Showing papers in "Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal in 2008"
TL;DR: In this paper, the application of geographic information system (GIS) 3D route modelling for waste collection/transportation to optimise the route according to the minimum fuel consumption criterion to different municipalities of the island of Santo Antao of Cape Verde is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The high costs of collection and transportation of municipal solid waste (MSW) on the overall waste management budget (sometimes more than 75 per cent) makes it an issue to be urgently addressed for improvement. The paper aims to focus on the optimisation of routing networks for waste collection/transportation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes herein the application of geographic information system (GIS) 3D route modelling for waste collection/transportation to optimise the route according to the minimum fuel consumption criterion to different municipalities of the island of Santo Antao of Cape Verde.Findings – The optimisation for the lowest fuel consumption yields 52 per cent savings in fuel, when compared to that for the shortest distance, even travelling a 34 percent longer distance, which shows the importance of considering simultaneously the relief of the territory and the lowest fuel consumption criterion when optimising vehicle routes.Practical implications – With such a s...
96 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on a government funded doctorate research project examining the developments in and applications of integrated management systems (IMS) applied to the environment, quality, and safety of construction projects in the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to report on a government funded doctorate research project examining the developments in and applications of integrated management systems (IMS) applied to the environment, quality, and safety of construction projects in the UK. The research focused on how the integration of standards‐based management systems used by major contractors operating within the construction sector could contribute to improvements in the environmental performance of their corporate organisation and their projects.Design/methodology/approach – The research project utilised a triangulated approach collating qualitative and quantitative data acquired by multiple collection methods of a questionnaire survey, structured and semi‐structured interviews and case studies. Qualitative approach involved the development of theory from data, or grounded theory, and evaluation of data, or analytic induction, whilst quantitative approach used data‐sampling methods and database coding and analysis.Findings – The findi...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors try to link sustainable development, small business management and strategy setting with corporate foresight, and find that sustainable development is widely acknowledged as key concept for humanities future.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to try to link sustainable development, small business management and strategy setting with corporate foresight. Corporate foresight aims to transfer methodological sound instruments of future and technology analysis to (small) business contexts and can be described as an information‐based communication process aiming in vision‐building on future markets, changes in society and customer needs.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature research and on the results of an interdisciplinary expert workshop and is part of an ongoing case study.Findings – The paper finds that sustainable development is widely acknowledged as key concept for humanities future. Sustainability calls for balancing short‐term business interest and long‐term development of both the society and the company itself. Regardless of whether a business manager is committed to an ethical fundament of sustainable development (normative attempt), there is also a rational basis for taking (voluntar...
56 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the relation between the ISO 14001 standard and sustainable development, and present a case study of the energy sector in Poland in order to provide an example of the influence of the environmental management system according to ISO 14Õ on environmental quality and sustainability.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relation between the ISO 14001 standard and sustainable development, and to present a case study of the energy sector in Poland in order to provide an example of the influence of the environmental management system according to ISO 14001 on environmental quality and sustainable development.Design/methodology/approach – The relation between sustainable development and the environmental management system related to the ISO 14000 series is discussed by comparing these series with the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development. The case study is based on the analysis of the fulfilment of environmental goals and tasks, which are part of the environmental management system, introduced in the company under research.Findings – The case study provides arguments that the ISO 14001 standard may support sustainable development, in particular when standard legal enforcement mechanisms are weak.Practical implications – The introduction of standards for busines...
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe and evaluate the development of a novel planning tool for end-use efficiency in the built environment and for infrastructural changes in the energy system.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective is to describe and evaluate the development of a novel planning tool for end‐use efficiency in the built environment and for infrastructural changes in the energy system.Design/methodology/approach – After describing problems related to further reduce heat demand in the Danish built environment, the geographical nature of the planning task is discussed. The requirements are then translated into concepts for the development of a general method, which is implemented in a practical design of a heat atlas. Typical applications are described and discussed.Findings – It was found that the availability of the extensive public databases in Denmark make feasible the development and application of a highly detailed geographical information base for end use and infrastructure planning and analysis. It was also realised that the development has much higher potentials than explored in this paper. On the other hand, the complex geography of the urban/rural boundaries of cities requires extra car...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an urban transformation project in Italy is assessed from a sustainability point of view, taking into consideration alternative solutions for the project (zero option, initial project and final project), and highlights the most important elements for the sustainability evaluation and the best solution for the transformation.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the paper is to assess an urban transformation project in Italy, from a sustainability point of view. Taking into consideration alternative solutions for the project (zero option, initial project and final project), the paper highlights the most important elements for the sustainability evaluation and the best solution for the transformation.Design/methodology/approach – The sustainability assessment of the transformation project is performed using a particular multicriteria analysis, the analytic network process (ANP). Multi‐criteria techniques provide a useful support when a choice must be made among several alternatives with different objectives and criteria and also allow one to include tangible and intangible factors in the evaluation. The ANP is used to derive relative priority scales of absolute numbers from individual judgments and it offers a general framework to deal with complex decisions which provides a comparison of the different options.Findings – The priority list of t...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared Local Agenda 21 sustainability plan implementation and research activity between Europe, North America and India and found that close to 6,000 sustainability plans have been prepared for European communities versus about 100 for North American communities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is the comparison of Local Agenda 21 – sustainability plan implementation and research activity between Europe, North America and India.Design/methodology/approach – Intensive literature and web search for European, North American and Indian Local Agenda 21 sustainability planning and implementation status.Findings – Close to 6,000 sustainability plans have been prepared for European communities versus about 100 for North American communities. A total of 20 Indian cities have started sustainability planning efforts. There is an extensive support network for European communities and much less so or North American and Indian communities. Most sustainability/biodiversity/urban ecosystems research is ongoing in Europe and North America and there is a beginning surge of activity in India.Practical implications – Knowledge of Local Agenda 21 implementation status between these three regions can hopefully spur more activity in North America and India. Comparisons of applicable...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, focus groups were used to identify households' barriers to energy saving solutions, and six types of barriers are introduced: cultural normative, economic, information, cultural normativity, economic and information.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify households' barriers to energy saving solutions. Six types of barriers are introduced. The question to be answered is: what is the strength and relevance of the various barriers for changing consumer energy behaviour?Design/methodology/approach – The method is focus group interviews. Focus groups do not aim at giving a representative picture of the population at large, but aim at recording and documenting a wide range of typical responses and reactions. The focus groups were recruited among a group of people who were actively looking for new dwellings and a reference group of environmentally conscious participants.Findings – Three barriers out of the six proposed were found to be relevant in this study: Cultural‐normative, economic and information.Research limitations/implications – Energy saving solutions are technically and socially complex matters, so it is important to advice and guide consumers to make changes that contribute substantially, rather th...
38 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the socio-economic and environmental implications of the informal sector engaged in waste recycling in the city of Kanpur, with special emphasis on the lives of lowest group of people, i.e. waste-pickers, and discuss various possible scenarios to integrate them with the formal sector.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the socio‐economic and environmental implications of the informal sector engaged in waste recycling in the city of Kanpur, with special emphasis on the lives of lowest group of people, i.e. waste‐pickers, and to discuss various possible scenarios to integrate them with the formal sector.Design/methodology/approach – The study involved field survey of secondary material markets, followed by the administration of questionnaires to 40 respondents belonging to various segments of the informal sector. The questionnaires were designed to elicit information on the socio‐economic characteristics of the respondents. The study was conducted in 2004.Findings – The study has attempted to delve into the socio‐economic conditions of the waste and dump‐pickers, the lowest segment of the informal recycling sector. The study of the status of existing alliances of formal‐informal sector and the community shows that there is a lot of scope for improvement in the management o...
35 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a computer based from gate-to-cradle life cycle assessment (LCA) model has been developed by setting up appropriate expanded system boundaries, in order to carry out the assessment in the context of the whole waste management streamline.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the paper is to understand the environmental performances of the current management activities of organic waste from separate collection.Design/methodology/approach – A computer based from gate‐to‐cradle life cycle assessment (LCA) model has been developed by setting up appropriate expanded system boundaries, in order to carry out the assessment in the context of the whole waste management streamline.Findings – The environmental performances of existing aerobic and anaerobic plants, based on field measured data, were made available, paying attention to the role and contribution of waste management subsystems.Research limitations/implications – The need for actual and reliable data on materials and energy input, as well as gross and net gains from materials and energy recovery is probably the major drawback that must be faced when dealing with LCA in the waste management sector.Practical implications – This paper may help public administrators in better understanding the suitability of...
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of taking into account precipitation and vegetation response to it when trying to analyse changes of vegetation cover in drylands with high inter-annual rainfall variability was demonstrated.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of taking into account precipitation and the vegetation response to it when trying to analyse changes of vegetation cover in drylands with high inter‐annual rainfall variability.Design/methodology/approach – Linear regression models were used to determine trends in NDVI and precipitation and their interrelations for each pixel. Trends in NDVI that were entirely supported by precipitation trends were considered to impose climate‐induced vegetation change. Trends in NDVI that were not explained by trends in precipitation were considered to mark human‐induced vegetation change. Modelling results were validated by test of statistical significance and by comparison with the data from higher resolution satellites and fieldtrips to key test sites.Findings – More than 26 percent of all vegetated area in Central Asia experienced significant changes during 1981‐2000. Rainfall has been proved to enforce most of these changes (21 percent of the entire vegetated ...
TL;DR: In this article, a review of multidimensional aspects of local sustainable development policy in the context of governance is presented, and identified barriers are analyzed based on case studies of local communities.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to review multidimensional aspects of local sustainable development policy in the context of governance It aims to focus on the general conditions in Poland and to base its analysis on empirical research in selected Polish communitiesDesign/methodology/approach – In the first theoretical part the paper presents multidimensional aspects of governance for local sustainability Identified barriers are the analyzed, based on case studies of local communitiesFindings – The paper shows that even if sustainable development and governance are integrated in theoretical discourses, in the practice of local policy making they are rarely considered in conjunction with each other A lack of understanding of the importance of governance for sustainability and for local development has been identified on the practical level of local policy making The Polish case studies show that the responsibility for governance barriers to local sustainable development is shared by local decision‐makers
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide estimates of damage cost for several areas of the environment, in particular: to estimate the cost of degradation as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at the national level; to enhance local capacity in environmental economics; and to provide an input to inter-sectoral environmental priority setting.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide estimates of damage cost for several areas of the environment. In particular: to estimate the cost of degradation as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at the national level; to enhance local capacity in environmental economics, in particular in the valuation of environmental degradation; and to provide an input to inter‐sectoral environmental priority setting.Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the above objectives a framework was developed to estimate the cost of environmental degradation in seven countries in the region, for six categories. Estimates reflect order of magnitude and therefore represent an indication of actual damage costs. A range of estimates was provided to reflect the uncertainty of the results. Damage costs are presented in annual values (in local currencies, in US$ dollars) and as a per cent of GDP. Expressing costs as a share of GDP provides a sense of magnitude and will allow cross‐country comparison.Findings – The d...
TL;DR: In this paper, the crucial elements of integrated river basin management (IRBM) and their legal frameworks are reviewed and the requirements that have to be considered in a comprehensive management approach are presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the crucial elements of integrated river basin management (IRBM) and their legal frameworks which have to be considered in a comprehensive management approach. A wide range of decision support systems (DSS) have been developed for IRBM‐related fields during the last few decades. However, most of the developed systems are either not used in practice or are used by people other than those they were designed for. The paper also discusses whether DSS are useful for IRBM and presents the requirements which have to be considered in the development of IRBM‐DSS.Design/methodology/approach – Beside literature research, a variety of requirement elicitation techniques such as interviews, buzz groups, questionnaire and prototype evaluation were employed. Feedback from roughly 200 experts representing different work fields and river basins in Central and Western Europe was collected.Findings – Different legal frameworks of IRBM fields were analysed with a view to determ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors give an overview of the challenges for public participation in river basin management and planning and to develop a set of guidelines for a successful public consultation and identify some obstacles and recommendations for the process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the challenges for public participation in river basin management and planning and to develop a set of guidelines for a successful public consultation.Design/methodology/approach – The current paper describes and analyses the requirements and expectations regarding public participation in river basin planning and identifies some obstacles and recommendations for the process.Findings – The research carried out identified a wide range of challenges for the practical implementation of the public involvement in river basin planning as stated in the Water Framework Directive. The involvement of the public is critical for a successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Hence, public participation is greatly emphasised in the Directive. Article 14 of the Water Framework Directive requires that Member States encourage involvement of all stakeholders into the implementation process, especially into the River Basin Management Planning.Pract...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors remark the importance of sustainable technologies in the facade renewal of existing buildings in order to fit their energetic performance to different climatic inputs, following the new European Energy Standards for energy savings.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to remark the importance of sustainable technologies in the facade renewal of existing buildings in order to fit their energetic performance to different climatic inputs, following the new European Energy Standards for energy savings.Design/methodology/approach – Technical data and typical examples of upgrading interventions in the direction of the passive solar gaining, natural cooling and other relevant sustainable technologies for building envelopes are presented and critically examined.Findings – The energy failure in existing buildings is mainly due to the poor insulating efficiency of the facades. Making use of hi‐tech envelopes, not only the energetic balance, but also the architectural value of a building can be improved.Practical implications – Architects and builders can use the advices from this study in determining the advantages of up‐to‐date technologies in the enhancement of the energetic performance of buildings.Originality/value – Examples presented ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present four elements of institutional capital: public domain, institutional strength, good governance, and institutional equilibrium, and argue that a lack of such capital is likely to cause unsustainable development.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to outline and analyse some important elements of institutional capital and their potential effect on sustainable development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents four elements of institutional capital: public domain, institutional strength, good governance, and institutional equilibrium. The choice of these elements and the analysis of their economic, social and environmental impacts are based on literature study and interpretation and extension of existing analyses which rather focus on either economic or environmental issues.Findings – The main argument of the paper is that institutional capital is a fundament of sustainable development, and that a lack of such capital is likely to cause unsustainable development.Practical implications – The paper creates a general theoretical basis that may be a useful background for developing policy based on a system approach.Originality/value – New institutional economics has often been used to analyse institutional determinants...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a rapid review of the challenges facing the biodiversity in the UAE and the solutions that this young country proposes to counteract the erosion of its biodiversity, showing that despite being regarded as a vast desertic and unfertile area with one of the lowest human populations in the world, the UAE hosts a unique and remarkably adapted fauna and flora.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to show that the Arabian Peninsula, and the United Arab Emirates in particular, has not been spared by the trends of biodiversity loss observed on the world scale. The authors aim to present a rapid review of the challenges facing the biodiversity in the UAE and the solutions that this young country proposes to counteract the erosion of its biodiversity.Design/methodology/approach – The authors gathered and compiled published and unpublished information from governmental and non‐governmental sources.Findings – Despite being regarded as a vast desertic and unfertile area with one of the lowest human populations in the world, the UAE hosts a unique and remarkably adapted fauna and flora. Adding to natural causes (drought), the main threats facing biodiversity identified were: coastal development and urbanisation, as well as over‐exploitation of natural resources (fishing, hunting, grazing and water extraction) that are linked with the tremendous population increase and ...
TL;DR: In this article, a case study aimed at detecting and delineating saltwater intrusion in the downstream part of Wadi Gizan in southwest Saudi Arabia using geo-electrical and hydro-chemical methods.
Abstract: Purpose – Salt‐water intrusion has always been a source of contamination in coastal aquifers that hinders sustainable groundwater development Classical techniques to detect its occurrence are costly and time consuming The application of combined geo‐electrical and hydro‐chemical methods is cheaper, executable in reasonable time, and successfully applied in mapping the interface between saline and fresh groundwater The current study aims at detecting and delineating salt‐water intrusion in the downstream part of Wadi Gizan in southwest Saudi Arabia using geo‐electrical and hydro‐chemical methodsDesign/methodology/approach – The case study area is the downstream part of Wadi Gizan in southwestern Saudi Arabia Geo‐electrical data were obtained from field measurements using both Shlumberger and Wenner procedures A number of 65 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for its total dissolved solids and major ionic compositionFindings – The results show variations in the resistivity of the water‐b
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss how to plan and provide for people's relaxation and engagement, cognitive and aesthetic needs in Bangalore by observing the abundance of parks and avenue trees and green areas along with green median and traffic islands.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how to plan and provide for people's relaxation and engagement, cognitive and aesthetic needs. Symbolic of this is the green city image, which is obtained through planning and management of parks and green areas.Design/methodology/approach – The approach here is to note that Bangalore has gained all‐round importance as an administrative, trading and industrial center and a location for premier educational institutions along with large IT and BT industries. Also, it is a center of strategic importance, due to a concentration of defense establishments. The study observes the abundance of parks and avenue trees and green areas along with green median and traffic islands all through in the city, which provide shade and meet the purely ecological and aesthetic needs.Findings – The study reveals the beneficial impact of green areas on the microclimate of the city, which also serve as outdoor recreation areas to the city people. The parks and green areas need ser...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show some relevant issues about how the framework of the ISO 14001-based EMS contributes to the transition of higher education institutes (HEIs) towards a sustainable university.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to show some relevant issues about how the framework of the ISO 14001‐based EMS contributes to the transition of higher education institutes (HEIs) towards a sustainable universityDesign/methodology/approach – The triangulation methodology is used to compare a literature review with the experiences in some universities that have worked with the ISO 14001 framework, and also with the obtained results from a case study in regards to the implementation of such a system in the University of SonoraFindings – The EMS structure has to be adapted to the academic structure; the substantive functions (teaching, research, and outreach) have to be considered; the intangibles (consciousness, involvement, student participation, among others) are very important; and the elaboration of a model proposal in order to make the proper adaptations from to the ISO 14001 scheme is suggested As a result, the increment of its contribution in the way of the higher education institutions towards
TL;DR: In this article, the amount of different kinds of solid wastes produced, segregated, collected, stored, transported and disposed off by the different industries/business in Kuwait was determined by using available industry information along with the use of monitoring data from a waste management system.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the amount of different kinds of solid wastes produced, segregated, collected, stored, transported and disposed off by the different industries/business in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approach – Available industry information along with the use of monitoring data from a waste management system were used to analyze the generation, type and composition of industrial waste. Industrial activities were classified as follows: crude oil and chemical products industry; food and beverage industry, textiles and leather industry, wood industry, paper and printing industry, non‐metallic mineral products; metal industry and other industries. The wastes generated were classified according to their composition.Findings – Kuwait has more than 5,000 industries and as a result more than 47,169 tons of industrial wastes are produced every year in Kuwait. It was observed that paper and cardboard, plastic, wood, and metals were the most common types of waste, mainly generated ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present traditional and novel approaches for sustainable agricultural exploitation of the arid drylands in Southern Israel and similar climatic zones, and their potential for rehabilitating degraded drylands and increasing agricultural productivity.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to show that land degradation and desertification are threatening the livelihood of more than a billion dryland inhabitants. The paper aims to present traditional and novel approaches for sustainable agricultural exploitation of the arid drylands in Southern Israel and similar climatic zones, and their potential for rehabilitating degraded drylands and increasing agricultural productivity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the current agricultural activities on the Abu Rabia farm as well as developing experimental approaches and discusses the expected impact on ecological, economic and social sustainability.Findings – The farm investigated consists of about 120 hectares of semi‐desert land 30 km east of Beer Sheva, divided about 50:50 between rocky hill country and plains with deep loess soil. The area receives an average 200 mm of rain per year. The land is used for raising livestock (about 120 head of sheep and goats), wheat cultivation on high quality...
TL;DR: In this paper, an "one-line shoreline change model" (PELNCON) was developed to study the evolution of the coastal morphology in the area, and the model's input comprises the field characteristics, the wave characteristics at the breaker line and a source term for the sediment supply rate by River Nestos.
Abstract: Purpose – To study the impact of River Nestos (North Greece) dams construction on coastal morphology.Design/methodology/approach – In order to study the evolution of the coastal morphology in the area, an “one‐line shoreline change model” was developed (PELNCON). The model's input comprises the field characteristics, the wave characteristics at the breaker line and a “source” term for the sediment supply rate by River Nestos. The model calculates the shoreline change over a given period of time. The annually transported sediment quantity by the river is estimated using filed measurements and other models' results for various sites along the Greek part of the hydrologic basin of Nestos (Nestos is a transboundary river extending along Greece and Bulgaria).Findings – The “PELNCON” results demonstrate a serious erosion threat for the coastal area due to the sediment budget deficit of about 1.8 × 106 m3/year.Research limitations/implications – The developed model is subject to common structural weaknesses of c...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the potential of integrated planning and management of the environment in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and river basin planning, and highlight three aspects of the integrated management framework for water and other environmental resources.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the prospects of integrated planning and management of the environment in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and river basin planning.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the legal framework of the WFD and other related water and environmental legislation as well as the provisions for integrative practice in the WFD. Moreover it analyses the potential for integration with issues that are not provided for in the WFD, such as land use. The procedural elements of the WFD and other EU legislation are analysed for identifying common elements within a modern consensus and efficiency based planning mode.Findings – Three aspects of the integrated management framework for water and other environmental resources are highlighted. The first concerns the need for interaction between spatial land use planning and the integrated river basin management plans of the WFD, in order to ensure that land‐use plans do not contradict water goals and th...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present arguments in support of using economic instruments to conserve biodiversity and explain the conditions under which the use of these instruments is most likely to be most successful.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe and examine the problem of biodiversity loss and to explain its underlying causes and the possibilities of using economic instruments to conserve it.Design/methodology/approach – The research in this paper was undertaken through a review of the literature and an analysis of data on the trends of various measures of biodiversity worldwide.Findings – The loss of biodiversity is occurring worldwide at a rapid rate that has the potential to significantly undermine the prospects for sustainable development. Although the main proximate cause of biodiversity loss is land conversion, the fundamental causes are rooted in economic, institutional, and social factors and include market failures and the lack of property rights.Practical implications – This paper presents arguments in support of using economic instruments to conserve biodiversity and explains the conditions under which the use of these instruments is likely to be most successful.Originality/value – Thi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the degree of sustainable urban development in Poland in terms of spatial management and laws applying to the process, and find that the lack of zoning plans in many cities delays new investments.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is the evaluation of the degree of sustainable urban development in Poland in terms of spatial management and laws applying to the process.Design/methodology/approach – The study provides an analysis of the key legal bases fundamental to sustainable development. Instruments that can be used to implement development guidelines (strategy, budget, “the study”, local zoning plan), revitalisation processes and to identify barriers to sustainable urban development.Findings – The paper finds a recognition of the main spatial and legal barriers to urban development. The lack of zoning plans in many cities delays new investments. Revitalisation programmes are essential for maintaining a sustainable and stable polycentric structure of cities and towns within regions and across the country as a whole.Practical implications – Results of analysis describe the main barriers to urban development, while the lack of zoning plans and practical strategies mainly contribute to unsustainabl...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a case study of the management of Lake Kariba and the Kariba Dam wall in the mid-Zambezi river basin in Tonga/Korekore people.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to communicate and share experiences with stakeholders on how the sustainability threats and challenges associated with managing Lake Kariba and the Kariba Dam wall are being managed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).Design/methodology/approach – The case study area is Lake Kariba and Kariba Dam wall located in the mid‐Zambezi river basin. The data and information for the case study is from ZRAs own records.Findings – The case study concludes that the threats and challenges so far experienced have been mitigated adequately with management programmes and tools having been put in place. However, a lot still needs to be done to improve the socio‐economic living conditions of the displaced Tonga/Korekore people.Originality/value – Lake Kariba was created in the late 1950s to provide water primarily for hydro‐power production. However, this water resource now serves many users and has its sustainability threats; invasive weeds, water pollution, cyclic drought and flood...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the Factor Analysis (FA) methodology to identify the actions that are taken by firms to cope with more difficult environmental regulations, which will help the regulator in the design of strategies to foster environmental improvements by firms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to allow environmental policy makers to identify the sort of problems and obstacles and the kind of influences that firms face from different economic actors, when trying to improve their environmental performance. It aims to identify the actions that are taken by firms to cope with more difficult environmental regulations. These will help the regulator in the design of strategies to foster environmental improvements by firms.Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyses some of the specific questions of an environmental management survey that was carried out in the manufacturing industry in Chile in 2001. A large number of variables from the survey were involved and they are hard to handle in such disaggregated terms. The factor analysis (FA) methodology is thus applied to reduce the information to a manageable number of variables.Findings – The results of the FA methodology provide the regulator with fewer dimensions to concentrate on when designing environment...