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The growing concern over the environmental and social impacts of mining activities has increased interest in evaluating the alignment of mining practices with global sustainability goals. This study provides an in-depth examination of five major Iranian mining complexes including: GolGohar, Sarcheshmeh, Sungun, Zarshuran, and Sangan, and their adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass a broad spectrum of environmental, social, and economic challenges. The study employs a novel methodology to quantify and assess the degree of alignment between these mining complexes and the SDGs. The SDGs were systematically categorized into three key areas: environmental sustainability, social and economic well-being, and responsible operations and partnerships. The performance of each mining complex within these categories was evaluated using targeted questions and a set of indicators, providing a holistic view of both strengths and areas needing improvement. The findings revealed significant challenges in environmental sustainability, particularly in climate action and clean energy, with Sungun achieving the highest scores and Zarshuran the lowest. In social and economic well-being, progress was evident in poverty reduction and education, though concerns persisted in gender equality and healthcare access, where GolGohar led and Zarshuran lagged behind. Responsible operations and partnerships showed successes in industry innovation, yet there was a need for greater focus on sustainable urban development and partnerships. Zarshuran excelled in this area, while Sungun exhibited the weakest performance. Overall, the study highlights the need for substantial improvements in environmental practices and social inclusion across all complexes, including the top-performing GolGohar, to better align the mining sector with the SDGs and foster a more responsible and inclusive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The growing concern over the environmental and social impacts of mining activities has increased interest in evaluating the alignment of mining practices with global sustainability goals. This study provides an in-depth examination of five major Iranian mining complexes including: GolGohar, Sarcheshmeh, Sungun, Zarshuran, and Sangan, and their adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass a broad spectrum of environmental, social, and economic challenges. The study employs a novel methodology to quantify and assess the degree of alignment between these mining complexes and the SDGs. The SDGs were systematically categorized into three key areas: environmental sustainability, social and economic well-being, and responsible operations and partnerships. The performance of each mining complex within these categories was evaluated using targeted questions and a set of indicators, providing a holistic view of both strengths and areas needing improvement. The findings revealed significant challenges in environmental sustainability, particularly in climate action and clean energy, with Sungun achieving the highest scores and Zarshuran the lowest. In social and economic well-being, progress was evident in poverty reduction and education, though concerns persisted in gender equality and healthcare access, where GolGohar led and Zarshuran lagged behind. Responsible operations and partnerships showed successes in industry innovation, yet there was a need for greater focus on sustainable urban development and partnerships. Zarshuran excelled in this area, while Sungun exhibited the weakest performance. Overall, the study highlights the need for substantial improvements in environmental practices and social inclusion across all complexes, including the top-performing GolGohar, to better align the mining sector with the SDGs and foster a more responsible and inclusive industry.

In order to prevent environmental pollution and to utilize natural resources more efficiently, environmentally friendly policies have been developed in our country in accordance with international developments. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation, which came into effect for the first time in 1993, was introduced in Turkey in accordance with Law No. 2872 published in 1983. Within the scope of this study, the statistical analysis of EIA applications in Amasya province has been conducted since 2000 in accordance with the EIA Regulations in force, and an evaluation of the current situation has been presented. Additionally, investments decided within the scope of the EIA Regulation were evaluated in relation to gross domestic product (GDP) national calculations [GDP (in thousand TL), GDP per capita ($), and GDP per capita (TL)] using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) for the years 2004-2022. Investments planned within the borders of Amasya province resulted in a total of 396 (100%), of which 37 (9%) listed as EIA Positive belonged to EIA Regulation Appendix-1 investments, and 359 (91%) listed as EIA Not Required belonged to EIA Regulation Appendix-2 investments between 2000-2023. According to the analysis based on decision numbers, it was evaluated that investments defined within the scope of Appendix-2 of the EIA Regulation were significantly high within the borders of Amasya province.

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Piecemeal changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process have to date not fully delivered EIA's normative goals and met today's environmental challenges. By regarding the to date approaches to change-making as a problem requiring a solution, this paper applies critical analysis to reflect upon current change-making based on England's EIA system as a case study. The analysis identifies a lack of innovative ideas and sound evidence-based approaches to inform and support the change-making process. Consequently, we argue for an epistemology of change-making (changeology) so that the entire approach can be based on an empirically informed framework, to inform the journey (process) and destination (fit-for-purpose EIA) and make the EIA process fit-for-purpose and aligned to future expectations. Changeology should be viewed as more than informing one-time change-making but as a framework of well-studied practice for changing (or improving) EIA in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telematics are increasingly promising and adopted to augment the productivity and efficiency of systems in various industrial sectors. Although the potential environmental benefits of deploying telematics solutions are often highlighted, the proper quantification and allocation of added information and communication technology-related (ICT) equipment is a challenge that still needs to be addressed. To help address that gap, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is done on a telematics box equipped on an autonomous robot performing precision agricultural tasks. The LCA is conducted using primary industrial data and state-of-the-art life cycle data libraries. Particular attention is paid to how to model, allocate, and quantify the impact related to telematics data exchanges, through mobile networks (like 4G or 5G) and Wi-Fi, as well as the infrastructures needed to operate the telematics box. By having a complete picture and quantitative understanding of such additional impacts, the LCA results help determine the minimum improvement level, e.g., in terms of resource efficiency or yield, that the ICT solution needs to bring to be ecologically beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable uncertainty about the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might play in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including into research. AI large language model (LLM) chatbots have the potential to increase the efficiency of EIA research, but their outputs can create concerns. This paper investigates the potential time savings achievable using LLM chatbots to undertake a critical review of literature focussing on the use of AI in EIA. Using a combination of ChatGPT and Elicit, literature was reviewed to identify 12 key issues associated with the use of AI in EIA and this paper was prepared in three and a half days from initial conception. A protocol is developed to assist researchers in fact checking evidence delivered through Elicit (or other machine learning tools) which serves as a novel outcome of this research. Using comments from three peer reviewers allowed some more objective reflection on the credibility of the LLM chatbot-derived output, on the appropriateness of the time savings, and on the future research needed on the application of LLM chatbots in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild-sourced foods are entrenched among African women as a survival resource, with the potential to be expanded. Instead of optimising food security, current linear economic growth models in South Africa favour large environment-degrading projects, such as special economic zones and mining, that increase the gap between the wealthy and poor sectors of society. The contentious Chinese-funded Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) planned for the Limpopo province of South Africa is used as a case study in this paper. The MMSEZ case demonstrates the failure of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to consider alternative land use suited to a biodiverse economy and existing livelihood strategies. Notably, the availability of a popular edible insect, the mopane worm, was not surveyed at a time when it might have been visible. Despite a local and global interest in insect protein, this opportunity was not considered as a means to improve food security and income streams for local unemployed African women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the best methods for identifying, preventing, minimizing, and compensating for any negative effects on the environment and promoting sustainability is environmental impact assessment (EIA). However, a number of variables make it difficult for EIA practices to be effectively implemented in the construction sector. The implementation of EIA methods in the building industry is further hindered by a lack of empirical studies on the subject. With Nigeria as a model, this article seeks to understand the perceived barriers to EIA practice implementation in the construction sector. For the purpose of the study, a survey research methodology was employed. A snowball sampling strategy was adopted to determine the important stakeholders in EIA practice for the administration of the questionnaire. Participants in the survey received 187 questionnaires altogether. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from data analysis show that the factors inhibiting the adoption of EIA practice can be categorized into four constructs: administrative-related factors; financial-related factors; human capacity and behavior related factors; and government regulations, legislations, and laws related factors. This study identifies the factors inhibiting EIA use in the construction sector. Understanding these elements would make it easier to build the necessary strategies to lessen the barriers to EIA use in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BBNJ Agreement will affect legal frameworks for the conservation of marine biological diversity in various regions of the world ocean and the marine Arctic is no exception. As biological diversity in the marine Arctic is particularly vulnerable, the implications of the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation of biological diversity in the marine Arctic deserves serious consideration. Of particular note is the procedure for an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Given that damage to the environment may be irreversible, it is a prerequisite to conduct an EIA before authorizing planned activities, with a view to preventing environmental harm. An EIA constitutes a crucial element in the conservation of the marine environment, including biological diversity. Hence, this article examines the potential implications of the procedure for an EIA as set out under the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation of biological diversity in the marine Arctic beyond national jurisdiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining and quarrying provide the basic raw materials for sustaining human well-being and are critical for achieving economic developments. At the same time, environmental degradation and its associated social impacts and inequalities have become a grave reality of mining sector that affects all nations, individually and/or collectively. Assessment of the environmental impacts arising from mining and quarrying is critical to limit the environmental problems within the barest minimum levels. Although many impact assessment studies are available on mining/quarrying of different major and minor minerals, not many studies exist on quarrying for laterite blocks which is being widespread in many of the fast developing tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world like India. Therefore, this paper evaluates the impact of laterite quarrying for construction blocks, in one of the twin river basins in SW India, the Netravati–Gurpur river basin, where the activity is widespread. The Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) method was used to evaluate the impacts of laterite quarrying as it allows a comprehensive analysis of the results based on the individual environmental score obtained for each component. RIAM is a valuable assessment tool, owing to its capability in quick, collective and reliable evaluation of the impacts that can aid decision making and minimization of environmental impacts, especially at early planning stages. Data pertaining to resource extraction, identification of impacting actions, mapping of mining hotspots, etc., were collected from primary and secondary sources through systematic field work and sample collection, questionnaire surveys within the local community and other stakeholders such as mine operators, labourers, officials of Government departments, etc. A total of 21 laterite quarries are located in the basin with a total production of 5.7 million laterite bricks/year (0.115 × 106 ty−1). The impact assessment study revealed that the activity not only disturbs the natural environment especially, hydrology, air quality and noise levels, ecology, land use and soil stability but has profound influence on the socio-economic factors of human health and immunity, displacement, etc., of the quarrying-hit areas. The activity also recorded both long-term and short-term positive impacts as a source of employment and income generation. Additionally, the activity favours groundwater replenishment and agriculture productivity of the area where appropriate mine closure measures were taken up. However, the positive impacts of the activity are far outweighed by the fact that most impacts of laterite quarrying are of class − C (moderate negative impact) and − D (significant negative impact) owing to the long-term socio-environmental and bio-ecological implications of the activity. Thus, it is imperative that there is significant improvement in policy and regulatory framework and its implementation for mining and quarrying of building materials which is vital for meeting future development requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution to the Reflections section of Ocean Yearbook devoted to the memory of the late Professor Meinhard Doelle concerns the options available to coastal States in their responses to global sea level rise driven by anthropogenic climate change. These reflections seek to explore the main policy options and practical approaches based on physical interventions in this context and to assess the possible risks as well as benefits of those approaches. They also explore some of the more radical and cutting-edge technologies which are already being deployed. While addressing the physical intervention options and some of their practical and legal implications, this paper also addresses the importance of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and capacity-building, both of which were key themes in Meinhard Doelle's work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) involves assessing the implications of proposed activities on the environment to inform decisions about whether those actions should proceed and under what conditions. Efforts are being made to incorporate climate change considerations into EIA internationally, but the assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions poses particular challenges. This article compares the incorporation of GHG emissions into EIA in two jurisdictions: Canada (under the Impact Assessment Act 2019) and Western Australia (under the Environmental Protection Act 1986). Four questions are considered, relating to screening and scoping; information requirements; decision-making and condition setting; and post-approval activities. Key differences between the two jurisdictions were found in relation to screening and scoping (Western Australia applies an emissions threshold while Canada utilizes a project list coupled with tailored guidelines); decision-making (Western Australia generally considers a straight line trajectory to net zero by 2050 as acceptable whereas Canada considers emissions in the context of international commitments and against other sustainability considerations); and post-approval activities (a strength of the Western Australian system is mechanisms enabling review and tightening of GHG conditions over time). It will be important to continue to review the effectiveness of EIA as a tool for climate mitigation as practice evolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rapid urban expansion and the development of urban rail transit networks have led to a deteriorating vibration environment along metro lines. These long-term vibrations pose significant challenges to adjacent buildings, such as opera theatres, and to the well-being of nearby residents. Consequently, there is a critical need for vibration evaluation and the implementation of mitigation solutions. This work provides a numerical investigation into the dynamics of vibrations observed in an opera theatre located above a metro station. A unified coupling method, known as the train-track-station-solum-opera model, is proposed and validated with field experiments. By employing contact theory, deformation coordination criteria, and spring elements, various components are meticulously modeled and coupled. Using this unified coupled approach, metro-induced vibrations at the opera theatre are predicted and evaluated. Additionally, vibration control measures are employed from the perspectives of transfer paths and vibration receivers to mitigate and isolate excessive theatre vibrations. The results, based on a case where the distance between the metro line and the opera theatre is 42 m, demonstrate that metro operations can lead to vibrations exceeding acceptable limits at the opera theatre near the metro station. Therefore, it is imperative that vibrations are assessed before constructing vibration-sensitive buildings along metro lines and that mitigation measures are implemented to meet specifications. In this work, the application of extruded polystyrene (XPS) plates and optimization of building structures effectively reduced excessive theatre vibrations by 1–2.5 dB, offering viable attenuation options without requiring modifications to the existing metro system.

Environmental impact assessment is one of the acceptable ways to achieve sustainable development goals and can, as a planning tool, identify the potential environmental impacts that arise as a result of the implementation of constructional projects and provide rational options for their resolution. Undoubtedly, continuous evaluation of such projects can bring numerous and valuable achievements for policy makers, planners and those in charge of operation and maintenance, in order to implement improvements and improve the efficiency of the measures taken and prevent the waste of resources in future projects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects of land reclamation project in Khuzestan province within the Mianab irrigation and drainage network of Shushtar and for this purpose the ICOLD matrix method was used. In this method, the effect of each project activity on environmental components (ecological, physical and socio-economic) in the two phases of structural and operational was measured. The results indicate that the implementation of the project is preferable to its non-implementation, as the total consequences of the implementation of the project on the surrounding environment are positive (+108 points). Among the consequences of the project, the socio-economic environment has the most positive effects (176+ points) And the ecological environment with -49 has had the most negative impact on the environment. According to the findings of the study, the implementation of land reclamation plan in Khuzestan province within the Mianab irrigation and drainage network of Shushtar is environmentally appropriate and its continued implementation in neighboring lands is unrestricted provided that environmental standards are met.

Rapid urban expansion and the development of urban rail transit networks have led to a deteriorating vibration environment along metro lines. These long-term vibrations pose significant challenges to adjacent buildings, such as opera theatres, and to the well-being of nearby residents. Consequently, there is a critical need for vibration evaluation and the implementation of mitigation solutions. This work provides a numerical investigation into the dynamics of vibrations observed in an opera theatre located above a metro station. A unified coupling method, known as the train-track-station-solum-opera model, is proposed and validated with field experiments. By employing contact theory, deformation coordination criteria, and spring elements, various components are meticulously modeled and coupled. Using this unified coupled approach, metro-induced vibrations at the opera theatre are predicted and evaluated. Additionally, vibration control measures are employed from the perspectives of transfer paths and vibration receivers to mitigate and isolate excessive theatre vibrations. The results, based on a case where the distance between the metro line and the opera theatre is 42 m, demonstrate that metro operations can lead to vibrations exceeding acceptable limits at the opera theatre near the metro station. Therefore, it is imperative that vibrations are assessed before constructing vibration-sensitive buildings along metro lines and that mitigation measures are implemented to meet specifications. In this work, the application of extruded polystyrene (XPS) plates and optimization of building structures effectively reduced excessive theatre vibrations by 1–2.5 dB, offering viable attenuation options without requiring modifications to the existing metro system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is regarded as a guidance document to attain and measure compliance with the mitigation requirements and environmental protection of projects, which are normally requirements for project approvals. The study mainly aims to present an Environmental Management Plan for dams whose construction was suspended by opposing stakeholders for the harmful impacts on the environment in forested areas. As a case study, the Hyrcanian forests (Caspian forests) are located in western Asia and were inscribed on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2019. The construction of the hydropower Shafarood dam began in these forests in 1990. Because of budget deficits and the suspensions incurred by opposing activists in 2013, dam construction has only advanced by 23% ever since. To meet that aim, the research data was collected through analysis of documents, letters, articles, field visits to the construction site, and interviews. The semi-structured interviewing method was employed in holding interviews with governmental and environmental NGOs, local people, specialists, and academics because of their good cooperation. The results indicate that the most negative effects in the construction phase have been produced by deforestation and degradation of vegetation, source of material supply, settlement and livelihood of migrants impacted by dam impoundment, water, air and sound quality. Ultimately, an Environmental Management Plan was proposed for this dam and those under construction or suspended in forested areas to minimize the negative environmental effects of the Hydropower Shafarood dam, which technically concentrates on mitigating measures.

Abstract: Remote sensing based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is a novel environmental information recognition technology, which has been widely used in environmental impact assessment (EIA) work. However, in the teaching of EIA in universities, there are some problems such as teaching goals deviating from practice, relatively backward teaching methods, and teachers with little practical experience. Remote sensing based on UAV/USV has many advantages, such as quick access to teaching materials, cultivating students' practical ability, increasing the interest of the classroom, etc. Therefore, by introducing it into the EIA course through resource development, practical teaching and inviting industry experts to participate in course design, remote sensing based on UAV/USV can achieve a fast, low-cost and automated teaching, which has important practical significance for the reform of this course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of illicit mining in the Republic of Indonesia has garnered heightened scrutiny due to its detrimental impacts on the ecosystem, natural resources, and indigenous populations. The illicit extraction of minerals has resulted in the contamination of water sources, the destruction of forests, the deterioration of habitats, and the decline of biodiversity. In order to address these concerns, it is imperative to conduct research on the efficacy of enforcement mechanisms pertaining to environmental legislation in deterring illegal mining activities. This research is essential for the formulation of enhanced and targeted policies aimed at preserving Indonesia's biodiversity. Hence, the principal objective of this study is to examine the enforcement of environmental law in instances of illegal mining in Indonesia. In conducting this legal research, data was collected from various primary and secondary sources and subsequently subjected to content analysis. The present investigation employed a normative research methodology for data collection. Therefore, it is evident that Indonesia's extensive regulatory framework, encompassing environmental legislation, plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental standards, regulating mining activities, and addressing the pervasive issue of illegal mining. To effectively mitigate unlawful mining activities and safeguard the invaluable biodiversity for future generations, it is imperative for the nation to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to strengthening existing legal frameworks. However, the implementation of environmental law in cases of illicit mining often faces numerous social, political, and financial challenges. Due to the complex nature of these interrelationships, comprehending the isolated impacts of act of law implementation posed a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter looks at whether important changes introduced to the Polish EIA Act over the last decade (with regard to scoping, cooperation, the rights of the public concerned and non-governmental organisations) have led to simplified EIA as well as to simplified development consent processes. In addition, current draft modifications (the EIA Amendment Draft 2022) are also reviewed with regard to their potential to lead to simplification. It is found that to date, rather than simplifying EIA, amendments have resulted in more complexity and have led to increased uncertainty and risks, in particular for investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for water in urban and industrial areas in arid and semiarid coastal zones has led to the search for alternative nonconventional water resources.. Desalination plants are the most feasible solution to the huge water demand in arid regions, especially in Egypt, with its limited water resources of the Nile River and expected drought due to climate change and upstream dam construction. Many desalination technologies, such as thermal and membrane technologies, are used. Thermal desalination includes multistage flash desalination, multi-effect desalination, and desalination by vapor compression. Membrane desalination involves RO, forward osmosis, and electro dialysis. (RO) desalination plants are the most significant technique for desalinated water in Egypt. However, the treatment of brine wastewater is still a challenging problem. Hypersaline water effluent, as a byproduct of seawater desalination, has a negative impact on the marine ecosystem if it is discharged inadequately. In the past decade, Egypt has launched many large-scale projects along Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts to cope the recent economic growth.In this research a review of taxonomy of many related publications, and comparison has been made between the different seawater desalination techniques to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as to know the best technology that can be used in Egypt. The Egyptian state's plan to address the excessive demand for water resources as a result of the continuous population growth was reviewed by making a strategic plan for 30 years. It was divided into five-year plans, some parts of which have been completed, and the rest of the plan is being completed to present significant comparisons and enable the derivation of informative conclusions.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority announced a plan to build a bridge over the Lohalia River in Boga, Patuakhali, which will significantly modify the entire communication system and lead to significant economic empowerment in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. This study was designed to help decision-makers through the identification and evaluation of all potential social and environmental consequences of this proposed project using an integrated methodology combining GIS mapping, environmental impact value assessment, and critical evaluation of the environmental impact through the Leopold matrix. The necessary information required for this study has been collected through questionnaire surveys, participatory community risk assessments (CRA), focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and reviews of previously published documents. According to this study, the proposed Boga Bridge construction will have some adverse environmental consequences including agricultural land and productivity loss, the decline of ecosystem health, extinction of endangered species, deterioration of water, air and soil quality, sedimentation and changes in river flow. Despite these adverse impacts this project will improve the life and livelihood of the coastal community and foster economic growth and industrialization over the long run through easily assessable road transportation. Additionally, the estimated overall environmental impact value (−2) and Leopold matrix's impact value (−1.51) revealed that this project has low adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Moreover, the majority of the environmental consequences were found to be transient because they were only limited to the construction phase which makes it simple to control with the proper implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies. Therefore, this study furnished some effective mitigation strategies incorporating mitigation hierarchy principals to avoid and minimize adverse impacts as well as enhance the positive impacts of this project. Finally, this study recommends constructing the proposed Boga Bridge after ensuring rigorous implementation and monitoring of all impact mitigation strategies proposed in this study.

Public–private partnership (PPP) has been positioned as a relevant contracting method for developing large-scale infrastructure projects that entails potentially high-magnitude negative impacts on the environment. The effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) is crucial to achieving sustainable development of these large-scale infrastructure projects. To unravel the drivers for the EIA effectiveness and the multiple combinations built by the complexity of these drivers, this paper analyzes 28 road PPP projects from Colombia employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach. This paper decodes conjectural causal links between specific conditions grouped in superordinate clusters (i.e., consultants' capability, project features, and communities' participation) and EIA effectiveness dimensions (i.e., normative, procedural, substantive, and transactive). Findings revealed that no single combination of causal conditions ensures multidimensional EIA effectiveness. This study demonstrated that EIA effectiveness relies significantly on the integration of specific features of three external stakeholders: consultants, nonpreferred proponents, and communities. This study constitutes the first empirical multidimensional identification of the combination of conditions that generate EIA effectiveness in road PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact assessment (IA) processes rely on the ability of assessment boards and their assessors to gather, synthesize, and interpret knowledge from a variety of sources, making IA a knowledge-based activity. IA boards in northern Canada operate in a context that prioritizes pluralism, where Indigenous knowledge is a key element of decision-making and the ability of practitioners to interact with knowledge—research capacity—affects process effectiveness, credibility, and legitimacy. Drawing on common principles from existing research capacity frameworks, we identify the dimensions of capacity most relevant to more fully realizing inclusive impact assessment processes. We then examine the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board (YESAB) as a specialized environmental governance organization with assessors whose research capacity directly impacts process outcomes. Results show that while common dimensions across knowledge-based disciplines, such as sufficient resources (e.g., financial support), are often addressed in the YESAB context, others unique to IA, like contextual understanding, require further examination. The interaction between individual and organizational research capacity is a complex balance between investing in individuals and investing in organizational supports. The proposed framework facilitates multi-scalar supports for individual assessors and assessment bodies alike to navigate balancing technical and value-driven knowledge in assessments.

Although the buildings have many benefits, the construction industry represents a significant barrier to implementing strategic environmental plans. Specifically, in Egypt, as one of the developing countries, the building construction sector consumes around 40% of the global raw material extraction (World Resources Institute, 2015). Furthermore, the manufacturing industries and construction processes have 23% of all fuel combustion activities and have 22% of all GHG emissions according to the BIENNIAL update report (Ministry of Environment, 2018). This paper is a set of scientific papers that will be introduced to apply the integration methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) on a health clinic as a proposed building in Assiut University Hospital. The results have revealed that the significant harmful environmental impacts are respiratory inorganics, global warming potential, and non-renewable energy as the midpoint method and human health and resource depletion as an endpoint method. In particular, the GWP results of the steel, concrete, brick, and tiles are (3.4E5), (2.55E5), (9.67E4), and (4.31E4) kg 〖CO〗_2 equivalent, respectively, as a midpoint result. For the endpoint method, the weighting results showed that human health and resource depletion recorded the largest figures and the steel, concrete, brick, and tiles industries have massive environmental burdens. Additionally, the paper has summarised that there is an urgent need to introduce sustainable alternatives for building materials, mainly since these industries emit many of emissions such as 〖CO〗_2, P.M2.5, 〖SO〗_2 and C_2 H_4. Ultimately, the paper has introduced future recommendations for both proposed and existing buildings.

In South Africa, the relevant authorities use environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to achieve sustainable development. Biodiversity impact assessment (BIA) studies are part of EIAs to ensure that biodiversity issues are considered. In 2013, the mining industry published the Mining and biodiversity guideline to improve the integration of biodiversity into their activities. This research analysed the inclusion of biodiversity impacts in mining EIAs before and after the publication of the guideline. A customised mining BIA report–review package was developed and used to review 46 mining BIAs produced before and after 2013. Secondary data were collected using questionnaires on the inclusion of biodiversity impacts in mining EIAs. The results showed that most BIAs failed to properly consider biodiversity issues, with an overall satisfactory score of 43% before and 57% after 2013. Areas of weakness included project description, sensitivity mapping, stakeholder consultation, consideration of alternatives, and monitoring. The extent to which biodiversity specialist inputs were included in the main mining EIA reports showed an improvement after 2013, with an overall satisfactory score of 78%, compared to the 52% before 2013. The majority of the BIAs complied with the minimum requirements for specialist studies stipulated by the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA). The analysis of the questionnaires revealed inadequacies regarding the inclusion of biodiversity impacts. These included poor consideration of indirect and cumulative impacts, failure to incorporate environmental thresholds, and use of the ecosystem approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies demonstrate the lack of common interpretations and rigorous methods for landscape assessments (LA) during design and siting of renewable energy (RES) facilities. Research shows how perceived landscape impacts influence public willingness to accept changes in the landscape. The connection between the effectiveness of LA procedures vis-à-vis the inclusion of the public in decision-making related to RES siting has received less attention. We, therefore, examine the role of LAs in planning via the eyes of policymakers and experts, and evaluate the capacity of current tools to influence the process. Additionally, we analyze the role (or lack thereof) of the public in LAs. Our unique case—one of the largest in the world thermo-solar "tower" plant, located near a small desert village—exemplifies the place for landscape consideration in national-level mega-infrastructure. Based on documents analysis and semi-structured interviews, the findings demonstrate the struggle between competing goals such as financial and temporal efficiency, RES targets, landscape protection, and public participation. We conclude that first, despite independent efforts to promote the latter two, there may be little connection between the assessment of landscape effects and public participation because there is no mechanism for post-evaluation of a project's impacts, and any debates on the actual effects remain theoretical. Second, that landscape impacts of large-scape infrastructure can mainly be avoided in the stage of site location, and at this stage, the room for public input remains limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is an important consideration for developments within protected areas (PAs). With the growing demand for mainly tourism-related infrastructure in PAs, more urgent and innovate ways of dealing with waste management are required. Internationally environmental impact assessment (EIA) is considered a key policy instrument to inform waste management-related decision-making for new developments. The EIA process makes provision for the identification of waste-related impacts and mitigation measures during the construction-, operation- and decommissioning phases of a development. However, there has been scant reflection on the role of EIA in dealing with waste management decision-making in PAs. Therefore, this research aims to review the extent to which waste management measures are considered in EIAs for developments in PAs. The results show that waste management measures are, for the most part, poorly considered. For example, EIAs failed to provide estimates of expected waste types and quantities and mostly failed to consider the waste management hierarchy. Recommendations are made towards improving the consideration of waste management measures in EIAs for developments within PAs. These include the drafting of guidelines for waste management in protected areas; training relevant roleplayers on waste management measures; and promoting specialist input on waste-related matters for EIAs in PAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact assessment (IA) processes can potentially play important roles in driving green infrastructure (GI) planning and design, as well as establishing how GI can contribute to environmental planning objectives. In this paper, we explore how IA (strategic environmental assessment – SEA and environmental impact assessment – EIA) can support the development of GI in Thailand. A framework is designed which is used to reflect on how IA addresses and integrates GI in development at strategic and project levels. Based on a review of 18 EIAs and 4 SEAs from Thailand, it is established that whilst the consideration of GI in SEA (which is not yet compulsory in Thailand) has remained limited, consideration of green spaces for mitigating negative impacts in statutory EIA has been happening frequently. An important reason for this is that regulatory requirements imply that EIA should consider GI (referred to as 'green spaces'). An important recommendation arising is that GI functions should be addressed in IAs, on the one hand to integrate different policies related to GI; and on the other hand to strengthen implementation of urban GI development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this study is to undertake the three methods of life cycle assessment (LCA), the environmental performance (EP), and the building information modeling (BIM) to determine the environmental performance and impacts of two window frame materials: aluminum and wood. This study has been carried out in a proposed project at the Assiut University campus. The LCA has been conducted by assessing materials and processes involved in manufacturing the two window frame types using the SimaPro. The LCA scope of this research covers from cradle to the gate with a designated system boundary. The network flow has been drawn to produce one kilogram of aluminum and wood; the quantities data were gathered from the BIM (using Autodesk Revit). Selecting the database is carefully picked from the Ecoinvent dataset to be closer to Egypt's manufacturing processes. Afterwards, the IMPACT 2002+ with midpoint and endpoint calculations has been used. Finally, the LCA results have been compared with the EP results (using DesignBuilder) to determine the best choice between the two materials. The integration analysis shows that the aluminum industry has higher negative environmental impacts and environmental performance than the wood industry. The total midpoint results of the two materials are found to be 29.6 for aluminum, and 7.57 the wood. Turning to the endpoint results, human health and resource depletion impacts are the most significant results. The human health scored the highest value, with 13.9 for aluminum and 3.51 for wood. A novel framework for integrating LCA, BIM, and EP for a proposed building during the early phases of a project has been conducted in this study. The presented study can be used as a model for integrating comparative analysis on other proposed projects as the LCA applications in Egypt are scarce due to the absence of a reliable database. This study has introduced a value applying an approach to select the appropriate life cycle inventory database from the Ecoinvent dataset. The research findings contribute to choosing the most suitable window frame materials with the most energy-efficient effect and the least environmental burden. Moreover, it can help the concerned legislative bodies and the decision-makers.