Evaluation of critical success factors of implementation of ISO 14001 using analytic hierarchy process (AHP): a case study from Malaysia

The factors and sub-factors critical to the successful implementation of ISO 14001-based environmental management system (EMS) and benefits that can be reaped from the implementation were explored in this study. An empirical study using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was carried out to find the relative weights and priorities of these critical success factors and benefits. The study was carried out in Malaysia among companies in the electrical and electronics sector. The results of the study indicate that the critical success factors in the order of importance are as follows: management approach, organizational change, technical aspects, and external and social aspects. The results of the study also indicate the benefits that can be obtained by the implementation of ISO 14001: improvement in the company's image and reputation, improvement in company's processes and profits, improvement in customer loyalty and trust, and improvement in staff morale and employer–employee relations.     

Environmental performance,indicators and measurement uncertainty in EMS context: a case study

EMS is a tool for managing the interaction between the organization and the environment. The aim of an EMS is to improve the overall environmental performance of the organization. The performance should be monitored through measurements, and managed by indicators. Indicators are variables that summarize or otherwise simplify relevant information about the state of a complex system. A correct evaluation of environmental performance arises from the choice of adequate “raw” data and from the relationships among “raw” data.This paper, after a short excursus concerning the rule of indicators in environmental performance evaluation and the mean of uncertainty, proposes an approach to the study and the evaluation, through indicators and indices, of the environmental aspect “wastewater discharges” of a Local Authority who is involved in EMS implementation. Particularly, the critical analysis of one of the indices that has been used is reported. The role of the uncertainty of measurements has been stressed. The results showed that measurement uncertainty is essential for an efficient data comparison and for a correct evaluation of environmental performance, which, in turn, is essential to guarantee the effectiveness of the EMS application.     

Environmental costs at a Canadian paper mill: a case study of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA)

An Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) framework is applied to the 2000 year-end financial report for the Mackenzie Paper Division paper mill owned and operated by Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. of Montreal, Quebec. A conventional reading of the obvious environmental costs from this financial report is Cdn$2,196,838. This figure is derived from an analysis of effluent treatment costs and other line item environmental costs. There is no “environmental account” category that breaks out either costs or the mass balance of inputs and outputs. For the most part, environmental costs are rolled up into overhead accounts such as administration, infrastructure and materials accounts.Application of the EMA framework is based on assigning environmental costs to one of four categories for which a tentative breakdown is as follows: (1) waste and emission treatment costs ($3,348,902); (2) prevention and environmental management costs ($270,109); (3) material purchase value of non-product output costs ($946,799); and (4) processing costs of non-product output ($2 92,943). There is also a category called Environmental Revenues, of which none were reported. Conservative estimates thus place the total environmental costs at $4,858,753.What is significant about this result is that the environmental costs under EMA are at least twice as much as would normally be reported. This supports the view that environmental costs are much higher than generally considered and makes it clear that many important environmental costs as well as benefits are “hidden” in other accounts. More studies of a similar design are required to confirm the validity of the EMA methodology reported here.     

病险水库管理决策中的环境价值评估 ——以水库的游憩价值为例

以滁州市黑洼水库的游憩价值为例,利用两边界二分式条件价值法,探讨了我国病险水库管理决策中的环境价值评估.利用收入限制的Logit模型,分析支付意愿均值和中值点估计和区间估计对其分布函数右尾变化的灵敏性.结果表明本研究中支付意愿的分布函数没有出现“大尾效应”,在最大投标值处,对分布函数进行简单截断的方法统计效率最高.滁州市公众对黑洼水库游憩功能提升的平均支付意愿为305元/户(95%置信区间265~351元/户);总价值为3782万元(95%置信区间3296~4355万元).表明即使是小型病险水库也可能具有极高的环境价值,病险水库管理决策必须考虑环境价值这一重要指标.     

Developing country experience with eco-industrial parks: a case study of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area in China

To address the pollution that accompanies rapid industrial growth in China, a National Eco-industrial Park Demonstration Program was launched in 2000. This article provides a case study of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA). The emergence of an environmental institution in TEDA is used as a backdrop to assess how TEDA has transformed itself into one of the top three national eco-industrial parks in China. Following two years of field research, a network of 81 inter-firm symbiotic relationships formed in TEDA during the past 16 years were identified involving the utility, automobile, electronics, biotechnology, food and beverage, and resource recovery clusters. The article assesses the environmental benefits of the key symbiotic exchanges in TEDA and summarizes some unique characteristics of EIP progress in a developing country.     

Environmental evaluation of new technology: printed electronics case study

The environmental evaluation of new technology faces many challenges, but at the same time it is an opportunity to take proactive measures to prevent possible negative effects on the environment. Examination of environmental issues using the life cycle approach should form an integrated part of comprehensive technology and product development. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental issues related to a rising technology, printed electronics. Printing is an additive process, having no need for extra material and corrosive chemicals. On the basis of an evaluation made for a prototype product, i.e. a wristband, it was observed that more information on the new materials and further optimization of the process are required before electronics printing can be claimed to be environmentally friendly.     

Methodological complexities of product carbon footprinting: a sensitivity analysis of key variables in a developing country context

Product carbon footprinting schemes adopt different analytical methodologies. The calculations can also be affected by limited data availability and uncertainty surrounding the value of key variables. The combination of these factors reduces the validity of comparing carbon footprints between products and countries.We used data from sugar production in Zambia and Mauritius to test how variations in methodology affected the product carbon footprint (PCF). We calculated a PCF according to PAS 2050 and explored the sensitivity of the results to the variation of key variables.Results showed that land use change emissions can dominate PCFs. The largest potential impact came from assuming global worst case data for land use change emissions where a product's origin is unknown (+1900%). The issue of land use change can lead to high carbon footprints for products from developing countries where more natural vegetation is still being converted and data are most lacking. When land use change is not important, variables such as electricity emission factors, capital inputs and loss of soil carbon had significant impacts on the PCF.This analysis highlights the large effect of methodology on PCFs. These results are of particular concern for developing countries where data are scarce and the use of global worst case data may be prescribed. We recommend the development of more precise emission factors for tropical countries and bio-regions, and encourage the transparent use of PCF methodologies, where data sources, uncertainties and variability are explicitly noted.     

某焦化厂污染场地环境损害评估案例研究

以某大型焦化厂土壤和地下水多环芳烃、苯污染损害评估为例,采用资源等值分析法分别开展场地土壤和地下水污染环境损害评估,并对评估结果的不确定性进行分析.结果表明,损害评估的数额（27.1亿元）与实际污染修复成本（20.5亿元）具有较大差异,损害评估额明显大于污染治理修复成本;社会贴现率的取值（1%~5%）选择对土壤污染损害评估结果影响最大,污染含水层厚度（3m~9m）、含水层孔隙度（0.25~0.35）、社会贴现率（1%~5%）和单位地下水修复成本（4000~5000元/m²）等因子对地下水污染环境损害评估的结果影响较大.资源等值分析的方法作为评估工业场地土壤和地下水污染理论和技术上较为可行,但需要精细化的立法和明确的技术导则来规范损害评估的内容、程序和方法.     

Selection of product categories for a national eco-labelling scheme in developing countries: a case study of Vietnamese manufacturing sub-sectors

Although the selection of product categories is a deciding factor for the success of eco-labelling schemes, there are no consistent methods for determining selection factors and how to prioritise product categories for developing countries (DgCs). This paper attempts to identify appropriate factors for product category selection and formulate a prioritisation method applicable to DgCs. We first examined the selection factors currently utilised in schemes worldwide by conducting a questionnaire survey of representatives of foreign schemes. Selection factors were illustrated on a plot graph, which indicated the percentage of factors implemented in the schemes of DgCs and developed countries (DGs), and their plausibility assessed when utilised in the schemes of DgCs. In this way, we proposed three groups of factors: an exclusion factor, five core factors and seven operational factors. Then, under the conditions of DgCs, such as socioeconomic issues and availability of data, we used and modified some judging guidelines of the European Ecolabel (the EU Flower), e.g. determining the environmental impacts and potential of environmental improvements, in the scoring method to prioritise product categories by weighting factors. In light of our findings, we utilised the proposed factors and modified the scoring method to prioritise the screened primary list of product categories of Vietnamese manufacturing sub-sectors. By scoring factor-based questions and prioritising in three ways, i.e. following the scoring method of the EU Flower programme, totalling all values with equal weighting, and totalling all values but by doubling the weighting of core factors compared with operational factors, we observed that the weighted prioritisation differentiates priority product categories more clearly than the other methods. We propose the two highest potential candidates for eco-labelling in Vietnam, namely textile/garment and fishery products.     

Sustainable development as a framework for developing country participation in international climate change policies

The paper presents a number of ideas on how climate change policy implementation in developing countries can be supported by alternative international cooperation mechanisms that are based on stakeholder interests and policy priorities including broader economic and social development issues. It includes a brief review of current development policies, technological research and promotion efforts, and climate change that demonstrates that mutual policy initiatives undertaken by governments and the private sector actually have major positive impacts on climate change without being initiated by this global policy concern. Furthermore a number of examples are given on how future development objectives in Brazil, China, and India jointly can support economic and social goals and global climate change concerns if these goals are taken into consideration and supported by international cooperative mechanisms. The paper proposes international cooperative mechanisms that can support the implementation of integrated development and climate change policies. The mechanisms include an international sustainable development (SD) and Climate Finance Mechanism (SDCFM), technology development and transition programmes, technology standards, and other measures.

Environmental status and management in Chiba Prefecture

Chiba Prefecture is located in the east of Tokyo Metropolis. A large scale development of industrial and residential areas began in the late 1950s until then the main industries of the prefecture were agriculture and fisheries. During the past 30 years rapid industrialization and urbanization took place resulting in occurrence of various environmental problems.In an attempt to establish a better environment condition towards 21st century Chiba Prefecture has made Environmental Plan which all the municipal governments, enterprises and inhabitants should observe to realize better environment.     

Environmental evaluation of localising production as a strategy for sustainable development: a case study of two consumer goods in Jamaica

The objective of this study was to compare the life-cycle environmental impacts of changed production structures for two consumer goods (high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shopping bags and beds) in Jamaica. A scenario technique was used to construct three alternative production structures for each product; each scenario reflecting an increase in local production in Jamaica which depended on an increased supply of input materials which may be sourced: (1) externally from overseas suppliers, (2) from post-consumer recycling, and (3) locally on the island of Jamaica. These three constructed scenarios were then compared to the existing supply chain or reference scenarios of the products. The results showed that for both case products the recycling scenario was most preferable for localising production, resulting in the lowest environmental impact. This was because the production of raw materials accounted for the largest effect on total environmental impact. As such, the most immediate environmental improvements were realised by lowering the production of virgin materials.     

Wasting collaboration potential: A study in urban green space governance in a post-transition country

Most accounts of urban green space governance originate in cities where such initiatives have been successful. Meanwhile, there is too little information on cities where such initiatives develop with more difficulty. In order to overcome the problems that such cities face, their situations need to be studied more carefully to facilitate peer comparisons. This article provides an account of urban green space governance in three cities in Poland (Krakow, Lodz, Poznan), where environmental protection is still quite far down on the list of political priorities. With the use of a social network analysis we looked at the extent of relationships between different stakeholders and the roles of different actors within the network. The results indicate that the network's collaboration potential is barely used and that cross-sectoral collaboration is especially deficient. In particular, public institutions hold a relatively strong position and downplay the role of other actors. More collaboration is necessary and the potential bridging role of NGOs should be used to a larger extent. However, this requires more openness and trust within the network.     

海绵社区综合实施效能的评价研究 ——以青岛案例海绵社区为例

海绵社区是海绵城市建设的重要载体,其综合实施效能评价将综合反映海绵城市的建设成效。本文以从事青岛市海绵城市建设的专家经验、项目运行效果为依据,借助网络分析法原理,建立了青岛市综合实施效能评价体系,并以青岛某海绵社区的实施情况为基础,运用模糊综合评价法进行了综合实施效能评价,获得了较为合理的评价结论。     

Environmental assessment of organic soybean (Glycine max.) imported from China to Denmark: a case study

Growing global trade with organic products has increased the demand for environmental impact assessments during both production and transport. Environmental hotspots of organic soybeans produced in China and imported to Denmark were identified in a case study using a life cycle assessment approach. Furthermore, environmental impacts of organic and conventional soybeans at farm gate were compared in the case study. The total global warming potential (GWP) per ton organic soybeans imported to Denmark revealed that 51% came from transportation and 35% from the farm level. Comparing organic and conventional soybean at farm gate showed that GWP, non-renewable energy use, acidification and eutrophication was lower per ton organic soybeans, whereas land use was slightly higher.     

我国开发区环境管理工作现状、存在问题及建议

1开发区环境管理工作现状 我国开发区环保机构设置分为三种情况,一是规模较小的开发区不设环保机构,环保工作由开发区所在地环保部门负责.如,在武汉市这类开发区有5个,占总数的50%;吉林省有14个,占64%.二是中等规模的开发区,由开发区所在地环保部门在区内设立环保分局或派出机构负责环保工作.在吉林省这类开发区有3个,占总数的14%;武汉市有2个,占20%.三是规模较大,经济增长较快的开发区,管委会单独设立环保机构.在吉林省这类开发区有4个,占总数的22%;郑州市、哈尔滨市高新技术产业开发区和经济技术产业开发区也属于这种情况.     

基于纳污量的流域水环境管理模式——以金华江流域义乌段为例

为解决金华江流域义乌段水质与水功能区要求间失衡的环境问题,建立基于水体纳污能力的流域水环境管理模式.以QUAL2K模型为基础估算了金华江流域义乌段BOD和氨氮纳污能力;建立了同时考虑点源和面源的BOD、氨氮日最大排污量的管理模式.结果表明,流域BOD、氨氮纳污总量分别为4865.5 kg·d-1和431.20 kg·d-1;按照BOD、氨氮现状,其排放量分别削减49.63%和88.71%,才能基本满足流域水环境功能区要求.     

Groundwater models and wellfield management: a case study

The highly permeable sand and gravel of the Little Miami River Valley Aquifer System near Milford, Ohio provide the community with a high-yielding source of drinking water. While this hydrogeologic setting is ideal from a water quantity standpoint, it is greatly vulnerable to contamination. The future viability of the well-field came into question when it was discovered that the wellfield was contaminated with volatile organic contaminants, leaving the City with the costly cleanup. Milford’s perseverance is also challenged by having to deal with a deteriorating treatment plant. Furthermore, larger water suppliers in the area have threatened the community’s independence. The question facing this community, and many other smaller communities, was whether to surrender its independence or invest in their future. The city has decided to keep their wellfield and to conduct a groundwater study. The objectives of the study were to: (a) collect and evaluate hydrogeological data; (b) develop a conceptual model of the groundwater system; (c) construct groundwater flow and geochemical models; (d) delineate wellhead protection area; and (e) develop a comprehensive management program. Collected hydro-geologic data served as a basis for the conceptual model. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) three-dimensional groundwater flow model MODFLOW was used in conjunction with MODPATH, a particle-tracking program, to identify travel times and paths of contaminants. This approach ultimately lead to the delineation of the wellhead protection area (WHPA). Geochemical mixing models were constructed using the USGS PHREEQC to verify the flow model results. The use of both flow and geochemical models to delineate the WHPA and to manage groundwater resources is a unique approach. The modeling results provide the City of Milford a management tool in making difficult policy decisions regarding future land use, siting for new monitoring and production wells, and identification of potential pollution sources.