonstrate the industrial relevance and complementary of both approaches, two consecutive workshops are conducted with a major original equipment manufacturer of recreational boats and their associated engines. On this basis, two circularity indicator-based tools were used to quantify and enhance (i) the circularity potential of the electric outboard as a whole, and (ii) the circularity performance of the two most impactful components, based on the LCA results: the electric motor unit and the lithium-ion battery pack. In all, the practice sessions supported the generation of strategic and operational ideas to improve the circularity of the electric outboard. As the industrial participants found both frameworks easy to use and efficient, all the details and resources used to conduct, replicate, or adapt such workshops in other industrial contexts are shared.

Effectiveness and challenge of environmental impact assessment in industrial park, a case study in Northeast rust belt China

The conventional rough-and-tumble pattern of industrial development in the northeast has severely affected China's sustainable development in recent years. As a result, the industrial park emerged and prospered with the advantages of clear industrial positioning, optimized functional layout and complete support facilities. Nonetheless, for the environmental management of industrial parks, environmental impact assessment (EIA) should be better applied as an upstream environmental protection means. Thus, in three aspects, this study summarizes the research on EIA in the world and analyzes the effectiveness and development of EIA in Northeast China. First, this study analyzed the status and trends of international research in EIA, based on the Web of Science database and the CiteSpace scientometric software. The number of papers continues to rise. Some countries collaborate closely and bring forth new ideas. Research focuses on environmental management, EIA methodology, and energy issues. Research hotspots are public participation and life cycle methods. Second, to specifically investigate the effectiveness of the EIA of the Northeast Industrial Park in recent years has been profitable for the improvement of the Northeast EIA system and for promoting the environmental management approach of the EIA at the micro level. It has been demonstrated that the effect of 70% EIA implementation is relatively significant with high effectiveness. Third, using a SWOT analysis approach, it aims to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and challenges in the development of the Northeast Industrial Park EIA, and propose a future development strategy for the Northeast Industrial Park EIA at the macro level.

Quantitative methodology of environmental impact and economic assessment under equivalent conditions for prefabricated systems

Previous studies have introduced various advantages to prefabricated systems. In terms of economic assessment, the results differ for each previous study using an evaluation condition because various previous studies have compared different construction projects for an economic assessment. Therefore, it is difficult to compare economic assessments in accordance with an equivalent condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to carry out an economic assessment of a prefabricated system by a member of a component based on working time and environmental impact. This study was carried out in four phases, from “selection of a target case” to “economic assessment for structural systems”. Compared to the environmental impact of structural systems, the prefabricated system can reduce it by up to 49.34%. In terms of the economic assessment, the averages of the conventional column and girder are $4,779.36 and $4,925.77, while those of the prefabricated column and girder are $3,245.55 and $4,005.41, respectively. Therefore, the prefabricated system is 25.29% cheaper than a conventional system. Using this result, when a prefabricated system is considered in terms of environmental impact and economic assessment, the decision maker can evaluate and compare structural systems easily and quantitatively.

Developing an Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology for Disc Golf Courses

Abstract The demand for outdoor recreational activities is rising. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention to their environmental impact and sustainability. However, there is a lack of methodology for measuring the impact of novel recreational activities, such as disc golf. This research aimed to address the existing environmental problems with disc golf in Estonia and elaborate on the methodology for assessing the environmental impact of disc golf courses and using it as a teaching tool for rising environmental awareness of the students. Based on existing research, the environmental impact assessment methodology for disc golf areas was developed and tested. The developed methodology is relevant for discovering negative impacts and for minimizing them. It could be used as an assessment tool for service providers and destination managers. Using the methodology as practical exercise proved to be an effective tool for rising the student’s environmental awareness.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ВТОРИЧНОГО ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ ВОЗДУХА ПРИ ИЗМЕНЕНИИ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОТОКА ТРАНСПОРТА

The pollution of the urban atmosphere in the area of the direct action of the motorway is considered. A certified environmental impact assessment methodology was used as the master. With its help, the masses of substances – that are primary pollutants – emitted per unit of time are calculated depending on the intensity of the traffic flow. Further, to calculate their concentrations, the dispersion is calculated. In order to determine the concentration of the secondary pollutant, ozone, a mathematical model is proposed. It is a stiff system of differential equations that describes the kinetics of the process of chemical transformation of primary pollutants. To solve it, the Rosenbrock method was applied. The influence of the traffic flow density on the ozone content near the highway is being studied

An impact assessment tool to identify, quantify and select optimal social-economic, ecological and health outcomes of civic environmental management interventions, in Durban South Africa

Using an environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodology, we provide a novel approach to identify and assess social-ecological outcomes from civic ecology interventions. We quantified the impact significance of six civic (community led) interventions implemented by the Wise Wayz Water Care (WWWC) local community programme (solid waste management, water quality monitoring, invasive alien plant control, crop production, recycling and community engagement), in two communities, situated in urban to peri-urban/rural environments in Durban, South Africa. Interventions resulted in 37 outcomes, of which 36 were positive and one negative. The resulting significance scores from the impact assessment allowed for interventions and their outcomes to be compared. The socio-economic outcomes were the greatest (21), followed by ecological (11) and health outcomes (6). Outcomes included access to education and training; improved quality of life; improved terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; increase in recreation and cultural uses of natural areas; reduced health risks and increased nutrition. The most significant ecological outcomes resulted from invasive alien plant control, followed by solid waste removal and water quality monitoring. The greatest health outcomes resulted from solid waste removal and vegetable gardens, whereas the greatest social-economic outcomes resulted from the general operation of WWWC, solid waste removal, and invasive alien plant control. We demonstrate that investments in natural areas can deliver not only on enhancements in ecosystems and their services, but also for local community socio-economic and health benefits. This study provides an intervention quantifying tool for practitioners to select optimal local management interventions, that can be aligned with desired outcomes related to specific community challenges and policy requirements. In so doing, this work shows the critical role that civic interventions play to ensure sustainability, and emphasises how social-ecological systems and ecosystem services perspectives can be used in practice towards achieving sustainable outcomes.

A spatial causal network approach for multi-stressor risk analysis and mapping for environmental impact assessments

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relies on rigorous scientific assessment of all potential causal pathways by which large-scale developments may impact on valued assets in a region. Despite their importance to informed decision-making, many EIAs are flawed by incomplete analysis of causal pathways, limited spatial assessment and a lack of transparency about how risks have been evaluated across the region.To address these, we describe an EIA methodology based on network analysis of potential causal pathways in a given region. This network approach is coupled with a systematic evaluation of the likelihood, consequence and mitigation options for each causal pathway from one or more human activities to multiple valued assets. The method includes analysis of the confidence in these evaluations, recognizing where knowledge gaps constrain assessments of risks to particular assets.The causal network approach is complemented by a spatially explicit analysis of the region that allows residual risk (i.e. risk remaining after all feasible mitigations) to be mapped for all valued assets. This identifies which activities could lead to potential impacts of varying concern (rated from ‘very low’ to ‘very high’), their likely pathways, which valued assets are at risk and where these residual risks are greatest. The output maps reveal ‘risk hotspots’ where more detailed local-scale assessments and monitoring should focus.The method is demonstrated by application to potential impacts on 8 valued assets (aquifers, ecosystems and protected species) due to unconventional gas resource development in the Cooper Basin, central Australia. Results show which activities and causal pathways are of potential concern to different valued assets and where residual risk is greatest for particular species and ecosystems.This spatial causal network provides a systematic, consistent and transparent assessment of potential impacts, improving the quality of decision-making about planned developments and their environmental risks.

A GIS Software Module for Environmental Impact Assessment of the Open Pit Mining Projects for Small Mining Operators in Kazakhstan

This research article presents a software module for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of open pit mines. The EIA software module has been developed based on the comprehensive examination of both country-specific (namely, Kazakhstan) and current international regulatory frameworks, legislation and EIA methodologies. EIA frameworks and methods have been critically evaluated, and mathematical models have been developed and implemented in the GIS software module ‘3D Quarry’. The proposed methodology and software module allows for optimised EIA calculations of open pit mines, aiming to minimise the negative impacts on the environment. The study presents an original methodology laid out as a basis for a software module for environmental impact assessment on atmosphere, water basins, soil and subsoil, tailored to the context of mining operations in Kazakhstan. The proposed software module offers an alternative to commercial off-the-shelf software packages currently used in the mining industry and is suitable for small mining operators in post-Soviet countries. It is anticipated that applications of the proposed software module will enable the transition to sustainable development in the Kazakh mining industry.

Mapping environmental impact assessment research landscapes in the Arab world using visualization and bibliometric techniques.

Interests and concerns on environmental issues have attracted much attention over the past few decades. This is in harmony with the growing understanding of environmental impacts associated with human activities and their role in degrading ecosystems. In line with these concerns, considerable advances in science and technology to assess, mitigate, or lessen these adverse impacts have emerged (i.e., environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodologies). The involvement of EIA in sustainable development has become a prevalent topic in research in either developed and developing countries. The present work investigated the research status, development trends, and hotspots of EIA in a region with massive environmental challenges; the Arab world. Bibliometric analysis and visualization mapping were utilized with an objective of revealing and evaluating the developments in knowledge on EIA from the Arab world. A sum of 595 documents was the productivity of the Arab world on EIA (2.1% of total global productivity). Most of the studies were performed by scholars in Egypt (143 documents; 24.0%), followed by Saudi Arabia (96 documents; 16.1%), and Tunisia (68 documents; 11.4%). France, the USA, and the UK were, respectively, the most collaborated countries with the Arab world on EIA. Most of the publications on EIA were in prestigious journals in relation to environmental sciences. King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia and University of Kuwait were the most productive institutions (24 documents/institution). Topics in relation to assessing different environmental impacts on the quality and quantity of water will continue to be vital themes of research. While, the utilization of remote sensing, geographic information systems, risk assessment, life cycle assessment, bioaccumulation, and biomarkers techniques in assessing environmental impacts will continue to be dominant as efficient tools in conducting EIA related research. The outcomes displayed, in general, a rapidly and steadily rising interests on EIA. However, the development of regional experience, increasing of funds and advancing of competencies will further promote research activities on EIA.

Road environmental impact assessment in the conceptual design stage - example of the Kragujevac - Mrčajevci motorway

The construction of new motorway routes leaves lasting consequences on the nature and the living world along the corridor through which the adopted motorway alignment extends. Therefore, it is necessary that in the initial stage of the project (Conceptual design) the analysis of all potential impacts of the motorway on the environment be done very rigorously. The subject of this paper is the road environmental impact assessment methodology implemented in conceptual design of Kragujevac - Mrčajevci motorway. Within the motorway environmental assessment for different variants of motorway corridor, traffic noise, air pollution, rainwater and groundwater pollution, soil pollution, climate change, occupation of surfaces for expropriation and other relevant impacts were investigated. In the paper the methodology used to assess the initial ("zero") state of the environment in the studied area was briefly described. In addition, the methodology based on which the project alternatives were compared regarding environmental requirements was also presented, and finally, what was the conclusion of such a comparison.

A schematic framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Green Building Rating System (GBRS)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) tools link the environmental context of a building to the design decision-making framework. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) are the two approaches commonly used to holistically analyse the environmental performance of the whole building. While GBRS is mostly based on a checklist with many qualitative criteria, LCA compels decision-makers to base the analyses on numerical evidence, facilitating the comparison between design choices. Some GBRS, such as LEED, BREEAM and Green Star, have been incorporating LCA as part of their assessment system. This practice brings transparency to the design process and increases designers' awareness of the building's environmental impact. Consequently, this paper aims to develop a schematic EIA framework within the design life cycle, proposing future research directions to support its development. The framework was based in three parallel analyses: (1) comparison between LCA and GBRS assessment methodologies, (2) analysis of the LCA parameters within GBRS, and (3) investigation of LCA software tools focused on buildings that comply with GBRS requirements. The research found that, rather than performing either a GBRS or an LCA, the most appropriate EIA methodology will depend on the design life cycle stage. Graphical outputs and connection with 3D modelling will improve the evaluation of environmental impacts as a process integrated with the design.

FEATURES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
 ACCORDING TO THE EUROPEAN BANK’S
 FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

The article discusses the features and principles of the methodology for environmental impact assessment with the requirements of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Belarus. A comparative description of the impact assessment in the Republic and in accordance with the requirements of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is given.

Annual Nationwide Environmental Impact Assessment of Japanese Municipalities by Type of Business within the Endpoint-type LCIA Method “LIME2”

This study attempts a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, within the context of annual operations by type of business in each division of Japanese municipality, based on the LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) method. LIME2 (Life-Cycle Impact Assessment Method Based on Endpoint Modeling 2) is an example of an endpoint-type LCIA method developed in Japan. Annual environmental impacts of municipalities nationwide are assessed by LIME2 from the perspective of environmental damage, indexed to the Japanese yen. Here, this index is referred to as the “Eco-index Yen”. The availability of necessary inventory data in each category is surveyed from statistical information published by governments. From the assessment results based on these conditions, the annual damage amount of all Japanese municipalities taken together is 4.63 trillion yen. The assessment result of each municipality is converted into indicators per capita and per GRP (Gross Regional Product). These results are displayed on a map of Japan to visualize regional characteristics nationwide by type of business, across different types of industries, including the residential and transportation sectors. As described in this study, these results provide a first step toward constructing a new methodology for comprehensive environmental impact assessment of administrative units.

Environmental Performance Analysis and Economic Perspectives of Concrete Girders

To reduce the environmental loads of construction projects, a methodology needs to be established that reasonably assesses the environmental impact. Currently, life cycle assessment (LCA) is used as a methodology for evaluation of the environmental impact in various fields. However, this approach is not employed for the assessment of the environmental impact at the planning or design stages of construction projects. The reason is that the features of construction projects cannot entirely provide the full information required for performing LCA until the design has been complete. This study performed LCA of concrete girders and estimated the properties and basic unit quantity of the environmental loads. Our findings support that environmental impact assessment based on LCA should be performed at the planning or design stage when no full information is still available. Moreover, we propose an environmental impact index based on the input cost and the occurrence rate of environmental loads as an environmental performance indicator of concrete girders. This methodology is expected to induce the paradigm to transit from the existing environmental impact assessment methodology based on input resource amounts to the environmental impact assessment methodology in economic perspective considering the characteristics of construction projects.

Considering the dynamics of electricity demand and production for the environmental benchmark of Swiss residential buildings that exclusively use electricity

The environmental impacts of buildings can significantly vary with the dynamics of their energy demand and production. Significant variations have been modelled for buildings in the U.S., France, Denmark and Switzerland but the levels of variation are different between these countries. This difference can be explained by factors like the existing energy sources, the availability of renewable energy and the importation of electricity from nearby countries. With its high share of renewable energy and significant electricity exchanges with neighbouring countries, Switzerland presents a specific case where benchmark values from dynamic life cycle assessment should be well understood. The project’s goal is to provide results from a dynamic life cycle assessment with a detailed study of the influence from temporal fluctuations in the national electricity production, electricity imports, decentralised generation and electricity demand from buildings. Additionally, consequences of changing the temporal precision (i.e. hourly, daily, monthly and annual) of energy dynamics are analysed. This assessment is conducted with demand and production estimations for the design of a residential building in Switzerland. Disparities of results are assessed for all temporal precision levels with a comparison to the values that are obtained with the current national methodology which operates with values based on average annual electricity production. Results thus suggest some methodological recommendations to develop the temporal aspects of the environmental impact assessment methodology for the Swiss building sector.