A comparative analysis between composite indexes of environmental performance: An analysis on the CIEP and EPI

The measurement of environmental impact through composite indexes provides information about the effects of human activities on the ecosystem. Over recent years proposals regarding the environmental composite indexes (ECI) have emerged, suggesting that they can be used to help in decisions about public policies. Due the number of these indicators, issues arise about the asymmetry of information provided, although all ECI seek to measure ecosystem quality or damage. The present paper compares the Composite Index of Environmental Performance (CIEP) (García-Sánchez et al., 2015) and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) (Hsu et al., 2014) in order to find convergent and divergent characteristics, studying methodological aspects and empirical evidence through statistical analysis, in order to favour the decision-making by stakeholders and to improve the existing ECI in order to determine adequately the environmental impact. The results show that the indexes were developed using different methods and variables, however, they share around 20% identical variables. Despite these differences, the rate of variation in ranking countries between the indexes is 21%, on average. The EPI policy category ‘water & sanitation (effects on humans)’ has two common variables and explains part of the CIEP performance. The effect dimension of the CIEP has one more identical variable and it reduces the individual variation between rank positions.     

生态综合指数及其在生态状况评估中的应用研究

在综合分析国内外评估判断生态状况的理论和方法的基础上,提出适合我国国情的定量化的科学评估生态状况的方法--生态综合指数法。生态综合指数可用于对我国生态治理与生态破坏处于何种阶段进行量化的、内在的和综合的判断。结合我国生态建设的现状,从层次性、系统性、现实性、重要性4个方面综合考虑,对生态综合指数的指标进行了合理的选取,包括森林、荒漠、水土流失、生物多样性、湿地、草原、农田、城市生态状况等8项指标。生态综合指数的计算方法,分总指标公式、第一层次指标公式和第二层次指标公式3部分,从数学分析方法上属于层次分析法(AHP),各级指标层次分明,重点突出。将生态综合指数E(CI)分为3个区域:ECI<1,ECI=1(±0.05),ECI>1。经计算,我国生态综合指数为1.02,处于生态综合指数=1(±0.05)区域,据此判断,我国目前处于生态治理与生态破坏的相持阶段,国家必须继续进行大规模的生态建设,以促进生态系统向良性阶段递进。应用生态综合指数对我国生态状况进行综合判断,对于我国生态建设的理论和实践都具有重要意义。     

Use of contract models to improve environmental outcomes in transport infrastructure construction

The type of contract model may have a significant influence on achieving project objectives, including environmental and climate change goals. This research investigates non-standard contract models impacting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in transport infrastructure construction in Australia. The research is based on the analysis of two case studies: an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract and a Design and Construct (D&C) contract with GHG reduction requirements embedded in the contractor selection. Main findings support the use of ECIs for better integrating decisions made during the planning phase with the construction activities, and improve environmental outcomes while achieving financial and time savings.