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Understanding independent environment control officers : learning from major South African construction projects / Johannes Albertus WesselsWessels, Johannes Albertus January 2015 (has links)
An independent industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is active on various
construction sites across South Africa. It forms part of a global network of verifiers, such
as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up verifiers. This network
authenticates statements about and the implementation of sustainability commitments
made during the planning phase of major construction projects. International studies
show that the construction industry is experiencing many challenges to deliver
sustainability commitments, including inadequate collaboration between role players, illdefined
roles and responsibilities, and insufficient use of environmental governance
approaches. On-site verifiers like ECOs may aid in restraining these challenges by
bridging ineffective governance approaches, such as classic EIA with new governance
approaches, for instance self-responsibility (e.g. Environmental Management Systems
(EMSs)) and involvement of third parties. Moreover, an “independent from all”
verification function may be vital in developing countries such as South Africa, where
trust between the government, market and public is particularly fragile due to historical
injustices. Interestingly, limited learning has been drawn and shared from this function’s
real-world experience. There are also differing views on the role, independence and
value of ECOs, due to roles, frequent interaction with persons responsible for delivering
sustainability commitments, and collaboration with third parties being ill-defined. The
overarching purpose of this study is to advance understanding of independent ECOs in
major South African construction projects. Three lines of inquiry are followed. The first is
to define what the role is, or ideally should be, of an ECO in the South African
compliance monitoring and enforcement effort. The second is to identify what factors
might influence the independence of verifiers. The third is to appraise how and to what
extent independent EIA follow-up verifiers add value in major construction projects in
the developing country context of South Africa.
This study’s research assumptions are based on the real world of ECOs and uses a
mixed method research approach to draw knowledge from the industry. The strategies
of inquiry include a survey, interviews, and multiple case study evaluations. The
methods for data collection include literature review, a self-administered survey
questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, video material, observations of practice at
case studies, and the collection of project documentation. The methods used for data
analysis are the categorisation and measuring of opinions and statements of survey
participants, the analysis of video material and project documentation, and the nominal
categorisation and ordinal scaling of case study results. Three journal articles capture
the essence of the research results and form part of the thesis report, as prescribed by
the North-West University’s rules for doctoral theses in article format. All three articles
were peer-reviewed and published in journals aimed at international audiences. Article
1 of the thesis highlights that an industry of ECOs fulfils numerous roles at various
construction sites across South Africa. The results identify the importance of ECOs
functioning independently of all role-players, but warn that obsessing about
independence may compromise the ability of ECOs to fulfil their roles. The results also
show that industry is in need of competence and the regulation thereof, as well as
support from all role players. By drawing from the research results, the thesis defines an
ECO.
Article 2 of the thesis reiterates that independence is central to internationally acclaimed
verification fields and important to ensure the credibility of EIA. The study identifies 18
factors that might influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers and divides the
factors into five categories: financial, commercial, professional, personal, and other. By
identifying and sharing these factors, this thesis aids in anticipating and avoiding
potential conflict of interest between environmental role players. Article 3 strengthens
the continuum between environmental governance approaches by conceptualising a
framework for appraising the value of independent EIA follow-up verifiers. The
framework provides for inter-linking principles and objectives of sustainability to the
performance areas of EIA, EIA follow-up and the EMS. The appraisal results indicate
that independent verifiers add most value when they are involved in screening, checking
compliance, influencing decisions, community engagement, and integrating
environmental governance approaches. The study confirms the benefits of adaptable,
proactive, experienced, and independent EIA follow-up verifiers, such as ECOs, on
major South African construction projects. / PhD (Geography and Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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Understanding independent environment control officers : learning from major South African construction projects / Johannes Albertus WesselsWessels, Johannes Albertus January 2015 (has links)
An independent industry of Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) is active on various
construction sites across South Africa. It forms part of a global network of verifiers, such
as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up verifiers. This network
authenticates statements about and the implementation of sustainability commitments
made during the planning phase of major construction projects. International studies
show that the construction industry is experiencing many challenges to deliver
sustainability commitments, including inadequate collaboration between role players, illdefined
roles and responsibilities, and insufficient use of environmental governance
approaches. On-site verifiers like ECOs may aid in restraining these challenges by
bridging ineffective governance approaches, such as classic EIA with new governance
approaches, for instance self-responsibility (e.g. Environmental Management Systems
(EMSs)) and involvement of third parties. Moreover, an “independent from all”
verification function may be vital in developing countries such as South Africa, where
trust between the government, market and public is particularly fragile due to historical
injustices. Interestingly, limited learning has been drawn and shared from this function’s
real-world experience. There are also differing views on the role, independence and
value of ECOs, due to roles, frequent interaction with persons responsible for delivering
sustainability commitments, and collaboration with third parties being ill-defined. The
overarching purpose of this study is to advance understanding of independent ECOs in
major South African construction projects. Three lines of inquiry are followed. The first is
to define what the role is, or ideally should be, of an ECO in the South African
compliance monitoring and enforcement effort. The second is to identify what factors
might influence the independence of verifiers. The third is to appraise how and to what
extent independent EIA follow-up verifiers add value in major construction projects in
the developing country context of South Africa.
This study’s research assumptions are based on the real world of ECOs and uses a
mixed method research approach to draw knowledge from the industry. The strategies
of inquiry include a survey, interviews, and multiple case study evaluations. The
methods for data collection include literature review, a self-administered survey
questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, video material, observations of practice at
case studies, and the collection of project documentation. The methods used for data
analysis are the categorisation and measuring of opinions and statements of survey
participants, the analysis of video material and project documentation, and the nominal
categorisation and ordinal scaling of case study results. Three journal articles capture
the essence of the research results and form part of the thesis report, as prescribed by
the North-West University’s rules for doctoral theses in article format. All three articles
were peer-reviewed and published in journals aimed at international audiences. Article
1 of the thesis highlights that an industry of ECOs fulfils numerous roles at various
construction sites across South Africa. The results identify the importance of ECOs
functioning independently of all role-players, but warn that obsessing about
independence may compromise the ability of ECOs to fulfil their roles. The results also
show that industry is in need of competence and the regulation thereof, as well as
support from all role players. By drawing from the research results, the thesis defines an
ECO.
Article 2 of the thesis reiterates that independence is central to internationally acclaimed
verification fields and important to ensure the credibility of EIA. The study identifies 18
factors that might influence the independence of EIA follow-up verifiers and divides the
factors into five categories: financial, commercial, professional, personal, and other. By
identifying and sharing these factors, this thesis aids in anticipating and avoiding
potential conflict of interest between environmental role players. Article 3 strengthens
the continuum between environmental governance approaches by conceptualising a
framework for appraising the value of independent EIA follow-up verifiers. The
framework provides for inter-linking principles and objectives of sustainability to the
performance areas of EIA, EIA follow-up and the EMS. The appraisal results indicate
that independent verifiers add most value when they are involved in screening, checking
compliance, influencing decisions, community engagement, and integrating
environmental governance approaches. The study confirms the benefits of adaptable,
proactive, experienced, and independent EIA follow-up verifiers, such as ECOs, on
major South African construction projects. / PhD (Geography and Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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Environmental impact assessment follow–up in South Africa : critical analysis of predictions and compliance for the Mooi River Mall case study / Ilse JordaanJordaan, Ilse January 2010 (has links)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is recognised worldwide as a tool for identifying the
potential adverse effects of a proposed development on the environment. Very little attention
has been given to determining the actual environmental effects resulting from a development.
The need for EIA follow–up (i.e. monitoring, auditing, evaluation, management and
communication) was identified and would form the building blocks within the EIA process.
Follow–up provides information about the consequences of an activity and presents
opportunities to implement adequate mitigation measures. EIA follow–up is not developed to its
full potential even though the need for it is acknowledged and supported in legislation, scientific
journals and scientific books. EIA follow–up necessitates feedback in the EIA process to ensure
lessons learnt and outcomes from past experiences can be applied in future actions. Follow–up
is only a legal requirement if conditions are specified in the environmental authorisation (EA).
Of particular concern to follow–up is the accuracy of prediction and secondly, the level of
compliance to conditions set out in the authorization and management plans. This study will
focus primarily on critically analysing predictions and compliance from the construction phase of
a high profile mega shopping mall project, namely the Mooi River Mall (MRM), with an analysis
to gauge the actual effect and contribution of the EIA process to decision making and
implementation practices. Multiple data sources were used to determine the accuracy of
predictions and legal compliance level of the Mooi River Mall.
The Mooi River Mall's accuracy of predictions (66%) and legal compliance (83%) suggest that
some of the impacts were unavoidable; that mitigation measures were either not implemented
or identified or that EIA follow–up served its purpose in the form of implementing effective
auditing programmes to monitor legal compliance. / Thesis (M.Sc (Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
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Environmental impact assessment follow–up in South Africa : critical analysis of predictions and compliance for the Mooi River Mall case study / Ilse JordaanJordaan, Ilse January 2010 (has links)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is recognised worldwide as a tool for identifying the
potential adverse effects of a proposed development on the environment. Very little attention
has been given to determining the actual environmental effects resulting from a development.
The need for EIA follow–up (i.e. monitoring, auditing, evaluation, management and
communication) was identified and would form the building blocks within the EIA process.
Follow–up provides information about the consequences of an activity and presents
opportunities to implement adequate mitigation measures. EIA follow–up is not developed to its
full potential even though the need for it is acknowledged and supported in legislation, scientific
journals and scientific books. EIA follow–up necessitates feedback in the EIA process to ensure
lessons learnt and outcomes from past experiences can be applied in future actions. Follow–up
is only a legal requirement if conditions are specified in the environmental authorisation (EA).
Of particular concern to follow–up is the accuracy of prediction and secondly, the level of
compliance to conditions set out in the authorization and management plans. This study will
focus primarily on critically analysing predictions and compliance from the construction phase of
a high profile mega shopping mall project, namely the Mooi River Mall (MRM), with an analysis
to gauge the actual effect and contribution of the EIA process to decision making and
implementation practices. Multiple data sources were used to determine the accuracy of
predictions and legal compliance level of the Mooi River Mall.
The Mooi River Mall's accuracy of predictions (66%) and legal compliance (83%) suggest that
some of the impacts were unavoidable; that mitigation measures were either not implemented
or identified or that EIA follow–up served its purpose in the form of implementing effective
auditing programmes to monitor legal compliance. / Thesis (M.Sc (Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
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Poprojektová analýza větrných elektráren / Postproject analysis of wind power plantsZícha, Jan January 2016 (has links)
This diploma thesis deals with the topic of wind power plants and environmental impact assessment. The first part it describes the issue by the method of literature review. It focuses especially on the issue of wind power, the EIA process and post-project analysis. This thesis analyzes existing methodological approaches of EIA evaluation in the Czech Republic and transboundary context.
The second part handles with the specific case study of post-project analysis of the wind park Strážný Vrch Nová Ves v Horách with emphasis on checking compliance with the conditions contained in the EIA review and its integration into follow-up documentation and operation of the project. The work also formulates methodological principles for EIA wind power plants in the Czech Republic and evaluating the impact of wind turbines on the environment.
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Licenciamento ambiental: acompanhamento de implantação de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo / Environmental Permit: São Paulos Eletric Transmission Lines Construction Follow UpSugawara, Tania Regina Sano 21 June 2016 (has links)
O licenciamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo é conduzido pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), com uso dos princípios da Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA). Na fase de planejamento dos projetos de Linhas de Transmissão (LTs), isto é, etapa de obtenção da Licença Ambiental Prévia, são estimados os impactos ambientais da implantação e operação do empreendimento, bem como as medidas mitigadoras ou minimizadoras destes impactos. Nas fases de instalação e operação de LTs ocorre a intervenção ambiental de fato. São implementadas e acompanhadas as medidas propostas pela AIA. O acompanhamento ambiental de empreendimentos licenciados com AIA é feito com base nas exigências expressas nas licenças emitidas e uso de vistorias técnicas. Dentre as exigências expressas nas licenças ambientais de LTs, destacam-se a elaboração de relatórios de acompanhamento das obras. Tais relatórios são elaborados pelo empreendedor responsável pela LT ou consultoria contratada pelo mesmo. Este projeto propõe um procedimento para acompanhamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão em licenciamento na CETESB, composto por Termo de Referência do Acompanhamento Ambiental das Obras de Linha de Transmissão e checklist para uso dos empreendedores e suas consultorias responsáveis pela elaboração dos relatórios de acompanhamento das obras e da operação e manutenção das linhas de transmissão. / Environmental permit for eletric transmission lines in the State of São Paulo is conducted by Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), using the principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In the planning phase of the transmission lines projects, meaning, the phase of Preliminary Environmental Permit analisys, the environmental impacts of the implementation and operation of the aactivity are estimated, as well as mitigation our minimization measures. At the phases of installation and operation of transmission lines, occurs the environmental intervention itself. The minimization and mitigation measures estimated on the EIA are implemented and monitored. EIA follow up is based on the requirements expressed in the permits and technical inspections. Among the requirements set out in the environmental permits of transmission lines, highlight the construction environmental follow up reports. These reports are managed by the company responsible for the transmission line or consultant hired by it. This project proposes a procedure for environmental follow up of transmission lines in CETESBs permit process, composed by a Guideline for Transmission Line Construction Environmental Follow Up and a checklist meant to be applied by the company and their consultants responsible for that activity. The outcome expected are monitoring reports with standardized format and efficient information for the analysis of the technical team responsible for the CETESB permiting process. The construction of the proposed products was based on the literature review, documentary review and field observation and in a second stage, the development of pilot products, tests, interviews and construction of the final version.
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Licenciamento ambiental: acompanhamento de implantação de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo / Environmental Permit: São Paulos Eletric Transmission Lines Construction Follow UpTania Regina Sano Sugawara 21 June 2016 (has links)
O licenciamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo é conduzido pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), com uso dos princípios da Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA). Na fase de planejamento dos projetos de Linhas de Transmissão (LTs), isto é, etapa de obtenção da Licença Ambiental Prévia, são estimados os impactos ambientais da implantação e operação do empreendimento, bem como as medidas mitigadoras ou minimizadoras destes impactos. Nas fases de instalação e operação de LTs ocorre a intervenção ambiental de fato. São implementadas e acompanhadas as medidas propostas pela AIA. O acompanhamento ambiental de empreendimentos licenciados com AIA é feito com base nas exigências expressas nas licenças emitidas e uso de vistorias técnicas. Dentre as exigências expressas nas licenças ambientais de LTs, destacam-se a elaboração de relatórios de acompanhamento das obras. Tais relatórios são elaborados pelo empreendedor responsável pela LT ou consultoria contratada pelo mesmo. Este projeto propõe um procedimento para acompanhamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão em licenciamento na CETESB, composto por Termo de Referência do Acompanhamento Ambiental das Obras de Linha de Transmissão e checklist para uso dos empreendedores e suas consultorias responsáveis pela elaboração dos relatórios de acompanhamento das obras e da operação e manutenção das linhas de transmissão. / Environmental permit for eletric transmission lines in the State of São Paulo is conducted by Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), using the principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In the planning phase of the transmission lines projects, meaning, the phase of Preliminary Environmental Permit analisys, the environmental impacts of the implementation and operation of the aactivity are estimated, as well as mitigation our minimization measures. At the phases of installation and operation of transmission lines, occurs the environmental intervention itself. The minimization and mitigation measures estimated on the EIA are implemented and monitored. EIA follow up is based on the requirements expressed in the permits and technical inspections. Among the requirements set out in the environmental permits of transmission lines, highlight the construction environmental follow up reports. These reports are managed by the company responsible for the transmission line or consultant hired by it. This project proposes a procedure for environmental follow up of transmission lines in CETESBs permit process, composed by a Guideline for Transmission Line Construction Environmental Follow Up and a checklist meant to be applied by the company and their consultants responsible for that activity. The outcome expected are monitoring reports with standardized format and efficient information for the analysis of the technical team responsible for the CETESB permiting process. The construction of the proposed products was based on the literature review, documentary review and field observation and in a second stage, the development of pilot products, tests, interviews and construction of the final version.
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Monitoring as an instrument for improving environmental performance in public authorities : Experience from Swedish Infrastructure Management / : Experience from Swedish Infrastructure ManagementLundberg, Kristina January 2009 (has links)
Monitoring is an important tool for gaining insight into an organisation’s environmental performance and for learning about the environmental condition and the effectiveness of environmental management measures. Development of environmental monitoring has generally relied on research aiming at improving monitoring methodology, technique or practice within a particular management tool. Little empirical research has taken into account the organisation’s reality where several management tools are used in parallel. This thesis analyses the practice of environmental monitoring in public authorities with the aim of identifying barriers and possibilities for environmental monitoring as an instrument for improving environmental performance, using the Swedish Rail Administration as a case organisation. The study identified two different types of environmental monitoring: environmental performance measurement (EPM) and activity monitoring, both important for achieving environmental improvements. EPM involves gathering and evaluating data to determine whether the organisation is meeting the criteria for environmental performance set by the management of the organisation. EPM can further be used for judging the success and failure of environmental objectives and strategies. Activity monitoring provides each project of the organisation with information to minimise the negative effects on the natural environment or human health and to ensure that the organisation’s operations conform with regulations. Problems encountered comprised a variety of little co-ordinated monitoring activities, poor utilization of the monitoring results as well as limited internal feedback on monitoring results. Some of the problems identified seem to be an effect of the management transition from a traditional ‘command and control’ system to a self-administered organisation managed by economic incentives and voluntary management systems. This thesis suggests several improvements to make monitoring more efficient. Primarily, the monitoring systems must have a clear structure and be adapted to its specific function. The EPE system would benefit from being integrated with the organisation’s central performance measurement, presenting progress towards organisational strategic objectives as well as operational objectives. The system for activity monitoring must not only focus on inputs and outputs to the system but must also include the environmental condition of the system. In order to improve communication and learning, monitoring data within both EPE and activity monitoring must be better transmitted and utilised within the structure of the permanent organisation. Experience from all monitoring activities that now is scattered and inaccessible to the individuals of the organisation could beneficially be stored within a well-structured organisational ‘memory‘. Such a system would facilitate an iterative management process where the monitoring results and the knowledge gained are used for making future plans and projects more adaptive, thereby improving the environmental performance of the organisation. / QC 20100729
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Assessing and managing the potential for compliance default of applications submitted in terms of South Africa's environmental impact assessment regulationsYouthed, Jennifer Gay 01 1900 (has links)
In the environmental impact assessment (EIA) field, much attention is paid to the
process leading up to the granting of an environmental authorization, but very little is
given to what happens after the consent decision is granted. This study aimed to
address this lack through the implementation of an EIA follow-up procedure in a region
of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Follow-up focused on assessing the amount
of non-compliance with EIA consent conditions as well as the overall impact that projects
had had on the environment. The results of this follow-up process were then used to
develop a risk screening tool that could be used to screen out new EIA applications that
were likely to require follow-up to control default or impact.
Projects that showed the greatest amount of default were those submitted by local
municipal proponents for basic infrastructure type activities such as sewage treatment
works and low-income housing developments. Private companies that compete in the
open market presented the lowest default risk. Default with consent conditions ranged
between 0% and 100% with an average rate of default of 49%.
The overall environmental impact for the majority (58%) of projects followed-up on was
low (on a 5 point scale of low to high), with only 1% of projects scoring high on impact.
The study found a moderate positive correlation between default and impact (rs = 0.48)
although a significant percentage (39%) of projects scored high on default but low on
impact. Follow-up appears to have had a positive effect on reducing the average
amounts of default and to a lesser extent the degree of impact.
The risk screening tool developed is promising with statistically significant matches
between predicted and actual default and impact scores for three out of the four test
samples. / Geography / D. Phil. (Geography)
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Assessing and managing the potential for compliance default of applications submitted in terms of South Africa's environmental impact assessment regulationsYouthed, Jennifer Gay 01 1900 (has links)
In the environmental impact assessment (EIA) field, much attention is paid to the
process leading up to the granting of an environmental authorization, but very little is
given to what happens after the consent decision is granted. This study aimed to
address this lack through the implementation of an EIA follow-up procedure in a region
of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Follow-up focused on assessing the amount
of non-compliance with EIA consent conditions as well as the overall impact that projects
had had on the environment. The results of this follow-up process were then used to
develop a risk screening tool that could be used to screen out new EIA applications that
were likely to require follow-up to control default or impact.
Projects that showed the greatest amount of default were those submitted by local
municipal proponents for basic infrastructure type activities such as sewage treatment
works and low-income housing developments. Private companies that compete in the
open market presented the lowest default risk. Default with consent conditions ranged
between 0% and 100% with an average rate of default of 49%.
The overall environmental impact for the majority (58%) of projects followed-up on was
low (on a 5 point scale of low to high), with only 1% of projects scoring high on impact.
The study found a moderate positive correlation between default and impact (rs = 0.48)
although a significant percentage (39%) of projects scored high on default but low on
impact. Follow-up appears to have had a positive effect on reducing the average
amounts of default and to a lesser extent the degree of impact.
The risk screening tool developed is promising with statistically significant matches
between predicted and actual default and impact scores for three out of the four test
samples. / Geography / D. Phil. (Geography)
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