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“Assessing the sustainability of community forest management : a case study from Iran”. Jafari A, Kaji HS, Azadi H, Gebrehiwot K, Aghamir F, Van Passel S, Forest Policy And Economics 96, 1 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.FORPOL.2018.08.001
Abstract: The development of sustainability criteria and indicators is necessary to assess the current management and to recognize appropriate management approaches towards sustainable forest management (SFM). The aim of this study is to assess the sustainability of current management in the Dopolan community forest and assess alternative management scenarios towards SFM. To this end, we applied multi criteria analysis which consists of three steps: a) developing a primary set of criteria and indicators (C&Is) on focus groups discussions, b) finalizing and weighing the set of C&Is, applying a pair wise comparison as well as ranking method, and c) assessing the current forest management regimes and alternative scenarios against a set of C&Is. As a result, 8 criteria and 40 indicators were selected. Our results indicated that to achieve SFM, the criteria including forest protection against natural and human factors, the establishment of appropriate legal and institutional requirements and socioeconomic functions of forests, are the most important criteria (weighted 14.60%, 14.28% and 13.96%, respectively). Assessing the current management regimes revealed that the criteria consisting of biodiversity conservation and local communities' awareness have the maximum distance to SFM (weighted 7.75% and 9.18%, respectively). Among the alternative forest management scenarios, the sixth scenario namely conservation and rehabilitation, local investment attraction in forest conservation and rehabilitation, enabling and capacity building of forest inhabitants were realized as the best scenarios (weighted 26.20%) to achieve SFM. A joint effort of the concerned government forestry officials and local people is needed to enhance the sustainability of all community based forestry models.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.982
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORPOL.2018.08.001
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“Assessing the economic potential of landfill mining : review and recommendations”. Esguerra JL, Krook J, Svensson N, Van Passel S, Detritus Volume 08 - December 2019, 1 (2019). http://doi.org/10.31025/2611-4135/2019.13883
Abstract: As landfill mining (LFM) gains public attention, systematic assessment of its economic potential is deemed necessary. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the usefulness and validity of previous economic assessments of LFM. Following the life cycle costing (LCC) framework, (i) the employed methods based on goal and scope, technical parameters and data inventory, and modelling choices were contrasted with respect to (ii) the synthesized main findings based on net profitability and economic performance drivers. Results showed that the selected studies (n=15) are mostly case study-specific and concluded that LFM has a weak economic potential, hinting at the importance of favorable market and regulation settings. However, several method issues are apparent as costs and revenues are accounted at different levels of aggregation, scope and scale-from process to sub-process level, from private to societal economics, and from laboratory to pilot-scale, respectively. Moreover, despite the inherent large uncertainties, more than half of the studies did not perform any uncertainty or sensitivity analyses posing validity issues. Consequently, this also limits the usefulness of results as individual case studies and as a collective, towards a generic understanding of LFM economics. Irrespective of case study-specific or generic aims, this review recommends that future assessments should be learning-oriented. That is, uncovering granular information about what builds up the net profitability of LFM, to be able to systematically determine promising paths for the development of cost-efficient projects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.31025/2611-4135/2019.13883
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“Assessing the success of electricity demand response programs : a meta-analysis”. Srivastava A, Van Passel S, Laes E, Energy Research and Social Science 40, 110 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ERSS.2017.12.005
Abstract: This paper conducts a meta-analysis of 32 electricity demand response programs in the residential sector to understand whether their success is dependent on specific characteristics. The paper analyses several regression models using various combinations of variables that capture the designs of the programs and the socio-economic conditions in which the programs are implemented. The analysis reveals that demand response programs are more likely to succeed in highly urbanized areas, in areas where economic growth rates are high, and in areas where the renewable energy policy is favorable. These findings provide useful guidance in determining where and how to implement future demand response programs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/J.ERSS.2017.12.005
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“Analyzing a self-managed CHP system for greenhouse cultivation as a profitable way to reduce CO2-emissions”. Compernolle T, Witters N, Van Passel S, Thewys T, Energy 36, 1940 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2010.02.045
Abstract: To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 4.52
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENERGY.2010.02.045
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“An aggregate resource efficiency perspective on sustainability : a sustainable value application to the EU-15 countries”. Ang F, Van Passel S, Mathijs E, Ecological Economics 71, 99 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2011.08.008
Abstract: The Sustainable Value approach integrates the efficiency with regard to environmental, social and economic resources into a monetary indicator. It gained significant popularity as evidenced by diverse applications at the corporate level. However, its introduction as a measure adhering to the strong sustainability paradigm sparked an ardent debate. This study explores its validity as a macroeconomic strong sustainability measure by applying the Sustainable Value approach to the EU-15 countries. Concretely, we assessed environmental, social and economic resources in combination with the GDP for all EU-15 countries from 1995 to 2006 for three benchmark alternatives. The results show that several countries manage to adequately delink resource use from GDP growth. Furthermore, the remarkable difference in outcome between the national and EU-15 benchmark indicates a possible inefficiency of the current allocation of national resource ceilings imposed by the European institutions. Additionally, by using an effects model we argue that the service degree of the economy and governmental expenditures on social protection and research and development are important determinants of overall resource efficiency. Finally, we sketch out three necessary conditions to link the Sustainable Value approach to the strong sustainability paradigm. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics
Impact Factor: 2.965
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLECON.2011.08.008
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“An agent-based model of farmer behaviour to explain the limited adaptability of Flemish agriculture”. Maes D, Van Passel S, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions 22, 63 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.EIST.2016.06.001
Abstract: Transition projects have been implemented for Flemish agriculture since 2003, but these did not enable a transformation of the agricultural sector. This paper looks at pre-transition scenarios that have been collectively designed by stakeholders of the agricultural sector in 2002. These foresaw decreases in the regional animal stocks in Flanders. However, the real evolution of the sector did not reveal such a decrease. It is assumed that the individual adaptive behaviour of farmers can explain the unexpected stability of the Flemish agricultural sector. A detailed agent-based model has been built to replicate the past evolution, accounting for structural diversity of farmers, heterogeneity in behaviour, and natural resource constraints. The results indicate that different forms of rigidity in the individual behaviour of farmers slow down the adaptation of the agricultural sector. Future transition scenarios should account for these elements in order not to overestimate the speed of change in the sector. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1016/J.EIST.2016.06.001
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“Agricultural land conversion : reviewing drought impacts and coping strategies”. Azadi H, Keramati P, Taheri F, Rafiaani P, Teklemariam D, Gebrehiwot K, Hosseininia G, Van Passel S, Lebailly P, Witlox F, International Journal Of Disaster Risk Reduction 31, 184 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJDRR.2018.05.003
Abstract: This paper aims to review the impacts of drought on agricultural land conversion (ALC) on the one hand and the impacts of ALC on intensifying drought on the other. The paper further investigates coping strategies at three levels; i.e., micro (local), meso (national), and macro (international), in order to mitigate drought impacts that are classified as economic, social, and environmental. This paper shows that ALC, drought and coping strategies are in a reciprocal relationship and can have either a positive or negative influence on each other. The paper concludes that the complex and multidimensional nature of drought requires the development of an integrated approach that focuses on the governments collaboration with different stakeholders. Such an integrated approach can improve drought risk management implementations, decrease vulnerability and construct resilience and coping capacity at all levels in order to deal with droughts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Government and Law
Impact Factor: 1.603
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJDRR.2018.05.003
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“Agricultural land conversion drivers in Northeast Iran : application of structural equation model”. Azadi H, Akbar Barati A, Rafiaani P, Raufirad V, Zarafshani K, Mamoorian M, Van Passel S, Lebailly P, Applied Spatial Analysis And Policy 9, 591 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S12061-015-9160-4
Abstract: Identifying driving forces behind agricultural land conversion (ALC) remains one of the most difficult challenges that agricultural and environmental scientists must continually deal with. The difficulty emerges from the fact that in ALC, multiple actions and interactions between different factors (i.e., economic, political, environmental, biophysical, institutional, and cultural) exist and make it difficult to understand the function of the processes behind the changes. The phenomenon of ALC in different countries is varied in terms of intensity, trends and drivers. The main goal of this study was to understand these drivers in Northeast Iran through applying structural equation model (SEM). Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, 101 executive officers participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. A multi-stakeholder analysis and a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) approach were applied. Results revealed that not only from the policy makers perspective but also based on the SEM, economic, political, technological, social and environmental factors should respectively be the five major drivers of ALC. The results also showed that among other drivers, more profitability of non-agriculture sectors, excessive rising of land prices, farmers income instability, land fragmentation, urban sprawl and inheritance laws are the main six causes of ALC. Hence, it can be concluded that policy-makers and planners need to take these drivers and subsidiaries more into consideration in order to properly respond to ALC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 1.825
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1007/S12061-015-9160-4
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“Access to preferential loans for poverty reduction and rural development : evidence from Vietnam”. Lan Thanh Nguyen, Anh Pham Hoai Nguyen, Van Passel S, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Journal Of Economic Issues 52, 246 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1080/00213624.2018.1430953
Abstract: Preferential loans play an important role in the process of reducing poverty in developing countries. Considering the data set from the 2010 Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey, we aim to examine the influential factors in probability of households getting access to preferential loans. Additionally, we analyze the determinants of household income in association with the loans by applying a quantile regression model. Our results show that ethnicity-related factors have the largest marginal effect on the access to preferential loans. The results from the quantile regression model demonstrate that the debt factor has a deeper impact on the borrowing group at the lower quantiles of household income.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 0.581
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2018.1430953
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“Advantages and limitations of exergy indicators to assess sustainability of bioenergy and biobased materials”. Maes D, Van Passel S, Environmental Impact Assessment Review 45, 19 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.EIAR.2013.11.002
Abstract: Innovative bioenergy projects show a growing diversity in biomass pathways, transformation technologies and end-products, leading to complex new processes. Existing energy-based indicators are not designed to include multiple impacts and are too constrained to assess the sustainability of these processes. Alternatively, indicators based on exergy, a measure of “qualitative energy”, could allow a more holistic view. Exergy is increasingly applied in analyses of both technical and biological processes. But sustainability assessments including exergy calculations, are not very common and are not generally applicable to all types of impact. Hence it is important to frame the use of exergy for inclusion in a sustainability assessment. This paper reviews the potentials and the limitations of exergy calculations, and presents solutions for coherent aggregation with other metrics. The resulting approach is illustrated in a case study. Within the context of sustainability assessment of bioenergy, exergy is a suitable metric for the impacts that require an ecocentric interpretation, and it allows aggregation on a physical basis. The use of exergy is limited to a measurement of material and energy exchanges with the sun, biosphere and lithosphere. Exchanges involving services or human choices are to be measured in different metrics. This combination provides a more inclusive and objective sustainability assessment, especially compared to standard energy- or carbon-based indicators. Future applications of this approach in different situations are required to clarify the potential of exergy-based indicators in a sustainability context. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.094
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/J.EIAR.2013.11.002
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“A techno-economic evaluation of a biomass energy conversion park”. Van Dael M, Van Passel S, Pelkmans L, Guisson R, Reumermann P, Luzardo NM, Witters N, Broeze J, Applied Energy 104, 611 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2012.11.071
Abstract: Biomass as a renewable energy source has many advantages and is therefore recognized as one of the main renewable energy sources to be deployed in order to attain the target of 20% renewable energy use of final energy consumption by 2020 in Europe. In this paper the concept of a biomass Energy Conversion Park (ECP) is introduced. A biomass ECP can be defined as a synergetic, multi-dimensional biomass conversion site with a highly integrated set of conversion technologies in which a multitude of regionally available biomass (residue) sources are converted into energy and materials. A techno-economic assessment is performed on a case study in the Netherlands to illustrate the concept and to comparatively assess the highly integrated system with two mono-dimensional models. The three evaluated models consist of (1) digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, (2) co-digestion of manure and co-substrates, and (3) integration. From a socio-economic point of view it can be concluded that it is economically and energetically more interesting to invest in the integrated model than in two separate models. The integration is economically feasible and environmental benefits can be realized. For example, the integrated model allows the implementation of a co-digester. Unmanaged manure would otherwise represent a constant pollution risk. However, from an investor's standpoint one should firstly invest in the municipal solid waste digester since the net present value (NPV) of this mono-dimensional model is higher than that of the multi-dimensional model. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influencing parameters. Our results are of interest for companies involved in the conversion of biomass. The conclusions are useful for policy makers when deciding on policy instruments concerning manure processing or biogas production. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 7.182
Times cited: 45
DOI: 10.1016/J.APENERGY.2012.11.071
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“A stochastic techno-economic assessment of seabed mining of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone”. Van Nijen K, Van Passel S, Squires D, Marine Policy 95, 133 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MARPOL.2018.02.027
Abstract: Polymetallic nodules found in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone in the NE Pacific contain more nickel, manganese and cobalt than all terrestrial reserves combined. Following the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and its 1994 Implementing Agreement, the resources of the international seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction will be developed for the benefit of mankind by attracting investment and technology, whilst demanding that necessary measures be taken to ensure effective protection of the marine environment. To date, no single commercial seabed mining activity has taken place in international waters, and the development of balanced and stimulating exploitation regulation is needed, based on accurate economic analysis. This paper presents the first detailed, vertically integrated, stochastic techno-economic assessment from a contractor's perspective, and contributes to the development of the world's first exploitation regulations. The economic performance measured by the internal rate of return was compared using deterministic and probabilistic commodity price forecasting models. Different levels of a financial payment regime, comprising of a royalty payment and a payment to internalize environmental costs, were considered. When real growth was included, the internal rate of return remains above the hurdle rate when a transitional, total-cost, financial payment regime is below 2 per cent during the initial period and below 4 per cent for the remaining tenure period. Following a 10-year moving average of commodity prices, including real growth, a 77.51 per cent probability was calculated of achieving a hurdle rate of 18 per cent.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 2.235
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOL.2018.02.027
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“A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells : identifying the technology's development phase”. Lizin S, Leroy J, Delvenne C, Dijk M, De Schepper E, Van Passel S, Renewable Energy 57, 5 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2013.01.027
Abstract: Organic photovoltaics (OPV) have developed into a vast research area. Progress in various directions has made it difficult to monitor the technology's precise development state. We offer a patent landscape analysis over all OPV devices, their substrates and encapsulation materials to provide an overview of patenting activity from a historical, organizational, geographical and technological point of view. Such an exercise is instrumental for private companies and research institutes aiming at both internal or external technology creation. We discuss our findings in the context of the Industrial Life Cycle model and find OPV still residing in the fluid technology development phase. Technology development is still following an exponential growth path, with the majority of patents coming from the Asian continent and in general private companies. For devices, the main technological focus can be traced back to the “H01L-031” international patent classification (IPC) main group. For the queried substrates, the most attention has gone to glass, but paper and textile have drawn significant interest too. Finally, encapsulation is found to be a less mature research field given the smaller number of patent families. The latter shows that the technology has not matured to the level where processing is carried out on a commercial scale. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.357
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1016/J.RENENE.2013.01.027
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“A Hotelling model for the circular economy including recycling, substitution and waste accumulation”. Hoogmartens R, Eyckmans J, Van Passel S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 128, 98 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.09.015
Abstract: Non-renewable resources include a large variety of deposits that have been formed by geological processes over millions of years. Although extraction of such resources provides benefits as employment and economic revenues, it also contributes to negative environmental externalities and it increases resource scarcity. An important policy question is how to optimally extract non-renewable resource stocks over time while taking possible substitutes and recycling into account. The present paper adds to the literature by developing a generic numerical optimisation model that can be used to simulate non-renewable resource management regimes and the effects of different policy instruments deployed at different stages of the resource's life cycle. By including recycling and substitution, the model extends the seminal cake-eating Hotelling model that dominates the non-renewable resource economics literature. In addition to being generically designed, the model can accommodate for non-competitive market settings, interacting policy instruments and environmental externalities at different stages of the material's life cycle. The model's possibilities are illustrated by means of a numerical simulation example for the extraction of sand.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.313
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2017.09.015
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“A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case”. Rafiaani P, Kuppens T, Thomassen G, Van Dael M, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Van Passel S, International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
Abstract: Purpose Social indicators are not easy to be quantitatively analyzed, although at the local scale, the social impacts might be relevant and important. Using the existing approaches for both quantitative and semi-qualitative measurements, this study aims to assess the social impacts of a company working on algae production systems in Belgium through social life cycle analysis (SLCA). By highlighting the opportunities and challenges on the way of applying the existing SLCA approaches at company level, the objective of this study is to contribute to the development of a suitable and clear SLCA approach when a company is considered as the unit of analysis. Methods Based on the list of potential social impact categories suggested by the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines (2009) for SLCA, three stakeholder groups (workers, consumers, and local community) and three subcategories associated with each stakeholder group were identified as the most relevant for carbon capture and utilization technologies. Company and sector level data were collected using existing documents and reports, and the data were analyzed and scored using a combined quantitative and semi-quantitative approach to develop a social assessment model for the case study. Results and discussion The company appears to perform well for all the evaluated social indicators except the one related to the subcategory “equal opportunity/discrimination for workers” for which the share of women employed is lower compared with the sector-level data. The results of our assessment were further discussed regarding the challenges and limitations of performing SLCA at the company level. Based on our experience, the validity of the outcomes is significantly influenced by the data availability, the generality of the indicators introduced within the UNEP/SETAC guidelines, and the subjectivity in data collection for the semi-quantitative assessment among others. Conclusions By highlighting the difficulties and challenges of applying the SLCA at the company level, our study provides a starting point for improving the quantitative assessment and monitoring social implications at the company level within a regional foreground in Europe.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.8
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1007/S11367-019-01702-X
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“Reducing winter peaks in electricity consumption: A choice experiment to structure demand response programs”. Srivastava A, Van Passel S, Kessels R, Valkering P, Laes E, Energy Policy 137, 111183 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111183
Abstract: Winter peaks in Belgian electricity demand are significantly higher than the summer peaks, creating a greater potential for imbalances between demand and supply. This potential is exacerbated because of the risk of outages in its ageing nuclear power plants, which are being phased out in the medium term. This paper conducts a choice experiment to investigate the acceptability of a load control-based demand response program in the winter months. It surveys 186 respondents on their willingness to accept limits on the use of home appliances in return for a compensation. Results indicate that respondents are most affected by the days of the week that their appliance usage would be curtailed, and by the compensation they would receive. The willingness to enroll in a program increases with age, environmental consciousness, home ownership, and lower privacy concerns. The analysis predicts that 95% of the sample surveyed could enroll in a daily load control program for a compen- sation of €41 per household per year. Thus while an initial rollout among older and more pro-environment homeowners could be successful, a wider implementation would require an explanation of its environmental and financial benefits to the population, and a greater consideration of their data privacy concerns.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111183
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“Ecosystem services assessment tools for African Biosphere Reserves: A review and user-informed classification”. Hugé, J, Rochette Aj, de Béthune S, Parra Paitan Cc, Vanderhaegen K, Vandervelden T, Van Passel S, Vanhove Mpm, Verbist B, Verheyen D, Waas T, Janssens I, Janssens de Bisthoven L, Ecosystem Services 42, 101079 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101079
Abstract: While the concept of ecosystem services which links biodiversity to human wellbeing, is by now well-known, its translation into actual management decisions is still uneven. African Biosphere Reserves, which are to be living labs for sustainable development, embody the idea of synergies between people and nature. Gaining knowledge about the provision, the use and the trends of ecosystem services in these reserves is essential to ensure their global change-proof management. The diversity of rapidly evolving ecosystem services assessment tools requires a systematic and informed selection, in order to ensure that prospective tool users select the most adequate tool, aligned to their needs and context. Based on a Delphi survey of future tool users, and on a review of ecosystem services assessment tools, we propose guidance to users to select the most suited tool based on the context of African Biosphere Reserves, and on tool requirements regarding data input, necessary skills, outputs and types of ecosystem services addressed. The use of the Delphi survey and the focus on African Biosphere Reserves are new elements that contribute to the theory and practice of ecosystem services assessment.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 7.6
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101079
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“The effect of policy leveraging climate change adaptive capacity in agriculture”. Vanschoenwinkel J, Moretti M, Van Passel S, European Review Of Agricultural Economics (2020). http://doi.org/10.1093/erae/jbz007
Abstract: Agricultural adaptation to climate change is indispensable. However, the degree of adaptation depends on adaptive capacity levels and it only takes place if the appropriate resources are present. Cross-sectional climate response models ignore this requirement. This paper adapts the Ricardian method to control for a generic territorial adaptive capacity index. The results for a sample of over 60.000 European farms show a significant non-linear positive relationship between adaptive capacity and climate responsiveness and that some regions in Europe can increase their climate responsiveness significantly. This confirms that improvement of adaptive capacity is an important policy tool to enhance adaptation.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 3.4
DOI: 10.1093/erae/jbz007
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“Eliciting policymakers&rsquo, preferences for technologies to decarbonise transport: A discrete choice experiment”. Bjørnåvold A, Lizin S, Van Dael M, Arnold F, Van Passel S, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions 35, 21 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2019.12.002
Abstract: Socio-technical transitions are often hindered by the resilience of existing infrastructures, as policymakers are reluctant to invest in novel products or services. Using the example of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) based fuels, we set up a discrete choice experiment to assess whether European policymakers have a tendency to avoid investing in novel, and more disruptive technologies, and rather prefer to invest in technologies that resemble the incumbent. Results indicate that policymakers prefer to allocate funding to dominant technologies. The results also revealed an overall positive perception of CCU technologies among policymakers. As the commercialisation of such products and processes continues, acceptance among this group of stakeholders is key.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 7.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2019.12.002
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“The effect of waste incineration taxation on industrial plastic waste generation: A panel analysis”. De Weerdt L, Sasao T, Compernolle T, Van Passel S, De Jaeger S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 157, 104717 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104717
Abstract: Waste treatment taxation is a popular policy instrument in many European countries and regions. Its impact on household waste has extensively been researched. However, only little research exists which looks into the impact of waste treatment taxation on industrial waste generation. Nevertheless, industrial waste constitutes more than ninety percent of waste generated in the European Union. This study assesses the impact of an incineration tax on the generation of industrial plastic waste in Flanders, Belgium. We conduct different types of econometrical panel analyzes and provide statistical evidence that firms show lagged behavior, which means that the previous year’s waste generation partly determines the current year’s. The dynamic panel estimations show robust results, indicating that a growth of incineration taxes exert significant negative effects on the growth of industrial plastic waste generation. This result offers no argument to iteratively raise incineration taxes. We conclude that incineration taxation is meaningful if tax rates are set according to the prevailing market conditions, i.e. taking into account the marginal costs of alternatives for incineration. In the short run, the effectiveness of taxation will quickly diminish due to the rapidly rising marginal costs of waste reduction. In the long run, extra recycling capacity is needed to recycle the minimized waste fraction. The role of taxation in the long run is to maintain an equilibrium in which recycling is preferred by the market.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104717
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“Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach”. Zewdie MC, Van Passel S, Moretti M, Annys S, Tenessa DB, Ayele ZA, Tsegaye EA, Cools J, Minale AS, Nyssen J, Agricultural Water Management 233, 106101 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
Abstract: The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101
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“Identifying Social Indicators for Sustainability Assessment of CCU Technologies: A Modified Multi-criteria Decision Making”. Rafiaani P, Dikopoulou Z, Van Dael M, Kuppens T, Azadi H, Lebailly P, Van Passel S, Social Indicators Research 147, 15 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-019-02154-4
Abstract: Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies capture CO2 waste emissions and utilize them to generate new products (such as fuels, chemicals, and materials) with various environmental, economic, and social opportunities. As most of these CCU technologies are in the R&D stage, their technical and economic viability are examined with less attention to the social aspect which is an important pillar for a holistic sustainability assessment. The lack of systematic social impact research is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying and quantifying social aspects through the entire life cycle of products. We will fill this gap for CCU technologies and identify the main social indicators. A multi-criteria decision making tool: TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) was applied to empirically determine which indicators are more relevant for assessing the social impact of a company operating CCU activities within a European context. First, seeing that social impact categories are linked to key stakeholder groups, we considered workers, consumers, and local communities as relevant stakeholders. Second, the main social impact categories and their potential performance indicators associated to each group of stakeholders were listed using the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines. In the third step, an online questionnaire was distributed to identify the main social categories and indicators for CCU, to which 33 European CCU experts responded. Finally, a modified TOPSIS was applied to rank the indicators based on their relevance. We found that the indicators related to “end of life responsibility” and “transparency” within a CCU company achieved the highest rank affecting the consumers group, whereas “fair salary” and “equal opportunities/discriminations” were determined as the most relevant impact categories for the workers. For the local community group, “secure living conditions” and “local employment” received the highest priority from the experts’ point of view. Furthermore, “health and safety” considerations were identified as one of the most important criteria affecting all three groups of stakeholders. The ranking list of the main social indicators identified in our study provides the basis for the next steps in the social sustainability assessment of CCU technologies; that is, data collection and impact assessment. Our outcomes can also be used to inform the producers regarding the most and least relevant social aspects of CCU so that the potential social impacts caused by their production activities can be improved or prevented.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 1.743
DOI: 10.1007/s11205-019-02154-4
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“Investigating market power in the Belgian pork production chain”. Maes D, Vancauteren M, Van Passel S, Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies 100, 93 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1007/s41130-019-00096-6
Abstract: Belgian pork production has faced stagnating prices for decades. It remains unclear whether excessive market power from slaughterhouses or meat retailers has played a role in this trend. While market power studies can reveal some of the market dynamics in this setting, this type of research has not yet been applied to the Belgian pork market. The present paper investigates oligopolies and oligopsonies in the pork production sector. We build a new model that focuses on market power dynamics in the market for live pigs and distinguishes horizontal and vertical market power parameters, both for pig farmers and for slaughterhouses. The results follow from an empirical application using unique slaughterhouse data for 2001–2015. The results indicate that the farmers benefit from a significant power advantage in the live pig market, when very modest price demands are taken as a reference. The final market price of live pigs approaches the price requested by the farmers. On the other hand, the measured vertical market power also suggests that a pig farmer does not receive the (modest) full-wage-based salary. The market power of the slaughterhouses is also limited. Market power as a result of collusion—that is, horizontal market power—is present, but is not strong. However, there are significant differences between the slaughterhouses in terms of mark-up on the input prices. These differences reflect differences in company strategy, and this diversity further reduces the possibility to create sector-wide collusive behaviour.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
DOI: 10.1007/s41130-019-00096-6
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“Adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers toward climate change: evidence from Hamadan province in Iran”. Jamshidi O, Asadi A, Kalantari K, Movahhed Moghaddam S, Dadrass Javan F, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Witlox F, Climate And Development , 1 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2019.1710097
Abstract: The global climate is changing, and farmers must increase their adaptive capacity to avoid negative impacts. This study aimed to examine the adaptive capacity of farmers’ household to tolerate climate changes and identify factors affecting the climate in Hamadan province, Iran. The adaptive capacity was evaluated quantitatively by using 23 indicators and was categorized into high, moderate, low, and very low adaptive capacity. The study was based on a cross sectional survey and was conducted with a random sample of 280 household farmers distributed in five counties of Hamadan province in the west of the country whose climatic data revealed signs of climate change. The result showed that farmers’ negative perception toward climate change generally increases during dry seasons and decreases when the precipitation and water resources are more available. Regarding the available information, only 15% of farmers had a high level of adaptive capacity, while 10% of them were highly adapted, and 27.5% showed a very low level of adaptive capacity. Adaptive capacity in the current study was influenced by some socio-economic variables including total farm size, irrigated farm size, number of agricultural land plots, and perception and knowledge of climate change.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Adaptive capacity; cross sectional survey; socio-economic variables; adaptation strategies; Hamadan province; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 2.051
DOI: 10.1080/17565529.2019.1710097
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“Conflict, fraud, and distrust in Ethiopian agricultural cooperatives”. Sebhatu KT, Gezahegn TW, Berhanu T, Maertens M, Van Passel S, D’Haese M, Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management 8, 100106 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcom.2020.100106
Abstract: Agricultural cooperatives are seen as an efficient way for smallholder farmers to create bargaining power in order to achieve poverty reduction and food security. However, the success of these cooperatives depends on their ability to maintain their social capital, which is at the core of collective action. A few studies have addressed issues of member participation, commitment, and trust, yet less is known about rural cooperatives in developing countries as a social organization. It is also unclear whether a relationship exists between cooperative size and the incidence of conflict, fraud, and distrust. Using unique data collected from 511 agricultural cooperatives in 12 districts of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, this paper examines the effects of cooperative size on conflict, fraud, and distrust. We used instrumental variables (IV) probit estimation techniques, accounting for endogeneity of membership size, to confirm that cooperative size does affect the occurrence of conflict, fraud, and trust. The results also indicate that other influencing factors include: cooperative age, number of employees, payment of dividends based on transaction volume, and heterogeneity of member goals.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Agricultural cooperatives; Cooperative size; Conflict; Fraud; Distrust; Ethiopia; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcom.2020.100106
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“Drought risk assessment: Towards drought early warning system and sustainable environment in western Iran”. Sharafi L, Zarafshani K, Keshavarz M, Azadi H, Van Passel S, Ecological Indicators 114, 106276 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106276
Abstract: Prolonged drought is considered as a creeping natural hazard, which has created a financial burden and unsustainable environment in Iran. Moreover, the effect of drought phenomenon in rural areas is more extensive, causing significant challenges to the rural economy in general and agricultural production in particular. A common strategy to manage drought is based on crisis management (ex-ante). However, for effective drought management, risk management seems to be more in line with drought early warning systems. This quantitative study used risk assessment, which is the function of two elements such as hazard (SPI and SDI indices) and vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). This study aims to build the foundations for drought early warning systems in limited resource areas such as Kermanshah Township in the northwestern part of Iran. The population of this study comprised of wheat farmers in which 293 farmers were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. In the next step, the drought risk map for Kermanshah Township was developed, which revealed that the majority of villages are at intense environmental risk. The result of this study has implications for drought management practitioners. For example, the results can aid policymakers in the design of an early warning system in order to reduce risk and thus empower farmers toward resilient farming.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Drought; Early warning system; Risk management; Vulnerability; Environmental risk; Resilient farming; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106276
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“Modeling the Impact of Urbanization on Land-Use Change in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia: An Integrated Cellular Automata–Markov Chain Approach”. Fitawok MB, Derudder B, Minale AS, Van Passel S, Adgo E, Nyssen J, Land 9, 115 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/land9040115
Abstract: The fast-paced urbanization of recent decades entails that many regions are facing seemingly uncontrolled land-use changes (LUCs) that go hand in hand with a range of environmental and socio-economic challenges. In this paper, we use an integrated cellular automata–Markov chain (CA–MC) model to analyze and predict the urban expansion of and its impact on LUC in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. To this end, the research marshals high-resolution Landsat images of 1991, 2002, 2011, and 2018. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is then used to identify the biophysical and socioeconomic factors underlying the expansion in the research area. It is shown that, during the period of study, built-up areas are rapidly expanding in the face of an overall decline of the farmland and vegetation cover. Drawing on a model calibration for 2018, the research predicts the possible geographies of LUC in the Bahir Dar area for 2025, 2034, and 2045. It is predicted that the conversions of other land-use types into built-up areas will persist in the southern, southwestern, and northeastern areas of the sprawling city, which can mainly be traced back to the uneven geographies of road accessibility, proximity to the city center, and slope variables. We reflect on how our findings can be used to facilitate sustainable urban development and land-use policies in the Bahir Dar area.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; analytical hierarchy process; cellular automata; land-use change; Markov chain; urbanization; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
DOI: 10.3390/land9040115
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“Climate-Smart Agriculture in the Northeast of Brazil: An Integrated Assessment of the Aquaponics Technology”. Finizola e Silva M, Van Passel S, Sustainability 12, 3734 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3390/su12093734
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if aquaponic systems can reduce food insecurity in the semi-arid regions of Brazil and generate income for the beneficiaries. Aquaponics is a potentially sustainable way to produce food based on gardening, hydroponics and aquaculture. A case study, based on a project called Aquaponova, was developed. The aquaponic systems currently used in the project are non-commercial and designed for households with limited resources. The data based on six existing systems within this project were used to compare the costs and the benefits. The cost–benefit analysis covers four scenarios and three financing options. The results show that aquaponic systems have a large potential and can reduce food insecurity in semi-arid regions while generating income for the beneficiaries. Even if the system only produces 40% of the total estimated production, the system will still be feasible. However, the low opportunity cost of labour is an essential factor for obtaining these positive results. Moreover, the social benefits, such as a community spirit and the health benefits of the system, should not be underestimated.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; aquaponics; Aquaponova; Brazil; semi-arid region; food insecurity; cost–benefit analysis; socio-economic approach; climate-smart agriculture; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.3390/su12093734
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“Integrated techno-economic assessment of a biorefinery process: The high-end valorization of the lignocellulosic fraction in wood streams”. Tschulkow M, Compernolle T, Van den Bosch S, Van Aelst J, Storms I, Van Dael M, Van den Bossche G, Sels B, Van Passel S, Journal Of Cleaner Production 266, 122022 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122022
Abstract: A new lignin-first biorefinery with a reductive catalytic fractionation process, which targets the valorization of the lignin and the carbohydrate fraction into higher value end-products, is currently being designed. To identify the various R&D drivers for projects with a low technology readiness level (TRL), we developed an integrated techno-economic assessment (TEA) that directly integrates the results of lab studies with economic costs and benefits. Furthermore, different linkages are made to upstream wood availability and downstream demand to understand its fit into existing wood value chains. By making the relations across the wood value chain explicit within the integrated TEA, we find that the scale of the plant, the feedstock-specific output quantities, and output prices highly determine the economic feasibility. Furthermore, this detailed analysis reveals the importance of assessing different types of feedstock. If only virgin wood is available as feedstock, minimum capacity levels between 190 and 234 kilotons per year are needed for the investment to be profitable. Waste wood proves to be the most profitable feedstock with an NPV of M€ 59 and an IRR of 26%. Using only waste wood as feedstock makes the investment profitable at a lower capacity level of 80 kilotons per year and economic shocks can be absorbed. Based on these results we show that an integrated and detailed TEA is indispensable to define future development paths for early-stage, innovative technologies.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 11.1
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122022
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“Urban green infrastructure: A review on valuation toolkits from an urban planning perspective”. Van Oijstaeijen W, Van Passel S, Cools J, Journal Of Environmental Management 267, 110603 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110603
Abstract: As a response to increasing urbanization and changing weather and climatic patterns, urban green infrastructure (UGI) emerged as a concept to increase resilience within the urban boundaries. Given that implementing these (semi-) natural solutions in practice requires a clear overview of the costs and benefits, valuation becomes ever important. A range of decision-support tools for green infrastructure and ecosystem services exist, developed for various purposes. This paper reviews the potential of 10 shortlisted and existing valuation tools to support investment decisions of urban green infrastructure. In the assessment, the functionality is regarded specifically from the urban planning and decision-making viewpoint. The toolkits were evaluated on 12 different criteria. After analyzing the toolkits on these criteria, the findings are evaluated on the (mis)match with specific requirements in the urban planning and management context. Secondly, recommendations and guidelines are formulated to support the design of simple valuation tools, tailored to support the development of green infrastructure in urban areas. Approaching the valuation toolkits biophysically and (socio-)economically provides an integral overview of the challenges and opportunities of the capacities of each framework. It was found that most tools are not designed for the peculiarities of the urban context. Several elements contribute to the hampering uptake of GI valuation tools. Firstly, the limited effort in the economic case for green infrastructure remains a burden to use toolkits to compare grey and green alternatives. Secondly, tools are currently seldom designed for the peculiarities of cities: urban ecosystem (dis)services, multi-scalability, life-span assessments of co-benefits and the importance of social benefits. Thirdly, toolkits should be the result of co-development between the scientific community and local authorities in order to create toolkits that are tailor made to the specific needs in the urban planning process. It can be concluded that current tools, are not readily applicable to support decision making as such. However, if applied cautiously, they can have an indicative role to pinpoint further targeted and in-depth analyses.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 8.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110603
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