Social Impact Assessment Research Articles

The operating principles in an EIA process

The Environmental Impact Assessment, often known as the EIA, is an essential process that is designed to evaluate the potential environmental repercussions of proposed projects before they are put into action. An examination of the key operational principles of the EIA process is presented in this article, with an emphasis placed on the significance of these concepts in promoting sustainable development. Purposiveness, rigor, practicability, cost-effectiveness, and public participation are some of the topics that are discussed. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process ensures that environmental considerations are included into decision-making by adopting these principles, which in turn reduces the risk of adverse consequences on the environment. The purpose of this article is to examine the role that legal and institutional frameworks play in facilitating effective Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and to assess case studies that highlight how these frameworks are actually put into practice. Throughout the course of the article, topics such as the relevance of Social Impact Assessment, the need of environmental audits, and the development of new technologies in Environmental Impact Assessment are discussed. The purpose of this article is to underline the need of adhering to the fundamental operational principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to achieve environmentally responsible and sustainable development. This is accomplished via a comprehensive literature review and analysis.

Social-LCA providing new insights and learnings for social responsibility—case pulp and paper industry

Abstract Purpose This paper presents the lessons learnt from testing the ORIENTING S-LCA methodology for a case product of Stora Enso, a globally operating forest industry company. The main purpose of the study was to explore what kind of additional insights and benefits the S-LCA method could provide compared to other existing social responsibility methods and approaches used by companies. Methods The paper briefly describes the applied ORIENTING S-LCA method and its application in the case study, focusing on main learnings gained and development needs identified. The S-LCA methodology proposed in ORIENTING builds upon the UNEP Guidelines for S-LCA (UNEP 2020) and the Handbook for Product Social Impact Assessment (Goedkoop et al. 2020). S-LCA methodology relies on the reference scale approach (RSA) and combines qualitative and quantitative evaluations for assessing social performance and social risk along the product’s life cycle. Social performance assessment approach was applied for company’s own processes covering several life cycle stages and the risk assessment for assessing the supply chain. Results and discussion Based on the case company’s experience, social assessments are currently conducted mainly on company or facility level. Moving towards product-based assessments could help gaining a more transparent view of products’ value chains and bring new possibilities for example to supplier specific sustainability audits. With the product-based S-LCA, the company could more easily identify, e.g., in which life cycle stage they would have most gaps on information and on which social matters, and take different stakeholders’ needs better into consideration in different life cycle stages. Areas that require further development concern especially data availability, assessment efficacy, and formulation of social topics. Conclusions The study demonstrates that the S-LCA methodology offers several benefits when addressing social sustainability issues in the pulp and paper industry. Comprehensive view over different social topics, life cycle perspective, and stakeholder identification are key elements of S-LCA that may support identifying relevant sustainability topics for the purposes of corporate sustainability reporting. Additionally, they can support defining appropriate mitigation actions that will be required for complying with the requirements related to corporate sustainability due diligence.

Application of intuitionistic fuzzy set in social life cycle impact assessment

Abstract Purpose Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) has been found promising for handling ambiguity forms of uncertainty in social data. This paper undertakes an application of an intuitionistic fuzzy set in the social life cycle impact assessment (S-LCIA) of a public building project. This work proposes to combine an intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) with multi-attribute decision-making in converting qualitative data into quantitative social impacts of the building project. This research utilises IFS to accommodate and handle experts’ imprecise cognitions in S-LCIA to facilitate the identification and prioritisation of the most pressing indicators accompanying social impacts in a project. Methods Data were collected using questionnaire(s), structured interviews, and through targeted focus group sessions. Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) approach was used to model the obtained data from structured interviews. Using IFS, this research also accounts for missing or ambiguous data that emerged during the data elicitation process. In combining IFS with multi-attribute decision-making techniques, the social impacts of selected stakeholders were evaluated using fuzzy set and IFS approaches. Sensitivity analysis was then used to test the robustness of the results and ranking was conducted based on each social stakeholder subcategory. Results and discussion Results revealed that approximately 23% of missing datapoints in the public case study building were incorporated in the S-LCIA using IFS. The issues of highest priority in each of the considered subcategory in the public case study building project according to IFS are (i) consumer privacy by adopting more functional planning (0.27), (ii) public commitment to sustainability (0.33), and (iii) education provided in the local community by having an indigenous botanical element for children (0.39), respectively. Conversely, the FS technique inferred that the issue of highest priority in the consumer stakeholder is the feedback mechanism (0.26). The overall degree of correlation between the IFS and FS is only 0.234, revealing that IFS provides a different perspective from conventional FS when used in modelling social data. Conclusion The IFS method provides an objective and systematic approach for dealing with a heterogeneous scope of imprecise and inexact social data in achieving holistic social life cycle assessment results. Furthermore, expansive stakeholder involvement would rely on a robust approach for improving social well-being in public buildings, thereby leaving no one behind in accomplishing a sustainable world.

Balancing Bytes and Ethics: Stakeholder Implications of Private LLMs

This research explores the ethical implications of private large language models (PLLMs) through the lens of stakeholder theory. Private LLMs, tailored for specific organizational needs, present unique privacy and data protection challenges. We examine the historical development of LLMs and their impact on stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and society. Our proposed framework balances stakeholder interests with ethical considerations, offering a comprehensive approach to the ethical development and deployment of PLLMs. This framework emphasizes transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices to ensure long-term value creation. Future research directions include developing regulatory frameworks, conducting detailed social impact assessments, and exploring strategies for effective human-AI collaboration. This study contributes to academic discourse by providing a multi-faceted approach to managing the ethical challenges posed by PLLMs, fostering best practices, and mitigating potential conflicts among stakeholders.

Innovative approaches to social impact measurement: a focus on the potential of artificial intelligence solutions

Purpose The existing literature highlights challenges in measuring social impact within social and solidarity economy organisations, particularly regarding the social return on investment (SROI) methodology. This paper aims to address the barriers to SROI implementation while exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the measurement of social impact. Design/methodology/approach This review-based paper synthesises research on SROI methodology limitations and recent AI developments while focusing on ethical considerations. Drawing from these domains, the study constructs a conceptual framework to guide future research. Findings The study identifies necessary enhancements to existing AI systems for social impact measurement and explores how advances in generative AI could refine current tools and address SROI constraints. It advocates for open AI models to address ethical concerns. Originality/value This study pioneers the integration of social impact assessment and AI, an innovative intersection in the academic literature. The growing disparity between academia and the rapidly evolving AI industry is highlighted and scholarly discourse is enriched through theoretical deliberations and innovative technological solutions.

Social impact assessment of biofuel production for maritime and aviation sectors: a case study of a pilot biorefinery project

This work presents a comprehensive Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (S-CBA) conducted as part of a research project, studying biofuel production for the maritime and aviation sectors, from various types of non-food waste biomasses. The inclusion of social considerations complements and expands on the environmental and economic ones. The importance of social group criteria was determined through expert questionnaires, leading to the identification of social impacts groups and social criteria from stakeholders across participating countries. The results successfully identified and quantified social impacts, and align with those reported in similar cases in relevant literature. Social Cost-Benefits, monetarizing social factors, demonstrated several social benefits, including reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions. However, it also highlighted social costs, such as Economic Costs associated with the initial investment. The study revealed critical social hotspots within the impact categories, making significant strides in understanding the social impacts of biofuel production, providing valuable insights for decision-makers, and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable and socially responsible biofuel production.

Towards Entrepreneurial Campus Sustainability: Integrating Artificial Intelligence for Resource Allocation in Business Management

This research delves into the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) within the framework of campus resource allocation, with a primary focus on enhancing business management practices and fostering entrepreneurial sustainability within educational institutions. Through an innovative amalgamation of AI technology and SmartPLS methodology, the study constructs a comprehensive analytical framework aimed at tackling the multifaceted challenges inherent in resource allocation within campus environments. The findings underscore the transformative potential of AI integration in optimizing resource utilization, identifying efficiency gains, and nurturing entrepreneurial endeavors. This paper distinguishes itself from existing studies by presenting a novel approach that emphasizes the unique contributions of AI-driven solutions in both methodological innovation and practical application. By harnessing SmartPLS alongside AI, the research facilitates more accurate resource demand forecasting and enables adaptive decision-making processes, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and sustainable management practices. The study also provides a detailed technical implementation of AI algorithms, offering valuable insights into their development and application within campus settings. The broader implications for the educational sector are explored, considering the scalability and adaptability of the proposed solutions in various educational contexts. Furthermore, the research contributes to theoretical advancements by pioneering the integration of AI and SmartPLS in campus management research, offering a fresh perspective on economic, environmental, and social impact assessments of AI-driven solutions.

SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: A COMPARISON OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORKS IN MALAYSIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been implemented since the early 1990s, and it is a decision-making tool and methodology for determining the benefits or suffering that affect communities through the social outcomes data. This assessment is crucial in the planning phase as well as the development phase to monitor the impact of proposed development projects. Many countries, including Malaysia and New Zealand, have started implementing SIA within their legal framework to respond to the development cycle proactively. Thus, this paper seeks to compare and analyse the legal frameworks of SIA in Malaysia and New Zealand through qualitative methodologies: library research, content analysis, as well as comparative analysis. The findings show that both countries have legislation relating to SIA; however, the method of implementation is not the same, as SIA in New Zealand has emerged with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) while SIA in Malaysia is implemented on a stand-alone basis.

Designing bio-based value chains for social justice: The potential of Capability Sensitive Design

Bio-based value chains (BBVCs) have often been criticized for their detrimental social and environmental effects. Existing methods such as social impact assessment do not sufficiently address these negative effects because of their limited focus and lack of attention to social justice. This paper explores the contribution of Capability Sensitive Design (CSD) to designing BBVCs for social justice. CSD is a combination of Value Sensitive Design (VSD), an approach to account for human values in a design process, and the Capability Approach (CA), a normative framework that incorporates multiple dimensions of human well-being.Three case studies demonstrate how CSD can be used to make design choices in the early stages of developing new BBVCs from waste biomass. The cases explore olive oil residues in Spain, coffee and cocoa residues in Colombia, and encroacher bush in Namibia. CSD is a relatively new approach and its contribution to social justice in BBVCs remained unexplored. We show that CSD can contribute to distributive, recognition, and procedural justice by allowing the identification of local vulnerable stakeholders and providing tools to connect their needs, knowledge, and capabilities to concrete design choices.

Beyond formality: a bricolage model to navigate between the conflicting considerations in social impact assessments

Purpose Social enterprises (SEs) are increasingly expected to rely on formal methodologies to assess their social impact. These structured methodologies, which produce objective and evidence-based measures of impact, are sometimes opposed to bricolage approaches that “make do” with what is at hand. This paper aims to question this distinction by identifying the conflicting considerations that arise in the process of implementing a formal methodology, which might lead SEs to rely on bricolage mechanisms. The authors propose a model of “formally-driven” bricolage with core principles to navigate between those considerations. Design/methodology/approach Adopting an inductive approach, the authors draw on the in-depth case study of a work integration SE engaged in a formal social impact assessment (SIA) through collaborative research. Findings First, the authors identify five types of considerations (feasibility, efficiency, ethics, legitimacy and aim) that come into tension with the primary considerations of formality in formal methodologies, leading SEs to still rely on bricolage mechanisms. Second, the authors identify five principles (multidimensional, participative, cultural, mixed-method and adaptive) that permit navigation between those conflicting considerations. Based on the findings, the authors develop a model of “formally-driven” bricolage. Originality/value The contribution is methodological, theoretical and practical. The authors bridge the gap between theory and practice through long-term immersion in an SE. The authors contribute to the understanding of the use of bricolage in SIA by investigating why and how bricolage is still at play in formal assessments. The proposed model of “formally-driven” bricolage can help researchers and practitioners to better grasp the ins and outs of the SIA process.

Social Impact Assessment Project on Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program

The research aims to assess users utility and cost-effectiveness based on the results of rapid antigen test kits for urine and abdominal ultrasound methods. This study uses qualitative methods to analyze liver fluke screening among individuals aged 40 and above in four provinces. Purposive sampling was used, with 373 participants and 379 participants, respectively. Utility measurement tools included a direct Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and indirect EuroQoL (5Q-5D-5L), and willingness to pay value was measured using bidding. The result shows that the sample group has an average VAS score of 76.90, with slight pain or discomfort reported in the five health dimensions. The utility value reflecting daily quality of life is 0.89. The average willingness to pay per use for rapid test kits and abdominal ultrasounds is 187 baht and 796 baht, respectively. Reasons for not paying higher include income factors, high prices, and personal limitations. However, participants believe public hospitals could support examination costs and provide access to benefits. The project benefits people economically, socially, and culturally, and if the Ministry of Public Health and related agencies can effectively use it, it will maximize benefits.

Economic and Social Impact Assessment of Chronic Diseases Among the Low-Income Population in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Economic and Social Impact Assessment of Chronic Diseases Among the Low-Income Population in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Social Impact Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: Evaluating the Social Return on Investment of an Inclusion Offer

Social Impact Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: Evaluating the Social Return on Investment of an Inclusion Offer

Optimization and design to catalyze sustainable energy in Morocco’s Eastern Sahara: A hybrid energy system of PV/Wind/PHS for rural electrification

This paper conducts a comprehensive assessment of the potential of water, solar, and wind resources for sustainable energy generation. The study is situated in a Moroccan region within eastern Saharan Africa. It presents a detailed comparative analysis between a photovoltaic system (PV) integrated with a pumped hydro storage (PHS), a wind turbine, and a conventional grid, considering both energy production and economic analysis using HOMER software. Moreover, the paper provides an initial social impact assessment of hybrid energy systems integrating locally available water resources, especially during the winter season, alongside photovoltaic and wind technologies. This evaluation delves into aspects of rural electrification and community development. The findings underscore the potential of sustainable energy solutions to drive economic and social progress in the studied area by harnessing the region’s water resources. We proposed this technology because the owners of the area do not greatly benefit from the seasonal groundwater that passes through the valley, despite the presence of a dam. Accordingly, we will exploit this water to generate energy and achieve energy self-sufficiency. By harnessing this underutilized resource, we aim to provide sustainable energy solutions and drive economic and social progress in the region. The results given by HOMER identify the most cost-effective system capable of serving the load at the lowest cost of energy (COE) of about $0.03831 and net present cost (NPC) of about $262,596 under the modeled conditions, and the most satisfactory system chosen by the HOMER optimizer is a PV/Wind/PHS-based hybrid energy system.

The Peril that is Mwakirunge Dumpsite: A Social Impact Assessment Report’

The Peril that is Mwakirunge Dumpsite: A Social Impact Assessment Report’

How much does overnutrition weigh? The environmental and social impacts of Metabolic Food Waste in Italy

Excess Food Energy Intake (EFEI), namely Metabolic Food Waste (MFW) corresponds to excess calorie intake related to overconsumption of food and is responsible for overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) conditions. Identifying its causes and impacts could be important, so that it can be prevented and reduced, generating health, environmental and societal benefits. Therefore, this research quantifies MFW among OW and OB adult populations (18–75 years) in Italy and its environmental and social implications. Life cycle assessment (LCA) through the Simapro 9.5 software was used and then, the results were monetized according to the Environmental Price Handbook to understand the real environmental cost. Finally, Social LCA (S-LCA) was considered following the Product Social Impact Assessment (PSILCA) guidelines to understand the potential social risks behind the food that ends up on our plates. The results highlight the amount of MFW in Italy is 2696 billion kcal/year corresponding to 1.59 Mtons over-consumed food/year, while the impacts are mainly related to global warming (8.78 Mtons CO2 eq/year, or 2.29 % of the total Italian CO2 emissions), terrestrial ecotoxicity (843,451 tons 1.4-DCB/year), freshwater ecotoxicity (222,483 tons 1.4 DCB eq/year), and land consumption (8 million m2a eq/year), mostly due to the meat, fats and oils and sweets overconsumption. Impacts monetization also shows that MFW could induce an environmental price of € 1340/per capita/year, and finally, the S-LCA reveals how overconsumption of food has the potential to affect gender discrimination, water depletion, trade union, and social discrimination due to the high proportion of labor migrants in the agricultural sector.

Social impact assessment of the Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Concerning the forthcoming implementation of the Disposable Plastic Tableware Regulation in Hong Kong, the Social Impact Assessment approach can help decision-makers and government agencies predict and forecast the potential impacts of the regulation before its actual implementation. This study aims to 1) identify the potential impacts of the Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware in Hong Kong, in multiple aspects and through the eyes of multiple stakeholders; 2) analyze the interlinked relationships among these potential impacts; and 3) generate mitigation measures and monitoring plans to minimize the adverse impacts. Two rounds of questionnaires were collected from 11 experts using the Delphi method, followed by a community survey used to reach a wider population. The survey gathered opinions from 507 restaurant owners and 500 members of the general public. A cross-impact analysis was then conducted to analyze the complex interactions of impacts within and across different impact categories. These analyses inform the development of mitigation strategies and plans to monitor and prevent potential adverse impacts.

Social impacts arising from road infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: better management of social issues is needed in road construction, upgrading and rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Despite the use of environmental and social impact assessments for road projects, severe social impacts continue to occur. We discuss the social impacts associated with the construction, upgrading, widening and/or rehabilitation of roads in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to a literature review, we analysed 10 road projects in Uganda by examining project planning documents, and undertaking in-depth interviews, group interviews and field visits. While there were some benefits from these road projects, especially dust reduction where roads became sealed, the significant land acquisition necessary for these linear projects has led to physical displacement, economic displacement, and disruption to the livelihoods of local people. Other issues included: inadequate community engagement; delayed payment of compensation and inadequate compensation; gender-based violence; poor road construction practice causing community safety concerns; project-induced in-migration or influx; sexual harassment; impacts on children; and issues around sex work. The lack of local community acceptance (social licence to operate) of the projects resulted in construction delays and increased costs. For more acceptable road projects, better community engagement, improved planning and management, and adequate funding for resettlement and compensation are essential.

Comprehensive analysis of social subcategories throughout life cycle assessment approach for the textile industry

Abstract Purpose While the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability have been extensively studied, social sustainability has been largely neglected and necessitates a thorough investigation. The study examines the intricate nature of social impact assessments, considering the substantial significance of the textile industry in the global economy and its wide-ranging social implications. This study comprehensively examines critical social subcategories used in the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to highlight the social sustainability of the textile sector. The objective of the study is to enhance and optimize the subcategories proposed by UNEP/SETAC for social LCA by examining, expanding, and adapting them specifically to the textile industry, offering a more focused and sector-specific viewpoint on key metrics. Methods The study examines its use in textile production and distribution by first carefully evaluating the subcategories established by UNEP/SETAC for social LCA. A systematic assessment of positive and negative social impacts throughout the entire supply chain is examined through global standards, textile-specific standards, and literature. Analysis of semi-structured stakeholder interviews and a comprehensive literature review reveals important social subcategories, some of which go beyond the S-LCA guidelines. Results New social metrics, including quality, women’s rights, gender pay gap, collaboration with NGOs, academic research, circularity implementation, and environmental issues, were formulated from stakeholders’ perspectives, tailored specifically for the textile sector. Conclusions The results of the study aim to promote a socially sustainable textile industry by guiding stakeholders to make informed decisions and adopt methods that prioritize social responsibility as well as environmental and economic factors.

The measurement of the quality of educational spaces through social reporting and social impact assessment

The need to specify the expected results and to provide activities with frequent feedback appears to be a central element for measuring the educational quality of the places where learning takes place; teaching practices, as social phenomena, entail the need to also extend to users-clients, training stakeholders, the possibility of expressing themselves on the quality of the outcomes produced within learning contexts. The proposed essay therefore highlights the role of social reporting, to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the organisational-educational performances achieved; at the same time, in order to structure an ever-increasing relationship between education and context, the tool of social impact assessment is highlighted, capable of analyzing the training needs expressed by actors involved in the training intervention project in educational environments. La misura della qualità degli spazi educativi attraverso rendicontazione sociale e valutazione d’impatto sociale. La necessità di precisare i risultati attesi e di dotare le attività di frequenti feedback risulta essere elemento centrale per misurare la qualità educativa dei luoghi in cui avviene l’apprendimento; le pratiche didattiche, quali fenomeni sociali, comportano la necessità di estendere anche agli utenti-clienti, stakeholder formativi, la possibilità di esprimersi sulla qualità degli esiti prodotti all’interno dei contesti di apprendimento. Nel saggio proposto si evidenzia, quindi, il ruolo della rendicontazione sociale, per misurare e valutare l’efficacia delle performance organizzativo-didattiche realizzate; al contempo, al fine di strutturare una relazione sempre maggiore fra educazione e contesto, viene messo in luce lo strumento della valutazione d’impatto sociale, in grado di analizzare il fabbisogno formativo espresso da attori organici al progetto di intervento formativo negli ambienti educativi.