iron Scientists assess environmental impacts of bioenergy for transport By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:27:13 GMT Converting algae into bioenergy is one option being considered to meet future demand for transport energy. However, a recent study suggests that some combinations of cultivation processes and conversion technologies for algae-derived energy consume more energy than is produced, although water use and greenhouse gas emissions are lower for the most promising options compared with bioenergy sourced from switchgrass and canola. Full Article
iron How corporate governance influences environmental performance By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:46:36 GMT A recent study has investigated how the relationships between a company’s owners, managers and boards of directors may influence its environmental performance. The findings indicate that environmental performance is higher in companies with powerful CEOs, who are also chairpersons on their board of directors. Full Article
iron Sustainability ‘score’ for buildings accounts for range of environmental impacts By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:58:32 +0100 Researchers in Lithuania have assessed and ranked the sustainability of buildings on a wide range of criteria, from pollution caused by the building materials to the running costs of the building. An overall sustainability index based on these criteria allows the comparison of different buildings and, using this index, the study estimated that a wood-based building is 7.5% more sustainable than a house made of bricks. Full Article
iron Influencing environmental behaviour through nudging and information By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 18 Jun 2014 9:23:19 GMT One of the greatest challenges facing environmental policymakers is encouraging people to behave more sustainably. A recent study explores how 'nudging' people to make environmentally friendly choices, together with providing information, can be a successful combination for achieving behavioural change. Full Article
iron The Irish marine environment: high public awareness, but low trust in management By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 9:23:19 GMT The Irish public are sceptical of government and industry’s ability to manage the marine economy, finds a survey. However, they place a large amount of trust in scientists. The research also indicates that people living in Ireland have a reasonable level of knowledge of the importance of different marine ecosystem services. Full Article
iron Marine environment adequately covered despite complex legislation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 9:23:19 GMT More than 200 pieces of English and EU-wide marine environmental legislation have been analysed in a recent review. While complex, the legislation adequately covered all areas of the marine environment, the authors conclude. However, there is opportunity to remove overlap and conflicts between different legislation and improve cross-border co-operation. Full Article
iron Environmental sustainability in urban planning: a Finnish case study By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 05 Feb 2014 9:23:19 GMT The complexity of environmental issues and a lack of co-operation or shared objectives between parties involved in urban planning are preventing promotion of environmental sustainability, a new study suggests. The Finnish research, based on focus groups with 32 professionals in urban planning and environmental sustainability, suggests that the short-term economic goals of local authorities, the complexity of environmental sustainability, and a lack of co-operation between different decision-making groups in urban planning were creating barriers to achieving sustainability. Full Article
iron Environmental migrants need better human rights protection By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT A human rights ‘protection gap’ exists for people forced to migrate by environmental stress and climate change, according to researchers. The lack of a legal framework and practices to protect ‘environmental refugees’ stems from the historic and political context of migration issues — and land access rights more broadly — the researchers say in a recently published paper. Full Article
iron EU migration under environmental change: impact depends on current infrastructure By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT Environmental changes in the future, such as an increase in floods, land degradation and drought could result in changes in migration patterns in Europe, researchers write in a recent analysis. It is difficult to predict these exact migration patterns, however, as they are determined by a complex interplay of economic, political and social factors with environmental change, as well as adaptive capacity. Full Article
iron Reducing the environmental impact of construction tunnelling By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:11:11 GMT The construction industry is among the top three drivers of resource use in the EU. This study investigated the environmental impacts of a common construction method, drill and blast tunnelling, using life cycle assessment. The researchers assessed 20 years of data on tunnelling in Norway to identify areas that could be targeted to reduce its environmental impact. They recommend reduced consumption of explosives and increased use of renewable energy. Full Article
iron From the ground up: local knowledge informing agri-environmental policy By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 03 Dec 2015 09:12:03 GMT Agricultural land use presents a number of environmental challenges, which the European Commission is committed to addressing through a range of agri-environmental policies. A new study points to the importance of aligning agri-environmental policies with farmers’ needs and operations. Using the case of land clearing in Finland, the research underlines the importance of incorporating input from grassroots stakeholders into policy design. Full Article
iron Environmental taxation in the right place can increase business productivity By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:12:34 GMT Industry has traditionally claimed that strict environmental regulation has a negative effect on its competitiveness. However, a recent theory proposes it may actually increase productivity and innovation. This study used a large database of inter-sectoral transactions to investigate the effect of environmental taxation on manufacturing businesses across Europe. The findings show that environmental regulation can increase innovation and productivity. Full Article
iron Green public procurement: a method to implement environmental policy By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2016 09:12:34 GMT Green public procurement (GPP) – authorities considering environmental criteria when allocating contracts to private suppliers – is becoming increasingly popular as an environmental policy instrument. This study analysed data from Swedish cleaning service procurements, finding a ‘weak’ effect on supplier behaviour in this situation. The researchers say that, for GPP to be an effective policy instrument, it is important to consider suppliers’ decisions to participate in procurement and to screen them against mandatory green criteria. Full Article
iron Why protect nature? Relational values: the missing link in policies for the natural environment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 04 May 2016 12:34:56 GMT The concepts of instrumental value (protecting nature for humans’ sake) and intrinsic value (protecting nature for nature’s sake) are fundamental to environmental policy. This paper — based on a literature review and critical analysis — argues that using these concepts alone overlooks important concerns for the environment. The authors recommend also considering relational values, which derive from the relationships between people and nature. Full Article
iron Top 10 environmental issues for EU inland ports By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 25 May 2016 10:10:10 GMT The top 10 environmental priorities for EU inland ports have been identified in a recent survey. A port’s relationship with the local community was the top environmental issue, followed by concerns over air and water quality. The survey provides the first benchmark of the environmental performance of inland ports, against which progress in their environmental management can be measured in the future. Full Article
iron Constituent materials more important than weight or class for environmental impact of shipbreaking, but valuation methods differ greatly By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 09:12:34 GMT When broken down, ships can release hazardous substances into the environment. This study investigated the environmental impact of shipbreaking in one of Europe’s few ship recycling yards, based in Portugal. The results reveal large differences between assessment methods and show that environmental impact depends on composition rather than size or class. Full Article
iron Perspectives on shipbreaking: economic, social and environmental impacts at Alang-Sosiya By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 09:12:34 GMT The Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yards in India highlight the inequalities and opportunities of global waste management. The yards, which recycle retired ships from more economically developed countries, have dramatically altered the ecosystems and social structures of the local area. A study looking at stakeholder perceptions analyses different positions on the social and environmental impacts of the yards. Full Article
iron Environmental compliance assurance systems compared in OECD study By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Systems for ensuring industry compliance with pollution regulations in eight countries have been assessed by an OECD study. OECD countries have been making good progress in designing and introducing new environmental policies. However, they are generally not on track to meet the policies’ goals. A major reason for this ‘implementation gap’ is low compliance with respective regulatory requirements, for instance, emission limit values. Full Article
iron Tailored enforcement strategies may improve environmental outcomes By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Regardless of how well-designed environmental legislation is, for it to be effective it must be properly enforced. This study explored the enforcement practices of several environmental agencies, recommending that strategies are chosen based on regulatory context and environmental risk. Full Article
iron Network for Ireland’s Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (NIECE): a story of successful implementation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Network for Ireland’s Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (NIECE) over 10 years ago to ensure an effective, integrated, national approach to the enforcement of environmental legislation, as presented in a recent conference paper and a report from the EPA. Full Article
iron Efforts to fight environmental crime in the EU evaluated By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis of efforts to combat environmental crime in the EU has been recently conducted. It highlights a number of opportunities for improvement, including better crime data gathering across the EU and enhanced cooperation between Member States. Full Article
iron Satellite images as evidence in court: legal obstacles to their use in environmental investigations By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Satellite images could be used as evidence in environmental crime cases in the future, a Belgian judge and researcher predicts. However, there are several obstacles to their use at present. Notably, they do not provide sufficiently detailed evidence for the courtroom. Full Article
iron Punishments for breaking environmental law: lawyer calls for integrated sanction system By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Enforcement of environmental law needs an integrated administrative and criminal sanction system, according to a UK lawyer and researcher. Writing in a recent paper, he argues that an integrated system allows the most appropriate response to each individual case of the law being broken Full Article
iron Is prison a real threat for environmental offenders? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Alongside fines, prison sentences are important punishments for environmental crime, but there is uncertainty about how often they are used. This study summarises evidence from several countries, showing that prison is indeed a genuine threat for environmental criminals, but that more needs to be done to improve its credibility. Full Article
iron Environmental criminal enforcement: most effective when combined with administrative sanctions By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Administrative sanctions against environmental crime, such as fines, are generally easier and cheaper to implement than criminal punishment methods, such as prison sentences. This study explored enforcement methods for environmental crime in four Western European areas: Flanders (Belgium), Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Based on their findings, the authors say it is most cost-effective — and may increase deterrence — to use both forms of enforcement. Full Article
iron Economic downturn affects businesses’ renewal of environmental certification schemes in Spain By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:12:34 +0100 The uncertain economic climate has severely affected companies’ decisions on whether to renew Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification in Spain, a recent survey indicates. The study suggests that a company is less likely to renew if initial certification was mainly motivated by government subsidies and grants than if certification is believed to improve business performance. Full Article
iron Environmental impact investment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 8 Dec 2016 9:23:19 GMT Impact investing refers to investments that intend to generate measurable social and/or environmental impacts, as well as a financial return. Often described as ‘doing good while doing well’ it is part of a wider strategy to shift finance towards more sustainable projects. This Future Brief explores research into impact investment, with an emphasis on environmental impact investing in Europe. Full Article
iron QUICKScan: a quick, participatory method for exploring environmental policy problems By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 12 Jan 2017 9:23:19 GMT Policymakers often have to make decisions under great complexity, uncertainty and time pressure. A new study presents a support tool for the first stage of policymaking: identifying and exploring alternatives to solve problems. The software tool, called QUICKScan, increases the speed of this process and combines the input of many stakeholders in participatory workshops. It has been applied 70 times in 20 different countries, for a wide range of environmental policy issues. Full Article
iron How best to implement agri-environment schemes? Spanish olive growers’ preferences revealed By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tues, 27 June 2017 9:23:19 GMT Agri-environment schemes (AES) are widely researched; some important issues, however, remain unstudied. Researchers have investigated some of these issues using a sample of olive growers in southern Spain. Their study reveals the level of monetary incentive needed for farmers to accept an ‘ecological focus area’, and a general unwillingness to participate collectively. These results could help policymakers design more cost-effective AES. Full Article
iron Importing goods from sustainable production countries could lower EU’s environmental footprint By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tues, 19 November 2019 11:23:19 GMT A new study has analysed how to reduce the environmental footprint of EU trade by preferentially importing goods from countries that have greener production processes. The study concludes that the environmental impacts of 200 product groups imported into the EU could be considerably reduced in this way. For example, water consumption caused by these imports could be cut by 72%, and land use by 65%. Full Article
iron Wind power reduces environmental impacts of desalination plants By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:39:00 GMT Desalination plants, powered by wind energy, offer the potential to produce freshwater using a renewable source of energy. A recent study has explored some of the challenges of integrating wind energy with desalination units, and suggests combining wind with other forms of renewable energy, or constructing a system that operates with variable energy input would help overcome problems with wind powered desalination. Full Article
iron Public’s political attitudes to environment are complex, says study By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:18:51 +0100 Individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental improvements is influenced by political affiliation. However, the picture is more complex than previous studies suggest according to new research, which concludes that how an environmental programme is delivered, i.e. by private companies or by the government, is more important for right-wing voters than for left-leaning voters. Full Article
iron Shale gas: independent planning is key to reducing environmental impacts of fracking By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 9:23:19 GMT Funding for scientists, planners and inspectors should be available before any shale gas development begins, a new review recommends. As revenue for such staff is often provided by the development itself, planning, which is vital to provide immediate environmental protection as well as monitoring long-term impacts, is neglected. The researchers also advocate the use of 'adaptive management' as a decision-making framework for this complex issue. Full Article
iron Agri-environment scheme cuts nitrogen pollution from beef farm in Ireland By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 11 June 2015 9:23:19 GMT Ireland's national agri-environment scheme can reduce nitrate leaching from beef farming, shows a recent study. Nitrate leached at an average rate of 17.3 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) on studied plots which complied with the scheme. This compares with 63.1 kg/ha on intensively farmed plots. The programme can therefore help Ireland meet requirements of the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Nitrates Directive, the researchers suggest. Full Article
iron Migration in response to environmental change - September 2015 By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT Links between environmental changes and migration are extremely complex. This Thematic Issue presents key pieces of research examining the causes of environmental migration and identifying policy options for Europe in dealing with forced and voluntary relocations. The sources also examine the current state of human rights for environmental migrants and how much evidence currently exists for action at local and regional levels. Full Article
iron Exploring interlinked drivers of human migration in the context of environmental change By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT A framework on the effects of environmental change on human migration has been developed by researchers. It makes clear that environmental change can influence migration directly but also indirectly through impacts on economic, social and political factors. The framework can be used to guide further research, evaluate policy options, or develop predictions for migration under global change, say the researchers. Full Article
iron Environmental conditions in winter can be used to predict European anchovy stock By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:12:34 GMT The European anchovy is one of the most important small pelagic fish in the Adriatic Sea, but the size of the stock can fluctuate year on year. This study aimed to investigate the link between anchovy catch and winter circulation patterns in the North Adriatic sea. The findings show that oceanographic conditions during winter determine anchovy abundance. Prediction of these conditions could help to guide sustainable fisheries management in the region. Full Article
iron Environmental impacts of ocean-energy systems: a life-cycle assessment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:12:34 +0100 Ocean-energy technologies — which harvest renewable energy from the sea — will have a significant role to play in a future low-carbon society. A recent life-cycle analysis of different ocean-energy devices has found that life-cycle environmental impacts are caused mainly by the materials used in the mooring, foundations and structures. Improving the efficiency and lifespan of the devices, as well as improving mooring and foundations and deploying devices further out at sea, will help to further reduce the life-cycle environmental impact of ocean-energy systems, according to the study. Full Article
iron Volume of leachate and environmental impact from landfills reduced — but legacy effects remain By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 23 Feb 2017 9:23:19 GMT Landfill leachate is the liquid that seeps through or out of waste deposits in landfill sites. EU regulations, such as the Landfill Directive1, have significantly reduced the volume of leachate produced, a study on leachate management in Ireland has found. Leachate, mainly from younger landfills in Ireland is, however, stronger since implementation of the legislation, and the researchers say the future treatment of leachate under stricter environmental protection regulations will continue to be a long-term concern for landfill operators and regulators. Full Article
iron Changes that occur to nanoparticles in the environment are key to understanding their impact By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Weds 01 Aug 2018 9:23:19 GMT Available evidence from the last decade, describing the nature, behaviour and effect of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment, has been reviewed. It identified factors that influence ENP distribution and fate and highlighted the existence of significant research gaps which, if filled, would help in understanding the impacts of long-term accumulation of nanomaterials and the changes that occur to them when they are released into the environment. Full Article
iron Food waste: a reduction of up to 50% could reduce EU household expenditure and environmental impact By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 26 Aug 2019 9:23:19 GMT As the global population increases, it is increasingly urgent that policymakers and other actors facilitate feasible, sustainable solutions to the issue of food waste. This study explored the market effects of reducing household food waste within the EU. The researchers found that reductions of up to 50% by 2030 would lead to household cost savings, a shrinking agri-food sector, a mild negative macroeconomic impact and desirable reductions in environmental pressures, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water abstraction. Full Article
iron Technologies that can enable a smooth remote working environment during Covid19 By cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com Published On :: 2020-03-30T08:59:22+05:30 Thanks to the intervention of Cloud-based tech tools, professionals no longer need to visit their offices to engage in business transactions. Full Article
iron Payment for environmental services needs government engagement By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:22:26 +0100 In theory, payment for environmental services (PES) is a market mechanism but, in practice, it depends on intervention from the state or community. This is the conclusion of a new review of case studies that indicates that PES relies on public bodies and communities to act as intermediaries in the trading of services. Full Article
iron Best agri-environmental measures for four endangered bird species By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:57:51 +0100 New research has found a consensus amongst experts on which environmentally friendly agricultural practices are most effective at protecting four endangered birds in Spain. Experts agreed that maintaining fallow land, preventing the use of agrochemicals and stopping agricultural practices that disrupted nesting were the most valuable measures. Full Article
iron The study of mosses could help understand environmental impacts By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:43:40 +0100 Mosses are an important but sometimes overlooked group of plants, which play a significant role in cycling in carbon and nitrogen between the land and the air. A new study proposes that scientists could use mosses as a model to investigate the impacts of environmental change on biodiversity and nature. Full Article
iron Environmental diagnosis for Natura 2000 forest areas By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:06:47 +0100 A recent study has developed a method of diagnosing the environmental condition of wildlife habitats in forest areas. This allows biodiversity conservation to be integrated into the planning and management of the European-wide Natura 2000 nature protection areas. Full Article
iron The future is bright for environmental citizen science By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:58:07 +0100 A review of a decade of environmental citizen science ??? where the general public are involved in science as researchers ??? concludes that its benefits to science and society far outweigh concerns over data quality. Challenges can be overcome through volunteer training and should not be used to devalue citizen science programmes, say the researchers. Full Article
iron Cost-effective monitoring of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Fri, 11 May 2012 11:12:26 +0100 To encourage protection of the environment, payments for environmental services (PES) schemes offer direct incentives to individuals and communities to maintain or improve the provision of environmental services. A recent study suggests indicators to monitor PES must be chosen very carefully to help ensure that monitoring does not cost more than the payments themselves. Full Article
iron Weeds important for restoring biodiversity in farmland environments By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 16 May 2012 11:17:15 +0100 The way in which agricultural land is managed can cause environmental changes that affect biodiversity and the services provided by ecosystems. A new study suggests agri-environmental schemes that focus on restoring common weeds, such as thistles, buttercups and clover, could have wide-ranging benefits as these plants appear to help stabilise the supportive links between different species found in farmlands. Full Article
iron Diverse ecosystems vulnerable in changing environmental conditions By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:39:45 +0100 Changing environmental conditions could put diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests and coral reefs, at greater risk of multiple extinctions. A new study suggests that, rather than protecting ecosystems from collapse, high levels of biodiversity may actually prove risky in a situation such as climate change ??? where an unpredictable environment can suddenly extinguish a population needed to support an ecosystem, leading to knock-on effects further up the food chain. Full Article