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This paper builds on and extends previous research to contribute to ongoing discussion on the use of resource and carbon accounting tools in regional policy making. The Northern Visions project has produced the first evidence-based footpath setting out the actions that need to be taken to achieve the step changes in the Ecological and Carbon Footprint of Northern Ireland. A range of policies and strategies were evaluated using the Resources and Energy Analysis Programme. The analysis provided the first regional evidence base that current sustainable development policy commitments would not lead to the necessary reductions in either the Ecological Footprint or carbon dioxide emissions. Building on previous applications of Ecological Footprint analysis in regional policy making, the research has demonstrated that there is a valuable role for Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in policy appraisal. The use of Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in regional policy making has been evaluated and recommendations made on ongoing methodological development. The authors hope that the research can provide insights for the ongoing use Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in regional policy making and help set out the priorities for research to support this important policy area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to apply the carbon footprint indicator to measure the environmental impact of production, domestic disposal, recycling and exports of waste produced by the residents of an Irish city-region and to analyse the likely impact of policy scenarios relating to waste reduction, increased recycling, thermal treatment and disposal by landfill. It was found that the total footprint of waste disposal and recycling, excluding emissions associated with export of waste, fell from 0.078 global hectares (GHa) per capita in 1998 to 0.072GHa per capita in 2004. The total footprint in 2004, inclusive of waste exports, was calculated to be 0.0723GHa per capita, with emissions associated with exports accounting for less than 1% of the total. This suggests that environmental impacts associated with energy consumption and emissions are predominantly domestic and result from municipal processing. Scenario analysis was also undertaken using key policy targets from national and regional waste management policy reports and it was found that Scenario 3, that is reducing disposal of landfill to 14% by 2010, has the lowest per capita footprint. This suggests that achievement of the regional target is the optimal policy, of those considered, for waste management in the case study over the period to 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]