scholarly journals Sustainability Assessment of Public Transport, Part I—A Multi-Criteria Assessment Method to Compare Different Bus Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 825
Author(s):  
Jonas Ammenberg ◽  
Sofia Dahlgren
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
County Level ◽  
Participatory Process ◽  
Problem Context ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

This article departs from the perspective of Swedish regional transport authorities and focuses on the public procurement of bus transports. Many of these public organizations on the county level have the ambition to contribute to a transition involving the continued marginalization of fossil fuels and improved sustainability performance. However, there are several renewable bus technologies to choose between and it can be difficult to know what alternative (or combination) is preferable. Prior research and the authors’ experiences indicate a need for improved knowledge and supportive methods on how sustainability assessments can support public procurement processes. The purpose of this article is to develop a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) method to support assessments of public bus technologies’ sustainability. The method, which was established in an iterative and participatory process, consists of four key areas and 12 indicators. The article introduces the problem context and reviews selected prior research of relevance dealing with green or sustainable public procurement and sustainability assessments. Further on, the process and MCA method are presented and discussed based on advice for effective and efficient sustainability assessments. In the companion article (Part II), the MCA method is applied to assess several bus technologies involving biodiesel, biomethane, diesel, electricity, ethanol and natural gas.

scholarly journals Sustainability Assessment of Public Transport, Part II—Applying a Multi-Criteria Assessment Method to Compare Different Bus Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1273
Author(s):  
Sofia Dahlgren ◽  
Jonas Ammenberg
Keyword(s):  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Acid Methyl Ester ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Total Cost Of Ownership ◽  
Cost Of Ownership ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

Many Swedish regional transport authorities want bus fleets driven on renewable fuels. However, it may be difficult to know what technology, or combination of technologies, to choose. There is a need for improved knowledge and supportive methods for sustainability assessments that can support public procurement processes. In the companion article (Part I), a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) method for assessments of public bus technologies’ sustainability was established, consisting of four key areas and 12 indicators. In this article, the purpose is to apply the method established in part I on different bus technologies by looking at a general Swedish case and assessing buses driven on diesel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME), ethanol, natural gas, biomethane and electricity. Each technology is assessed on a scale from Very Poor to Very Good according to the indicators: technical maturity, daily operational availability, total cost of ownership, need for investments in infrastructure, cost stability, non-renewable primary energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission savings, air pollution, noise, local/regional impact on land and aquatic environments, energy security and sociotechnical systems services. The results show the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, which are later discussed. We also critically reflect upon the usefulness and accuracy of the MCA method.

The comprehensiveness of competing higher education sustainability assessments

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Bullock ◽  
Nicholas Wilder
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
University Leaders ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the comprehensiveness of competing higher education sustainability assessments. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been increasingly communicating their sustainability commitments to the public. To assist the public in evaluating these claims, a broad range of actors have assessed the sustainability of HEIs. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses an evaluation framework (the GRI-HE) consisting of criteria developed by the Global Reporting Initiative and the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future to analyze the comprehensiveness of nine publicly-available frameworks that have been used to assess HEI sustainability. Findings While finding that in general these assessments are not comprehensive and particularly lack coverage of the social and economic dimensions of sustainability, the paper identifies the Pacific Sustainability Index and Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS) as the most comprehensive assessments in the sector. Research limitations/implications This study does not assess the quality of the match to the GRI-HE’s criteria, only whether they match to a reasonable degree. The analysis highlights areas where each HEI sustainability assessment framework can add criteria and improve their comprehensiveness and validity. Future research should explore the causes and relative importance of the gaps in these frameworks. Originality/value The paper provides a valuable discussion and demonstration of the use of comprehensiveness as a proxy metric for the validity of sustainability assessments. This analysis is the first detailed, comprehensive and transparent analysis of HEI sustainability assessments based on a broad-based and widely accepted set of criteria.

scholarly journals On the Sustainability Performance of the European Union’s Economic Recovery Strategy – A Case Study with Lessons for Policymakers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodoros Zachariadis
Keyword(s):  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Recovery Strategy ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Development Objectives ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

Abstract The European Union pursues an economic recovery strategy with explicit environmental considerations but less clear alignment with broader sustainable development objectives. Using as a case study one national Recovery and Resilience Plan of an EU country that was published in May 2021, we perform a rapid but detailed sustainability assessment of its measures. This method is embedded in a broader framework that combines ex-post sustainability assessments of international organisations with ex-ante assessments of multi-year public budget plans. At times when policymakers need immediate advice, this framework helps identify weaknesses and guide the inclusion of sustainability-oriented policies in national budgets.

scholarly journals Multi-Criteria and Life Cycle Assessment of Wood-Based Bioenergy Alternatives for Residential Heating: A Sustainability Analysis

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 4391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Martín-Gamboa ◽  
Luis C. Dias ◽  
Paula Quinteiro ◽  
Fausto Freire ◽  
Luís Arroja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Maritime Pine ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Wood Stove ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Weighted Sum Method ◽  
Residential Heating

Moving towards a global bioeconomy can mitigate climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. Within this context, this work applies a set of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools to prioritise the selection of five alternative bioenergy systems for residential heating based on the combination of three commercial technologies (pellet, wood stove and traditional fireplace) and two different feedstocks (eucalypt and maritime pine species). Several combinations of MCDA methods and weighting approaches were compared to assess how much results can differ. Eight indicators were used for a sustainability assessment of the alternatives while four MCDA methods were applied for the prioritisation: Weighted Sum Method (WSM), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE), and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE). Regarding the sustainability performance indicators, the highest environmental impacts were calculated for the fireplace alternatives, and there was not a best environmental option. Also, no clear trend was found for the economic and social dimensions. The application of MCDA tools shows that wood stove alternatives have the best sustainability performance, in particular wood stove with combustion of maritime pine logs (highest scores in the ranking). Regarding the worst alternative, fireplaces with combustion of eucalypt logs ranked last in all MCDA rankings. Finally, a sensitivity analysis for the weighting of the performance indicators confirmed wood stoves with combustion of maritime pine logs as the leading alternative and the key role of the analysts within this type of MCDA studies.

scholarly journals Coverage Analysis of Indonesia Sustainability Assessment Tools: Similarity in Dimension and Assessment Results

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.34) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Rahmat Nurcahyo ◽  
Komang Tattya Lokhita A.K ◽  
Djoko Sihono Gabriel
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Coverage Analysis ◽  
Sustainability Assessment Tools ◽  
Sustainability Assessments ◽  
Assessment Results

The number of sustainability assessment tools in Indonesia is growing rapidly, concerns are raised on whether the assessment results of different tools present similar and valid conclusion about the sustainability performance in manufacturing industry. In this paper, we analyze dimensions of sustainability assessment tools and compare the structures of sustainability tools in Indonesia. Using a coverage analysis to demonstrate the similarity and differences between two sustainability assessments in Indonesia (PROPER and Industri Hijau) we then compare the results of both and analyze it. This study shows that two sustainability assessment tools in Indonesia which are PROPER and Industri Hijau have high variations in their structures, indicators, criteria, and sub-themes despite their similar dimension and purpose.  Consequently,  these sustainability assessment  tools  show  differences  in  assessment results  and  conclusions  on  the  sustainability  performance  of firms. Future research may propose a new integrated sustainability assessment tool so there will be only one sustainability assessment tool in Indonesia.  

scholarly journals Life Cycle Sustainability Performance Assessment Method for Comparison of Civil Engineering Works Design Concepts: Case Study of a Bridge

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine Ek ◽  
Alexandre Mathern ◽  
Rasmus Rempling ◽  
Petra Brinkhoff ◽  
Mats Karlsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Concrete Slab ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Design Concepts ◽  
Composite Bridge

Standardized and transparent life cycle sustainability performance assessment methods are essential for improving the sustainability of civil engineering works. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of using a life cycle sustainability assessment method in a road bridge case study. The method is in line with requirements of relevant standards, uses life cycle assessment, life cycle costs and incomes, and environmental externalities, and applies normalization and weighting of indicators. The case study involves a short-span bridge in a design-build infrastructure project, which was selected for its generality. Two bridge design concepts are assessed and compared: a concrete slab frame bridge and a soil-steel composite bridge. Data available in the contractor’s tender phase are used. The two primary aims of this study are (1) to analyse the practical application potential of the method in carrying out transparent sustainability assessments of design concepts in the early planning and design stages, and (2) to examine the results obtained in the case study to identify indicators in different life cycle stages and elements of the civil engineering works project with the largest impacts on sustainability. The results show that the method facilitates comparisons of the life cycle sustainability performance of design concepts at the indicator and construction element levels, enabling better-informed and more impartial design decisions to be made.

scholarly journals Application of Lifecycle Measures for an Integrated Method of Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Radio Frequency Identification and Wireless Sensor Networks

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2794
Author(s):  
Aldona Kluczek ◽  
Bartlomiej Gladysz ◽  
Krzysztof Ejsmont
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Radio Frequency ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Integrated Method ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Low Degrees ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

Internet of Things (IoT) technology has advanced in recent years, leading to improvements of manufacturing processes. As a result of such improvements, environmental sustainability assessments for technologies have been requested by international control agencies. Although various assessment approaches are widely applied, IoT technology requires effective assessment methods to support the decision-making process and that incorporate qualitative measures to create quantifiable values. In this paper, a new environmental sustainability assessment method is developed to assess radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless sensors networks (WSN). This integrated assessment method incorporates a modified and redesigned conceptual methodology based on technical project evaluation (IMATOV) and an extension of conventional lifecycle measures. The results shows the most and least important metrics. The most important metrics are the categories “electronic devices disposed of completely” and “decrease in stocks”, with the greatest GWFs (20% and 19%, respectively) and IAVs (127% and 117%, respectively) and moderate consolidated degrees of fulfillment. Relatively low degrees of fulfillment are achieved by categories such as “decrease in numbers of assets”, “supply chain echelons benefiting RFID”, and “tag lifecycle duration”, with IAVs below 10%. This study promotes an integrated method to support decision-making processes in the context of environmental sustainability assessments based on lifecycle measures.

scholarly journals An indicator-based sustainability assessment method for indigenous communities: a case study from Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Molina Maturano ◽  
Luz A. García Serrano ◽  
Juan A. Carmona García ◽  
Mayela A. García de Alva Magos ◽  
Anna M. Hersperger
Keyword(s):  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Assessment Approach ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
Regional Projects ◽  
Sustainability Assessments

AbstractIndigenous and Western communities are faced with increasing issues of sustainability compromising their natural resources and cultural heritage, for example, a cross-pollination/complementary approach in relation to their current knowledge systems and discourses on sustainability. There is a need for methods that integrate different discourses relating to sustainability to identify the most pressing needs in terms of sustainability. Sustainability assessments are a type of impact assessment that focus on enhanced sustainability both now and in the future; however, the literature on indigenous sustainability assessment methods, is scarce. To address this gap, we have developed a novel Sustainability Assessment method for Indigenous Communities (SAIC). The SAIC method combines Western and indigenous sustainability objectives and principles, in order to extend the range of options for action to address sustainability. The SAIC method consists of two sections (i) values and considerations and (ii) procedure. The “values and considerations” section establishes the fundamental participatory and ethical considerations for conducting sustainability assessments in indigenous communities, and the “procedure” section establishes a set of 55 indicators in eight categories. The method was tested in a Zapotec, indigenous community in México. Results show that this community was rated highly in all eight categories. However, indicators for family planning and access to health services were rated poorly. The identified issues can be used as guidelines for decision making in future regional projects and development plans. The results reveal further areas for improvement, such as strengthening the links to national or international networks and increasing the use of renewable energies. The method presented in this paper provides an assessment approach based on Western and indigenous sustainability discourses, which is suitable for assessing indigenous communities.

On Mechanisms of Realization of the Public Procurement of Construction Works (The Case of Road Const ruction)

2003 ◽  
pp. 68-80
Author(s):  
A. Dementiev ◽  
A. Zolotareva ◽  
A. Reus
Keyword(s):  
Public Procurement ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
International Experience ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Purchases ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Construction Works ◽  
Budget Expenditure

The most important measures stimulating the increase of efficiency and effectiveness of budget expenditures on road construction are the improvement of pricing mechanisms and increasing efficiency of the procedures of government purchases of goods, works and services. The paper includes the analysis of main problems that arise in the process of government purchases and construction pricing with the reference to budget expenditure on road construction. It includes the review and analysis of international experience and possible measures of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of government purchases and (road) construction pricing in Russia.

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