Sustainability Assessment is an increasingly important tool for informing planning and development decisions across the globe. Required by law in some countries, strongly recommended in others, a comprehensive analysis of why Sustainability Assessment is needed and clarification of the value-laden and political nature of assessments is long overdue. Currently the writing on the subject is limited and comprises, for the most part, guidance documents and completed assessments. This book overcomes these shortcomings by simultaneously providing the knowledge, inspiration and range of assessment tools in decision-making students require to tackle Sustainability Assessment challenges nested within wide-ranging values and sustainability-grounded evidence. The collection details the current state-of-the art in relation to Sustainability Assessment theory and practice, and considers the pluralistic nature of the tool and the implications for achieving sustainable decision-making. The contributors set out the context for Sustainability Assessment and then outline some contested issues which can affect interpretations of whether the decision tool has been effective. Current practice worldwide is assessed against a consistent framework and then solutions to some of the inherent weaknesses and causes of conflict in relation to the perceived sustainability of outcomes are put forward. The book is unique in setting out state-of-the-art in terms of Sustainability Assessment practice by focusing on those countries with developing experience. It also covers emerging factors influencing effectiveness of decision-making tools and evaluates how they affect the performance of Sustainability Assessment. Written by authors among the leading university academics teaching impact assessment courses in the most acclaimed universities worldwide operating in this field, it is ideally suited for the growing numbers of courses in impact assessment education and training.

Sustainability Assessment is an increasingly important tool for informing planning and development decisions across the globe. Required by law in some countries, strongly recommended in others, a comprehensive analysis of why Sustainability Assessment is needed and clarification of the value-laden and political nature of assessments is long overdue. Currently the writing on the subject is limited and comprises, for the most part, guidance documents and completed assessments. This book overcomes these shortcomings by simultaneously providing the knowledge, inspiration and range of assessment tools in decision-making students require to tackle Sustainability Assessment challenges nested within wide-ranging values and sustainability-grounded evidence. The collection details the current state-of-the art in relation to Sustainability Assessment theory and practice, and considers the pluralistic nature of the tool and the implications for achieving sustainable decision-making. The contributors set out the context for Sustainability Assessment and then outline some contested issues which can affect interpretations of whether the decision tool has been effective. Current practice worldwide is assessed against a consistent framework and then solutions to some of the inherent weaknesses and causes of conflict in relation to the perceived sustainability of outcomes are put forward. The book is unique in setting out state-of-the-art in terms of Sustainability Assessment practice by focusing on those countries with developing experience. It also covers emerging factors influencing effectiveness of decision-making tools and evaluates how they affect the performance of Sustainability Assessment. Written by authors among the leading university academics teaching impact assessment courses in the most acclaimed universities worldwide operating in this field, it is ideally suited for the growing numbers of courses in impact assessment education and training.

*The first practical reference devoted to the emerging field of environmental impact assessment (EIA) follow-up--destined to be the classic text on follow-up * Written and edited by an authoritative team of internationally known experts in EIA * The "must-have" tool for impact assessment professionals, academics, regulators, and proponents working on projects of all scales in all jurisdictionsThis is the first book to present in a coherent manner the theory and practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) follow-up. Without some form of follow-up, the consequences of impact assessments and the environmental outcomes of development projects will remain unknown.Assessing Impact examines both EIA follow-up and the emerging practice of SEA follow-up, and showcases follow-up procedures in various countries in North America, Europe, and Australasia. It offers theoretical and legislative perspectives through detailed case study examples. The authors present a micro-, macro- and meta-scale analysis of EIA practice ranging from individual plan and project level through to the jurisdictional level, as well as an analysis of the concept of EIA. They give full coverage to the roles of proponents, both private and governmental, EIA regulators, and the affected public in designing and executing follow-up programs.The Contributors: Barry Sadler (Canada), Leonard Ortolano (US), Maria Rosario Partidario (Portugal), Thomas Fischer (Germany/UK), Bill Ross (Canada), Elvis Au (Hong Kong/China), Ross Marshall (UK), John Bailey (Australia), Bryan Jenkins (New Zealand), Jill Baker (Canada), Simon Hui (Hong Kong/China), Christine May (US), Johan Meijer (TheNetherlands)

*The first practical reference devoted to the emerging field of environmental impact assessment (EIA) follow-up--destined to be the classic text on follow-up * Written and edited by an authoritative team of internationally known experts in EIA * The "must-have" tool for impact assessment professionals, academics, regulators, and proponents working on projects of all scales in all jurisdictionsThis is the first book to present in a coherent manner the theory and practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) follow-up. Without some form of follow-up, the consequences of impact assessments and the environmental outcomes of development projects will remain unknown.Assessing Impact examines both EIA follow-up and the emerging practice of SEA follow-up, and showcases follow-up procedures in various countries in North America, Europe, and Australasia. It offers theoretical and legislative perspectives through detailed case study examples. The authors present a micro-, macro- and meta-scale analysis of EIA practice ranging from individual plan and project level through to the jurisdictional level, as well as an analysis of the concept of EIA. They give full coverage to the roles of proponents, both private and governmental, EIA regulators, and the affected public in designing and executing follow-up programs.The Contributors: Barry Sadler (Canada), Leonard Ortolano (US), Maria Rosario Partidario (Portugal), Thomas Fischer (Germany/UK), Bill Ross (Canada), Elvis Au (Hong Kong/China), Ross Marshall (UK), John Bailey (Australia), Bryan Jenkins (New Zealand), Jill Baker (Canada), Simon Hui (Hong Kong/China), Christine May (US), Johan Meijer (TheNetherlands)