This work deals with Multi-Criteria Analysis which represents an effective tool for solving complex decision-making situations. This paper describes the various methods of multi-criteria evaluation. One of the chapters also focuses on the software support. The main objective of this document is to demonstrate how to apply Multi-Criteria Analysis in real life. The practical part of this study refers to the structural policy and deals with the evaluation of regions of the Czech Republic after its entry into the European Union. The study mainly concentrates on the detailed analysis of South Bohemia region.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:21:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Faleiro Frederico Dissertacao.pdf: 1687158 bytes, checksum: e1a8a44e89beea38d1a839934c890e56 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-28 / The human actions has triggered many threats to biodiversity like land-use and climate changes, overexploitation, pollution, and introduction of invasive species, which can affect organisms both at local and global scale. The science of spatial conservation prioritization emerged as a quantitative approach to support the spatial decisions in face of these threats, while minimizing the socioeconomic and political conflicts. Here we developed spatial solutions to the conservation of non-flying mammals from Brazilian Cerrado considering the socioeconomic costs and the opportunities of environmental governance (first objective). Further, we generated solutions to face the land-use and climate change taking into account the dispersal abilities of species and uncertainties in the species distribution modeling (SDM) process (second objective). We considered the current network of reserves of the Cerrado in both objectives. We built SDMs for 154 species combining model projections weighted by their statistical fit to produce consensus maps of species distribution grouped in three distinct types of models (envelope, statistical and machine-learning models), for both current future scenarios of climate (used only in the last aim). For the first goal, we used the current predicted distribution to run spatial prioritization analyses indicating the best sites for the conservation investment considering human population density, land cost, anthropogenic land use, level of environmental governance, and the distribution of species in trade-off analyses. For the second goal, we used both current and future predicted distribution to run optimization procedures and propose priority sites for conservation, while minimizing species climate-forced dispersal distance , the mean uncertainty associated to the SDM process, and taking into account the future changes in the landscape (by our land use model). SDMs indicated that species-rich sites converge to regions with high population density, high land cost, high anthropogenic land use, and with diverse levels of environmental governance. There was a significant change in spatial priorities when socioeconomic and political dimensions were included in analyses: top priority sites moved towards the north. This spatial change reduced by 68% the potential conservation conflicts with human population, by 72% the likely conflicts arising from land cost and by 68% anthropogenic land use. It also increased by 51% the beneficial effect of environmental governance. Including land-use changes and the modeling uncertainty in the conservation planning process changed significantly the spatial distribution of priority sites in the region. While the inclusion of land-use models altered the spatial location of priority sites at the regional scale, the effects of climate change tended to take place at the local scale. Note that, our solutions already include possible dispersal corridors linking current and future priority sites for mammal conservation, as well as a formal risk analysis based on planning uncertainties. Our results allowed dealing with both complex nature of conflicts among socioeconomic and political dimensions, and the dynamic problem imposed mainly by land-use and climate change. Thus, our analyses figure as a methodological prospect supporting the decision-make process and the consequent translation of conservation planning outcomes into conservations actions / As ações humanas têm desencadeado diversas ameaças a biodiversidade como as mudanças de uso do solo e do clima, sobre-exploração, poluição e introdução de espécies invasoras, que afetas os organismos da escala local até a global. A ciência da conservação espacial para conservação emergiu como uma abordagem quantitativa que tem o objetivo de auxiliar escolhas espaciais que lidem com essas ameaças enquanto minimizam conflitos socioeconômicos e políticos. Aqui nós desenvolvemos soluções espaciais para conservação de mamíferos não voadores do Cerrado considerando os custos socioeconômicos e as oportunidades vindas da governança ambiental (primeiro objetivo). Além disso, nós geramos soluções espaciais que lidem com as mudanças do uso do solo e climáticas levando em consideração as capacidades de dispersão das espécies e as incertezas associadas ao processo de modelagem de distribuição de espécies (MDE) (segundo objetivo). Em ambos objetivos nós consideramos a atual rede de reservas do Cerrado. Nós modelamos a distribuição de 154 espécies combinando as projeções dos modelos e pesado pelo ajuste estatístico para produzir os mapas consenso de distribuição das espécies, agrupados em três distintos tipos de modelos (modelos de envelope, estatísticos e de inteligência artificial), para a atualidade e projetados para o futuro (usado apenas no último objetivo). Para o primeiro objetivo, nós usamos as predições da atual distribuição das espécies para realizar as análises de priorização espacial, indicando os melhores locais para investimento considerando a densidade humana, custo da terra, uso do solo antropogênico, nível de governança ambiental e a distribuição das espécies na perspectiva da análise de demandas conflitantes. Para o segundo objetivo, nós usamos a distribuição atual e futura das espécies para realizar o procedimento de otimização e propor locais para conservação que minimizem os efeitos da dispersão induzida pelas mudanças climáticas, incertezas associadas ao processo MDE e considerando as futuras mudanças na paisagem (através do nosso modelo de uso do solo). A MDE indicou que locais ricos em espécies convergem para locais com alta densidade populacional, alto custo de terra, alta proporção de uso do solo voltado para atividades humanas e diversos níveis de governança ambiental. Houve significativas mudanças nas prioridades espaciais quando as dimensões socioeconômicas e políticas foram incluídas nas análises, fazendo que os locais prioritários mudassem para o norte. Essa mudança espacial reduziu em 68% de potenciais conflitos com população humana, em 72% de conflitos de custo da terra, em 68% de conflitos com o uso do solo antropogênico e 51% de aumento dos possíveis benefícios da governança ambiental. Quando incluímos as mudanças de uso de solo e a incerteza da modelagem no processo de planejamento, os locais prioritários mudaram significativamente na região. Enquanto a inclusão das mudanças no uso do solo alterou a localização espacial dos locais prioritários em escala regional, os efeitos da mudança climática tenderam a ocorrem em escala local. Note que nossas soluções já incluíram possíveis corredores de dispersão para ligação entre as atuais áreas prioritárias com aquelas importantes no futuro, tão bem quanto a análise de risco baseado nas incertezas do planejamento. Nossos resultados permitiram lidar tanto com a complexa natureza dos conflitos entre dimensões socioeconômicas e políticas quanto com problema dinâmico imposto principalmente pelas mudanças do uso do solo e climáticas. Assim, nossas análises auxiliam metodologicamente a dar suporte no processo de tomada de decisão e a consequente tradução dos resultados de planejamentos de conservação em ações de conservação

No abstract. / Coastal and marine ecosystems are some of the most heavily exploited with increasing degradation. This alarming situation appeals for urgent and effective actions. The optimal balance between use and conservation of ecosystems theoretically requires all costs and benefits to be considered in decision-making, including intangible costs and benefits such as non-market use and non-use values. The broad aim of this PhD is to examine how these economic values associated with coastal and marine ecosystem services can be measured, and how the economic valuation exercise may be considered and influence management decision- making.The first analytical part of the thesis focuses on assessing non-market use and non-use values, through econometric methods. The characterization and estimation of non-use values are complex and controversial, especially when the valuation exercise is focusing on individuals who are users of the ecosystem services being considered. An original approach based on a stated preference method, namely choice experiments, is developed then empirically applied in quantifying non-market values for marine and coastal ecosystems in two areas in New Caledonia. It allows the estimation of non-use values for populations of users in an implicit way. An in-depth analysis of the individuals’ choice heuristics during the valuation exercise is also conducted, with a focus on payment non-attendance. This issue is dealt with by comparing multiple modelling approaches in terms of: (1) inferred attendance, in relation to stated attendance; (2) attendance distribution according to several socio-economic variables; and (3) welfare estimates.After noting that the potential influence of economic valuation in decision making is unclear and largely unexplored in the literature, the second major component of this PhD aims to examine if, how and to what extent the economic valuation of ecosystem services, including measures of non-market values, influence decision-making regarding coastal and marine ecosystems management in Australia. Based on two nation-wide surveys, the perceived usefulness of the economic valuation of ecosystem services by the general public and decision-makers is studied, and the reasons why decision-makers may or may not fully consider economic values are elicited. Using a multi-criteria analysis, a part of the surveys also aims at examining the relative importance of different evaluation criteria (ecological, social and economic) when assessing the consequences of a hypothetical coastal development project on commercial activities, recreational activities and marine biodiversity.

The aim of this master´s thesis is the elaboration of project documentation for kindergarten with almost zero energy consumption. The project consists of three main parts. The first part is devoted to the civil engineering design of the building. The building is designed regarding to architectural expression, quality of made and type of use. The kindergarten is designed with capacity of 48 children split into two departments. The second part is devoted to the design of HVAC systems. The building uses mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, heating is provided by two gas boilers and the need of electricity is provided by a photovoltaic system. Captured rainwater is used effectively. The third part values the building regarding the method of multi–criteria analysis. For this evaluation uses national method SBToolCZ.

Carbon dioxide is released by natural and anthropogenic processes, such as the production and combustion of fossil fuels. Production of biogas also generates carbon dioxide, but of biogenic origin. The global, yearly emissions of greenhouse gases are regularly increasing, although agreements such as the Paris Agreement is signed by parties globally. Sweden has the goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, and thereafter to only obtain negative emission levels. To reach these goals the biogenic version of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) called Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is considered to be an essential strategy. Using carbon dioxide, through Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), in for example products, can complement BECCS since the strategy can increase the value of carbon dioxide. These strategies make it possible to reduce the climate impact of biogas production.  This master thesis aimed to chart different techniques in CCS and CCU to examine how they can be used to utilize or store carbon dioxide from biogas plants. What technical demands different solutions create was explored. The different techniques were assessed through a multi criteria analysis by a technological, environmental, marketable and economical standpoint to investigate which ones were the most suitable for a specific, studied case – Tekniska verken’s biogas plant. One suitable technique within CCU was analyzed through a screening of actors in the region. An environmental assessment of one technique in CCS and one in CCU were compared with the reference case Business as usual, to explore how a simulated biogas plant’s climate impact can change through the implementation of CCS and CCU.  The charting of literature gave findings of 42 different techniques, which were sifted down to 7; algae farming for wastewater treatment, BECCS in saltwater aquifers, carbon dioxide curing of concrete, bulk solutions, production of methanol, production of methane through Power To Gas and crop yield boosting in greenhouses. The multi criteria analysis pointed out carbon dioxide curing of concrete and BECCS in saltwater aquifers as suitable solutions for the studied case. The implementation of these techniques requires a liquefaction plant, infrastructure for transportation as well as business partners.  A life cycle assessment of the studied cases climate impact was given through modelling and simulation of a model plant of the studied case, with the functional unit 1 Nm3 biomethane. The reference case Business as usual had a climate impact of 0,38 kg CO2 eq, which corresponds to approximately one eighth of the climate impact of fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. By storing the carbon dioxide through BECCS in saltwater aquifers the climate impact decreased to - 0,42 kg CO2 eq. By utilizing the carbon dioxide through curing of concrete the biomethane’s climate impact decreased to -0,72 kg CO2 eq. The results thereby evince that Swedish biogas producers can improve their climate performance through CCS and CCU. / Koldioxid släpps ut av såväl naturliga som antropogena processer, exempelvis vid produktion och förbränning av fossila bränslen. Även vid biogasproduktion uppkommer koldioxid, men av biogent ursprung. Årliga globala utsläpp av växthusgaser ökar regelbundet, trots överenskommelser som Parisavtalet som syftar till att begränsa klimatförändringarna. Sverige ska nå nettonollutsläpp senast 2045 och därefter ha negativa utsläppsnivåer. För att uppnå detta mål anses en biogen version av Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), det vill säga avskiljning och lagring av koldioxid, kallad Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) vara en essentiell strategi. Tillvaratagande av koldioxid, genom Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), kan ge ett bra komplement till BECCS eftersom det nyttiggör koldioxid i produkter och kan öka värdet av koldioxid. Tekniker inom CCS och CCU möjliggör minskad klimatpåverkan inom biogasproduktion.  Detta examensarbete syftade till att kartlägga olika alternativ inom teknikerna CCS och CCU för att undersöka hur dessa kan användas för att nyttiggöra eller lagra koldioxid från biogasanläggningar, samt att undersöka vilka tekniska krav som ges av lösningarna. Utifrån en multikriterieanalys bedömdes vilka lösningar som var tekniskt, miljömässigt, marknadsmässigt och ekonomiskt motiverade för tillvaratagande av koldioxid. Bedömningen genomfördes genom att studera specifikt fall som var Tekniska verken i Linköpings biogasanläggning. Den lösning som valdes ut som lämplig inom CCU analyserades ur ett marknadsmässigt perspektiv genom en översiktlig kartläggning av aktörer i regionen. Därefter studerades klimatpåverkan från en förenklad modell av Tekniska verkens biogasanläggning för att undersöka hur denna förändras vid implementering av en lämplig lösning inom CCS respektive CCU.  Genom en screening av lösningsförslag identifierades 42 lösningsförslag inom CCS och CCU som sållades ner till sju stycken; algodling vid vattenrening, BECCS i saltvattenakviferer, betong härdad av koldioxid, bulklösning, metanoltillverkning, tillverkning av metan genom Power To Gas samt växthusodling. Multikriterieanalysen visade att koldioxidhärdad betong inom CCU och BECCS i saltvattenakviferer inom CCS var lämpliga lösningar för det studerade fallet. För implementering av förslagen krävdes bland annat en förvätskningsanläggning, infrastruktur för transport och samarbetspartners.  De studerade scenariernas klimatmässiga livscykel erhölls genom modellering och simulering av en modellanläggning av det studerade fallets biogasanläggning i programvaran SimaPro med användning av den funktionella enheten 1 Nm3 fordonsgas. Resultatet visade att fordonsgasen i referensfallet har en klimatpåverkan på 0,38 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. Fordonsgasens klimatpåverkan var cirka en åttondel av fossila bränslen såsom bensin och diesels klimatpåverkan. Vid lagring av koldioxid genom BECCS i saltvattenakviferer förändrades klimatpåverkan till - 0,42 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. När koldioxid användes till härdning av betong förändrades fordonsgasens klimatpåverkan till -0,72 kg koldioxidekvivalenter. Detta innebär att svenska producenter av biogas kan förbättra sin klimatpåverkan genom såväl lösningar inom CCS som CCU.

Cette thèse précise dans quelles mesures la performance responsable peut contribuer à l’amélioration de la performance financière pour un investisseur. En s’appuyant sur une base de données de 1992 à 2012 et un état de l’art de la notation responsable KLD, nous montrons que la Responsabilité Sociale de l’Entreprise (RSE) ne constitue pas invariablement un facteur de performance pour un portefeuille d’actions. Elle se révèle être un coût à consentir par les investisseurs soucieux de leur niveau d’éthique, du moins dans sa version proactive. Selon le secteur observé, la réduction des actes d’irresponsabilité peut néanmoins améliorer la performance financière. Nos développements mettent en évidence l’importance d’un choix préalable des actifs du portefeuille. En effet, les stratégies RSE améliorent la performance financière en fonction des caractéristiques qui limitent les comportements opportunistes des managers. Notre analyse multicritères révèle que les dépenses de responsabilités sont le fruit des excès de trésorerie. Le coût moyen pondéré de la dette déterminera l’efficacité de ces stratégies sur la rentabilité de l’entreprise. Enfin, nous mettons en exergue des dissemblances de langage dans les discours issues des rapports de responsabilité, selon le niveau d’éthique et de performance financière. Ces champs lexicaux renseignent l’investisseur sur les intentions des managers, afin de mieux sélectionner les actifs. / This thesis explains and clarifies the ways in which responsible performance can increase financial performance for investors. Based on data gathered between 1992 and 2012 and a state-of-the-art KLD scoring system, we demonstrate that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) does not consistently increase the performance of a share portfolio. CSR, when proactively implemented, proves to be a cost granted by investors concerned about their ethical models. Depending on the sector observed, restrictions on irresponsible acts can however improve financial performance. Our research highlights the importance of selecting portfolio assets beforehand. We found that CSR strategies improve financial performance provided that some criteria which restrict managerial opportunism. Our multi-criteria analysis revealed that the expenditure of responsibility is a result of excess cash flow. The weighted average cost of the debt will determine the effectiveness of these strategies on the company's profitability. Finally, we highlight discrepancies in Corporate Social Responsibility reports, according to the ethical level and financial performance of each company. These lexical fields inform the investor of managers’ intentions and hence, allow a better selection of the assets.

Southeast Asian countries and Vietnam in particular are facing water security challenges; water reclamation is increasingly being considered as a favorable solution. Despite the availability of suitable technologies, several constraints often prevent stakeholders and especially decision makers exploiting their potential. In this paper we present the results of applying a decision support tool (DST) to evaluate water reclamation, support pre-feasibility studies and build capacity for water reclamation in Vietnam. The DST and its data are open access, providing information related to local and international water and wastewater quality standards. In this research we identified high potential Vietnamese case studies and conducted a systematic PISTLE analysis considering six dimensions (Political, Institutional, Social, Technical, Legal and Economic) at a multiple local stakeholder workshop. Key barriers and drivers for water reclamation implementation were identified. Measures proposed during the workshop could serve as a starting point for the development of water reclamation projects in Vietnam. / Các nước Đông Nam Á và đặc biệt là Việt Nam nói riêng hiện đang phải đối mặt với những thách thức về đảm bảo an ninh nguồn nước; cải tạo nguồn nước hiện đang được xem là một giải pháp thuận lợi. Mặc dù các công nghệ phù hợp đã có sẵn, nhưng một số hạn chế đã ngăn cản các bên liên quan và đặc biệt là những nhà làm chính sách có thể khai thác các tiềm năng của những công nghệ này. Trong bài báo này, chúng tôi trình bày các kết quả của việc áp dụng một công cụ hỗ trợ quyết định (DST) để đánh giá việc cải tạo nguồn nước, hỗ trợ các nghiên cứu tiền khả thi và xây dựng các khả năng cải tạo nguồn nước ở Việt Nam. DST và dữ liệu của nó là nguồn truy cập mở, cung cấp thông tin liên quan đến những tiêu chuẩn về chất lượng nước và nước thải của địa phương và quốc tế. Trong nghiên cứu này, chúng tôi đã xác định các tình huống điển hình có tiềm năng cao của Việt Nam và tiến hành phân tích PISTLE có hệ thống xem xét sáu khía cạnh (Chính trị, Thể chế, Xã hội, Kỹ thuật, Pháp lý và Kinh tế) tại một hội thảo của các bên liên quan tại địa phương. Những rào cản chính và yếu tố vận hành của việc thực hiện cải tạo nguồn nước cũng đã được xác định. Các giải pháp được đề xuất trong hội thảo này có thể đóng vai trò là điểm khởi đầu để phát triển các dự án cải tạo nguồn nước ở Việt Nam.