iron Assessing the environmental impact of water supplies: a case study in Copenhagen By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 30 May 2013 12:59:27 +0100 New research has compared the environmental impact of four alternative methods of water supply in Copenhagen. Results indicated that rain and stormwater harvesting is the most environmentally sound approach, whilst desalination currently has a large environmental impact, mainly due to electricity use. However, if freshwater extraction is included as an impact, the environmental credibility of desalination is improved. Full Article
iron Reducing the environmental impact of building materials By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:48:31 +0100 A recent study has compared the environmental impact of a range of building materials. Energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and water demand can all be reduced by switching to renewable sources of energy, improving technologies and promoting eco-friendly alternative materials. Full Article
iron Environmental awareness does not lead to smaller carbon footprints By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:37:00 +0100 Environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviour do not necessarily translate into real benefits for the environment, according to the results of a new study. The study shows that people who think they are environmentally aware – and even those who, in some respects, seem to behave in an environmentally friendly way – actually have just as large an impact on the environment as other consumers. Full Article
iron The environmental impact of gold production By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:21:21 +0100 New research has assessed the environmental impact of gold production using life cycle assessment and estimated embodied energy and greenhouse gases, embodied water and solid waste burden that each tonne of gold produces, using various processes. Full Article
iron Stronger concrete is more environmentally-friendly By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 7 Nov 2012 14:56:37 GMT Using high-strength concrete in construction could help to reduce its impact on the environment, according to a study by French researchers. The researchers compared the environmental impacts of bridges built from ordinary and high-strength concrete and found that the high-strength solution had a lower impact on the environment overall. Full Article
iron Environmental benefits of textile-reinforced concrete demonstrated By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:08:00 +0100 A new concrete-reinforcement system, used by the LIFE INSU-SHELL1 project, replaces steel rods with non-corrosive textile structures to reduce the amount of concrete needed in construction. This nearly halves the global warming potential of traditional steel-reinforced concrete which is the largest producer of CO2 emissions in the building industry. Full Article
iron Indoor environmental quality of LEED-certified buildings evaluated By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 12:06:20 +0100 Staff in buildings that have been certified as ‘green’ under the LEED scheme are just as satisfied with their indoor working environment as people working in non-LEED buildings, according to research on commercial buildings. The study suggests that investment in the thermal and acoustic aspects of buildings, however, would further improve occupant satisfaction. Full Article
iron Community-led study engages public in science and environment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:14:57 GMT A review of the community-led research programme Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) – a UK national programme that brings scientists and communities together to investigate environmental issues – concludes that it benefits both science and the public. The public’s involvement not only raises their awareness of their relationship with the environment, but also contributes to securing a sustainable future. Full Article
iron What influences our commitment to the environment? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 09:22:50 GMT Researchers have used the psychological concept of ‘commitment’, normally used to understand relationships between people, to investigate our relationship with the environment. The results indicate that an individual’s commitment to the environment is important in their ecological behaviour, for example, their willingness to use public transport and make sacrifices for the environment. Full Article
iron Understanding of consumer environmental behaviour too simplistic By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:18:44 GMT People who are committed to reducing their environmental impact at home do not necessarily behave in the same way when on holiday, according to a new study. The study presents a more complex view of consumer environmental behaviour than is often used to inform policymaking. Full Article
iron Harmonising regional environmental data within a European framework By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 11 May 2012 11:21:42 +0100 Standardised methods of categorising environmental data are needed at European and international levels for effective international policies. A recent study has concluded that a European framework that harmonises environmental data at the continental scale corresponds well with national classification systems, although some modifications may be needed to capture small-scale regional variations. Full Article
iron Four key techniques to encouraging pro-environmental behaviour By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 31 May 2012 15:35:10 +0100 A new analysis of how to encourage pro-environmental behaviour highlights four effective techniques: goal-setting, prompts or reminders, witnessing the behaviour of others and introducing new behaviours that correspond with existing beliefs. Full Article
iron Odour and environmental concerns of communities near waste disposal facilities By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:51:34 +0100 A recent study has investigated how waste disposal sites in southern Italy have affected residents living nearby. Villagers reported being annoyed by odours, but the perceptions of residents living in the village closest to the facilities were possibly influenced by receiving financial compensation for the presence of the facilities. Full Article
iron A ‘nudge’ in the right direction: a tool for pro-environmental behaviour By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 11:49:41 GMT An overview of research into ‘nudge’ theory and practices has recently been presented. While there is much evidence to show how humans make decisions, translating these psychological and economic insights into viable policy instruments that encourage behavioural change remains challenging, the authors conclude. Full Article
iron Green behaviour encouraged through strengthened environmental self-identity By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 10:15:13 GMT Campaigns which remind individuals of the environmentally-friendly actions they already perform may motivate them to even more pro-environmental behaviours, new research suggests. If people identify themselves as environmentally-friendly, they are more likely to carry out green actions, even in the absence of any incentive. Full Article
iron Five principles to guide knowledge exchange in environmental management By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 9:23:19 GMT Effective ‘knowledge exchange’ - the process of producing, sharing, understanding and using knowledge - is vital to good environmental management. New research has uncovered five principles for this process which could help researchers, decision makers and other parties work together to better manage environmental change. Full Article
iron A vision and roadmap for integrated environmental modelling By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 10 Dec 2015 12:23:19 GMT Integrated environmental modelling (IEM) is an organised approach to streamlining the movement of scientific information from its research sources to its application in problem solving, according to a study that envisions a global-scale IEM community. The researchers present a roadmap for the future of IEM, describing issues that could be addressed to develop its potential even further, such as how best to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives and appropriate guidelines for ‘problem statements’. Full Article
iron Multi-species mixtures for greater productivity and environmental resilience By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:59:22 +0100 A recent study has revealed that grassland plots planted with a mixture of several agricultural plant species produced a greater yield than plots planted with a single species. The findings provide valuable evidence for scientists, farmers and policymakers who strive to increase the productivity of grassland, while reducing input of nitrogen fertilisers. Full Article
iron http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/334na2.pdf By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:59:56 +0100 The development of Green Infrastructure (GI) in a UK case study has been researched in a recent study. Some issues caused by an imbalance in stakeholder power and conflicting roles played by major stakeholders were identified with the project. Stakeholder participation is central to the concept of GI and the research reiterates the importance for those implementing GI to ensure that participation is effective and balanced. Full Article
iron Do agri-environmental policies support mixed farming systems? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:25:06 +0100 The Large Scale Grazing Systems (LSGS) of the EU are governed by legislation at regional, national and European levels. New research investigates an LSGS in Spain and suggests that the area’s traditional mix of sheep and cereal farming needs improved, better co-ordinated regulatory support to survive. Full Article
iron Agri-environment schemes are based more on 'common sense' By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:19:13 +0100 New research has indicated that the design of a high proportion of agri-environmental policy measures in seven EU countries was based on common sense judgments about their possible impact. Only a sixth of the measures studied were based on well-tested quantitative models of their relationship to the environment. Full Article
iron Influences on uptake of agri-environmental schemes in Spain By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:24:21 +0100 New research in southern Spain has studied what influences participation in agri-environmental schemes (AES). It indicated that the uptake of schemes that involve a major change in farm practices depends on the farm structure, whereas for schemes with minor changes, individual farmer characteristics play a greater role. Full Article
iron Comparing the environmental impact of herbicides By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:13:11 GMT A recent study has compared the chemical environmental impacts of using the weed controller glyphosate on glyphosate-tolerant (GT) crops, with the use of other herbicides on non-GT crops. Glyphosate used on GT crops had lower environmental impacts than herbicides used on non-GT crops, but the persistence of AMPA (a break-down product of glyphosate) in soils could be a problem in the future. Full Article
iron Efficient dairy farming: good for the environment and profits By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:31:15 +0100 Improving the efficiency of milk production could produce significant annual savings and potentially cut the environmental impacts of the industry by up to a third, according to new research from Northwest Spain. Full Article
iron Multi-species mixtures for greater productivity and environmental resilience By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:58:41 +0100 A recent study has revealed that grassland plots planted with a mixture of several agricultural plant species produced a greater yield than plots planted with a single species. The findings provide valuable evidence for scientists, farmers and policymakers who strive to increase the productivity of grassland, while reducing input of nitrogen fertilisers. Full Article
iron Reducing environmental pollution by antibiotics to curb drug resistance By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:59:13 GMT Widespread use of antibiotics to prevent and treat infections in people and animals as well as for promoting growth in livestock is causing environmental contamination. A new study highlights the need for extra measures to reduce environmental pollution from antibiotics. Such pollution can increase the risk of diseases caused by bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics. Full Article
iron Fatalities, hardship and environmental impacts caused by hazards By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:41:56 GMT The number and impacts of disasters have increased in Europe in the period 1998-2009, a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) concludes. The report assesses the frequency of disasters and their impacts on humans, the economy and ecosystems and calls for better integrated risk management across Europe. Full Article
iron Mapping helps visualise complex environmental risk assessment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:20:17 +0100 Scientists involved in a pan-European project to develop better methods of risk assessment say maps that show such cumulative risks geographically are easy to interpret and should be considered as practical tools for conveying risk information to decision makers and the general public. Full Article
iron Rebuilding the physical and social environment following natural disasters By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:43:05 +0100 In the aftermath of natural disasters, displaced communities require temporary accommodation. A new study has examined how the built environment of these temporary communities influences their recovery and resilience, using accommodation set up after Hurricane Katrina as a case study. It highlights the importance of developing transitional built environments that consider the social and mental health needs of a community. Full Article
iron Exploring the exposome: study measures multitude of environmental influences on health By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 07 March 2019 11:23:19 GMT Scientists have measured how children and pregnant women are exposed to over 120 environmental factors influencing our health — from air and noise pollution to green space and access to public transport. The study gathered and analysed data from six European countries to build a picture of the ‘exposome’ — the array of environmental factors that humans are exposed to from the moment they are conceived. A better understanding of the exposome could help us understand the role of the environment in the onset of various diseases, including cancer and other chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease. Full Article
iron Trade and Environment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:42:34 GMT International trade policy is undergoing some remarkable and swift transformations. Environmental considerations were once considered simple 'add ons', on the periphery of trade policy. But now it can be seen that the environment is gradually migrating to the heart of trade policy, as part of an integrated, cross-cutting package. This special issue of Science for Environment Policy reflects on the changing picture of trade and environment and points to its future development. Full Article
iron Environmental Noise By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:58:10 +0100 Noise pollution is among the most common complaints regarding environmental issues in Europe, especially in densely populated and residential areas near major roads, railways and airports. But noise - unwanted sound - is more than a mere annoyance, even at levels below ear damaging volumes. The EU's Environmental Noise Directive (END) has initiated action plans in Member States to reduce environmental noise exposure and its effects. This Thematic Issue reports on recent research to help guide effective noise action plans throughout Europe. Full Article
iron Complete our survey - What do you think of Science for Environment Policy? By www.surveymonkey.com Published On :: Fri, 11 May 2012 12:17:31 +0100 What do you think of Science for Environment Policy? Tell us your thoughts with our online survey. The survey aims to assess how the service has diversified and responded to audience needs. Many thanks for your valuable feedback. Full Article
iron Environmental Policy Targets By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:10:45 GMT This Thematic Issue reports on research into policy targets for sustainability, and associated indicators, to tie in with the launch of the EU's 7th Environmental Action Programme. Full Article
iron Communication and evaluation: key to effective Environment Enforcement Networks By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Important factors in the creation and maintenance of effective Environmental Enforcement Networks (EENs) have been shared by the International Network on Environment Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), one of the first EENs to emerge. By disseminating these ‘lessons learned’ the INECE hopes to facilitate the creation of effective EENs in emerging networks, such as those in Eastern Africa, Western Africa and South America. Full Article
iron Getting the maximum benefit from Environmental Enforcement Networks By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT How environmental agencies can best engage with, and reap the benefits of, Environmental Enforcement Networks (EENs) has been identified in new research. The study used questionnaires and interviews with senior figures from eight environment agencies, spanning seven countries, to identify the key themes of, and ways of improving engagement with, EENs, to extract the maximum benefits. The input was then used to perform a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of engaging with EENs, from which options for improved engagement could be developed. Full Article
iron How bridging organisations aid design and uptake of EU agri-environment schemes By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tues, 27 June 2017 9:23:19 GMT Managing landscapes effectively requires the involvement of a wide variety of stakeholders. The views and interests of these different groups can be effectively integrated by agri-environment 'collaboratives' — a type of bridging organisation which can be found in varying forms in Europe. Using data from Germany and the Netherlands, a study concludes that these groups make important contributions to landscape management, ranging from implementing policy to generating income. Full Article
iron Does environmental noise lead to depression and anxiety? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:12:34 +0100 People who are annoyed by environmental noise are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, a new, large-scale study from Germany suggests. The results do not prove that noise causes mental health issues but suggest a possible link, which the study’s authors are exploring further. Of all the types of noise considered in the study, aircraft noise was reported to be the most annoying. Full Article
iron Are environmental management systems just greenwash? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 7 Nov 2013 11:52:46 GMT Companies that adopt the environmental management system ISO 14000, designed to help reduce businesses’ environmental impacts, generally back this up with sincere investment in environmentally-friendly practices, research suggests. Researchers found that adoption of the ISO 14000 was not ‘greenwash’, but reflected a move towards more sustainable practices in both European and North American companies. Full Article
iron More scope for environmental NGOs to influence SMEs in Hungary By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 21 May 2015 9:23:19 GMT There is greater potential for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to influence the environmental responsibilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), suggests new research in Hungary. The study says that environmental policymakers should consider how they could enhance SME-NGO relations. Full Article
iron Rethinking value-added tax (VAT) to focus on environmental damage and sustainability By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 15 Nov 2018 9:23:19 GMT Sustainability in the production of goods and services could be encouraged by replacing value-added tax (VAT) with ‘DaVAT,’ a damage and value-added tax, a new study suggests. This tariff is partly based on a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of goods and services and varies from high (products deemed to seriously harm the environment and human health) to low (those with a lesser impact). The researchers propose a novel way to convert VAT into DaVAT and provide a new policy tool, based on LCA, that can be applied by any country wishing to reform its consumption tax system and move towards a more sustainable future. Full Article
iron The environmental impact of beef production By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 26 May 2010 16:16:44 +0100 A new study highlights the environmental impact of beef produced from specialist meat production based on suckler herds, as opposed to that based on the calves of dairy cows. According to the study, beef produced in this way has a greater impact in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, acidification and eutrophication potential, and on land use. Full Article
iron Positive environmental messages help encourage behavioural change By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 2 Dec 2010 11:09:56 GMT A Belgian public survey on greener energy consumption has found that positive messages about environmental issues may be more effective than negative messages in encouraging behavioural change for large sections of the public. The researchers suggest this can help policy planners devise targeted communications strategies. Full Article
iron New analysis of energy and environmental performance of biofuels By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 10:24:17 GMT New research identifies important influences on the energy and environmental performance of biofuels made from agricultural crops. Type of land use change, type of biofuel crop and the by-products from the conversion process all influence performance. Full Article
iron Do climate change threats de-motivate us to protect the environment? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 12 May 2011 12:18:26 +0100 The threat of possible death from climate change may paradoxically reduce our motivation to protect the environment, according to a new psychology study conducted in Germany. However, this negative impact on the environment could be reduced if people’s environmental motivations stemmed from a desire to benefit humans rather than a desire to protect nature itself. Full Article
iron Shale gas: report highlights potential environmental risks By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:44:31 GMT The risk of contamination of ground and surface waters and leakage of methane emissions remain key concerns associated with shale gas projects, according to a recent assessment. This is particularly the case if monitoring and regulatory systems are not rigorously enforced. In addition, investment in shale gas could divert resources needed to develop a low-carbon economy, suggest the report’s authors. Full Article
iron Street studies: keeping the urban environment cool By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:19:01 +0100 Trees and other vegetation have an important influence on urban temperatures. To explore these effects, Japanese researchers have built and studied scale models of tree-lined streets. This approach could help designers and planners create urban environments that are cooler during summer months. Full Article
iron From grey to green: environmental impact of concretes must be fully assessed By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:05:12 +0100 When assessing the environmental impacts of new ‘green’ concretes, care should be taken to ensure that a range of impacts are considered, such as ecosystem damage and water depletion, rather than a sole focus on CO2 emissions, a recent study concludes. It demonstrates that cement incorporating industrial by-products performs substantially better than Portland cement when rated across several classifications of environmental impact. Full Article
iron Environmental Scenario Planning: what if marine conservation hotspots in NE Atlantic increase under climate change? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 19 Mar 2015 9:23:19 GMT Marine biodiversity conservation in the north-east Atlantic needs a combination of more adaptable management strategies and international co-operation, a new study says. This is required to deal with a potential increase in marine conservation hotspots under climate change. Full Article
iron Public perceptions of environmental risk: the role of journalists By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 09 Jul 2015 9:23:19 GMT Science not communicated is said to be science not done, but journalists’ portrayal of scientific findings can sometimes have a negative impact on public perceptions of science and even create false controversy. This study examined how presenting opposing scientific viewpoints affects public perceptions of environmental risk. Full Article