Environmental Impact Assessment PDF - ABEE2007 - 20XX

Environmental Impact Assessment A systems approach to sustainable buildings ABEE2007 Environmental Science for Architects (2) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson Peter Rutherford and Robin Wil...

Environmental Impact Assessment A systems approach to sustainable buildings ABEE2007 Environmental Science for Architects (2) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 1 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Introduction This lecture will explore the premise behind green buildings and introduce the concept of environmental impact assessment Look at why it is important to built environment professionals Make a case for the need to take a systems approach to building design Next week we will build upon this and explore how environmental impact assessment is realised in green building ratings tools Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 2 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Why is this lecture important? Sets the context for the lecture series Gives an overview of environmental impact assessment and the need to take a systems approach from which we will explore in more detail as the lecture series progresses Provides a basis to judge the challenges encountered with such systems Reinforces last year’s work on the importance of understanding the role of the occupant in design. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 3 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Why build ‘green’? Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 4 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Why build ‘green’? Worldwide, buildings account for 30- 40% of global energy consumption IPCC 2007 report stated that the built environment is a greater contributor to climate change than transport, retail and manufacturing Building-related greenhouse gas emissions could almost double by 2030 Assessment report conclude that energy consumption in both new and existing buildings could be cut by an estimated 30-50% without significantly increasing capital or investment costs The Building Energy Gap: 17% saving needed from the construction sector Source: WBCSD, 2009. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 5 Department of Architecture and Built Environment The construction sector Approx 50% of natural resources extracted annually are consumed in building-related activities Approx 35% of annual waste production is generated by the building sector 30-40% of annual energy consumption is accounted for by use in buildings Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 6 Department of Architecture and Built Environment How can we address it? Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 7 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Predicted Energy Consumption Image Source: WBCSD, 2007 Biggest change in energy consumption patterns and magnitude expected to be China European initiatives (such as the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive) seek to minimise growth (with a view to cutting growth) This is reflected in national legislation such as Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power in the UK Building Regulations US commercial sector predicted to significantly increase consumption Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 8 Department of Architecture and Built Environment ….so…. Mankind's use of resources is not sustainable. We are consuming resources at a rate greater than nature can replace them There is evidence that mankind's activities are having an impact on the planet's energy balance Mankind’s activities are causing irreversible damage to ecosystems Energy is one of many considerations in building design – we need to take a systems approach to building in order to understand its impacts Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 9 Department of Architecture and Built Environment ‘green’ building Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 10 Department of Architecture and Built Environment But what is a ‘Green’ or ‘Sustainable’ Building The million dollar question and very, very elusive! “The practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from site to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building” (U.S. EPA) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 11 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Stating the obvious Buildings consume resources throughout their life-cycle Money Materials Fuel (oil, gas, coal, electricity.....ENERGY) Water Man power Give off harmful emissions (CO2, NOx etc) Buildings impact directly on human productivity, health and well-being. As such, ‘Green Buildings’ need to be designed, constructed and operated in a manner that minimises their negative impact on the environment and on those who inhabit it. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 12 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Business cases for ‘Green’ Buildings “Climate change is the greatest market failure the world has ever seen, and it interacts with other market imperfections” (Stern, 2006)” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ideologically, ‘green’ buildings are mooted to Lower the impact of building and building-related activities on the environment Augment and protect existing ecosystems Minimise depletion of natural resources Economically they are said to Lower operational costs Be profitable investments in the long run (even though initial capital costs are often regarded as being higher than conventional buildings) Socially they are said to Enhance user productivity and satisfaction Improve occupant health Have positive effects on the social face of any community Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 13 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Stakeholder benefits In Canadian studies, occupants are said to benefit the most amongst all stakeholders, followed closely by the building’s owners and Governments (Lucuik, 2005) Benefits for green-building stakeholders Source: Lucuik, 2005 Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 14 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Stakeholder benefits A study of 146 green buildings in the U.S. that projected their value to owners and occupants 20 years in advance showed..... Potential value of the impact of green buildings Source: Kats et al., 2009 Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 15 Department of Architecture and Built Environment So.... ‘Green’ building makes sense (obviously) Whilst there are obvious benefits that help reduce overall environmental impact, there are many benefits to the key stakeholders So how do we ‘quantify’ or ‘qualify’ some of these benefits? Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 16 Department of Architecture and Built Environment systems thinking Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 17 Department of Architecture and Built Environment What is systems thinking? In a nutshell it is a way of seeing the ‘whole’ in addition to the ‘parts’ It views the world as a collection of interconnected and interdependent systems, where each system consists of components (or elements) that interact with each other It does however require you to understand the parts! Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 18 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Why is it important Systems thinking allows us to explore Boundaries: Systems need boundaries to causality understand what is inside and outside the system being studied (stocks and flows). Holistic perspective: Considers the entire system and looks at the relationships and Multiple perspectives: Systems thinking interactions between the components to encourages considering multiple viewpoints understand how they contribute to the (and stakeholders) when analysing a problem. system’s behaviour and outcomes It recognizes that different perspectives may reveal different aspects of the problem Interconnectedness: Treats a system as comprising elements and subsystems that are Dynamic behaviour: Systems are time variant interconnected. Changes in one part of the therefore can change over time. system can have ripple effects throughout the Understanding how they evolve and adapt is entire system crucial Feedback loops: Systems often involve Systemic relationships: Fundamentally systems feedback mechanisms where the output of a thinking emphasizes the importance of system can influence its inputs. These loops understanding causal relationships, both can be reinforcing (positive) or balancing direct and indirect, within a system (negative) and can significantly impact on system behaviour Emergent properties: These are characteristics or behaviours that arise from the interactions of system components but cannot be explained by the components individually Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 19 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Example – a garden Play Shed to house your bike Save money on Relaxation travelling to work (engagement with Reduce carbon nature – restorative) footprint of travelling to work Drying clothes (saving energy on tumble dryer or health issues with drying clothes inside) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 20 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Systems thinking / dynamics in action [environmental] impact assessment Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 21 Department of Architecture and Built Environment [Environmental] Impact Assessment Definition “an analytical process that systematically examines the possible [environmental] consequences of the implementation of projects, programmes and policies.” (source: Glossary of Environmental Statistics, Studies in Methods, Series F, No. 67, United Nations, New York, 1997) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 22 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Why is it Important? Allows us to clearly understand the impact of our actions from multiple perspectives on multiple problems Useful of course for understanding impact on the environment Provides us with informed ‘choice’ so that we can for example purchase and use products / services with the lightest environmental footprint As a process can be adapted to most things (economics, design etc) Can range : from ‘macro-scale’ assessment (e.g. Impact Assessment: what happen nationally and internationally if Scottish people voted ‘Yes’ in the September 2014 Referendum, or what would the potential outcomes be for the UK leaving the EU?) to ‘micro-scale’ assessment (e.g. lifecycle analysis on materials…from extraction through processing through installation through demolition etc) What is common? You see the problem as a ‘system’ where multiple variables / considerations feed into that system. e.g. materials…water use, energy use, processing toxins etc…. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 23 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Objectives: Environmental Impact Assessment Given that the aim is to determine the types and possible magnitude of effects from projects, policies and programmes, environmental impact assessment objectives are quite straightforward 1. Ensure that environmental considerations are explicitly addressed and incorporated into any decision making process 2. Promote projects, policies or programmes that are ‘sustainable’ such that they optimise resource use whilst considering management of such resources 3. Determine whether any effects arising from projects, policies or programmes are acceptable or have to be reduced / mitigated to ensure that the proposal is feasible 4. Propose acceptable alternatives 5. Incorporate and / or implement appropriate monitoring, mitigation and management measures to ensure that the effects can be scrutinised 6. Document / report the effects (e.g. environmental impact report) Ultimately, its purpose is to ensure that the environment itself is protected from adverse harm / damage hence protecting the productivity and capacity of natural systems and ecological processes to maintain their functions. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 24 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Impact Assessment Loop quantify impacts ent improve modify process ssm me se n as ta nal ct impa ysis e nt ssm se ve in as nt ct ory a Imp quantify impacts define system and identify flows Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 25 Department of Architecture and Built Environment The EIA Process in more detail Prepare Impact Statement / Report Multistage interdisciplinary process usually performed by a number of individuals / teams / Clear and impartial documentation groups that includes impact, mitigation measures, effect significance and concerns of stakeholders Examination of Scope Alternatives Review EIS Identify issues and impact that are Establish preferred / most Determine whether terms of likely to be important environmentally benign option that reference have been met and can still achieve objective whether it has been conducted in a satisfactory manner Impact Analysis Impact Analysis Identify and predict likely environmental, social, economic Decision Making Approve or reject proposal and Loop and other related effects of establish terms for implementation proposal Evaluation of Mitigation and Impact Follow Up Ensure what was agreed was Significance Management implemented. Determine relative importance and Establish measures that are Monitor impacts and mitigation acceptability of residual impacts (i.e. necessary to avoid, minimise or measures impacts that cannot be mitigated) offset predicted adverse events Undertake audit Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 26 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Iterative processes and systems thinking Should not be seen as a closed cycle – like a helix whereby the system consumes resources and produces waste. When designing, you need to make informed choices over a diverse set of criteria. As a result, there are many issues and you cannot reasonably be expected to be aware of all of these. Therefore environmental design methods assist by taking some of these decisions for you and possibly steer you along the best or most appropriate path. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 27 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Example: Materials – Inventory inputs lifecycle inventory outputs / impact Concrete raw material atmospheric 1.Define system acquisition emissions boundary – which material process/activities are raw materials manufacture waterborne wastes to be included and energy which are not. final product solid wastes assembly water 2.Identify and quantify usable products flows via inputs and transportation / labour distribution outputs. other environmental consumer use and releases disposal system boundary Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 28 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Example: Materials - Impacts Having identified the flows through the process, it is necessary to quantify their effects on the environment The effect of flows on the environment will differ e.g. air pollution water pollution resource depletion impact on human health Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 29 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Example: Lifecycle Energy Assessment (example of a ‘service’) Lifecycle energy helps to identify and assess broad strategies for minimising energy use in buildings. Energy may be set amongst a broader range of environmental consequences of building design, construction and operation e.g. Climate change Resource depletion Quality of internal environment Pollution Damage to eco systems LCA etc Lifecycle approaches should however go beyond the ‘cradle to grave’ approach. Global warming has shown that there is an inherent lag in the system therefore today’s actions may be felt many years down the line. Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 30 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Example: Energy (Electricity) Distribution Transportation Power Consumer SOURCE and Distribution Generation Hydro Underground / Nuclear Overground Wind Wave Visual Labour impact Solar Landscape Materials consumption / Disturbance Fossil transportation (ecosystem) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 31 Department of Architecture and Built Environment The Argument? YES – the built environment is responsible for 30-40% of carbon emissions. If we can reduce the energy demand of buildings (heating, cooling, servicing, lighting, appliances, embodied energy of materials etc) then we can make a significant impact on overall carbon emissions. But this is also a polarised view – energy use may be indirect and indeed is only part of an overall picture in environmental impact assessment (e.g. transportation, responsible sourcing of materials, ecological impact, water conservation, human impact etc.) Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 32 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Conclusion “In the case of all things which have several parts and in which the totality is not, as it were, a mere heap, but the whole is A ‘green’ There are multiple A systems thinking something besides the building is not just things to think approach allows parts, there is a cause; for even about energy about which you to see in bodies contact is the cause of efficiency make more sense beyond the when you see individual unity in some cases, and in others how the components, viscosity or some other such individual explore quality.” components interconnectedn come together ess, relationships Aristotle (350B.C), Metaphysics as a whole – and and often different to interrelationships the whole and ultimately causality Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 33 Department of Architecture and Built Environment Next Week We are going to look in detail at environmental impact assessment tools in action – i.e. the green buildings ratings tools that are now ubiquitous in the profession and which take a more systems approach to the sustainability problem Peter Rutherford and Robin Wilson University of Nottingham Lecture 1(b) Environmental Impact Assessment 34 Department of Architecture and Built Environment