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Program efficiency analysis within the environmental landscape

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of accounting for environmental impacts in project feasibility. Cost–benefit analysis, a germane tool for measuring a project’s feasibility, can be utilized for projects with environmental consequences. This paper first provides a background on cost–benefit analysis as well as a background on environmental cost–benefit analysis. It then provides the steps taken in order to perform this type of analysis. With this cost–benefit analysis and environmental cost–benefit analysis framework in mind, six international case studies are reviewed to demonstrate how cost–benefit analysis is applied to various environmental projects around the world using different methods and from both a public and private sector viewpoint. Recommendations are then put forward to address the need for continued consideration and implementation of environmental impacts on cost–benefit analyses.

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Correspondence to Erin A. Hopkins.

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Hopkins, E.A. Program efficiency analysis within the environmental landscape. Environ Syst Decis 36, 209–216 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-016-9594-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-016-9594-5

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