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.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alberini A Cost–benefit analysis (CBA). http://www.ivm.vu.nl/en/Images/CBA1_tcm53-161537.pdf
Atkinson G, Mourato S (2008) Environmental cost–benefit analysis. Annu Rev Environ Resour 33:317–344
Bianchini F, Hewage K (2012) Probabilistic social cost–benefit analysis for green roofs: a lifecycle approach. Build Environ 58:152–162
Chen WY, Jim C (2008) Cost–benefit analysis of the leisure value of urban greening in the new Chinese city of Zhuhai. Cities 25(5):298–309
Claus K, Rousseau S (2012) Public versus private incentives to invest in green roofs: a cost benefit analysis for Flanders. Urban For Urban Green 11(4):417–425
Hanley N, Spash CL (1993) Cost–benefit analysis and the environment (No. P01 176). Edward Elgar, Aldershot
Kula E, Evans D (2011) Dual discounting in cost–benefit analysis for environmental impacts. Environ Impact Assess Rev 31(3):180–186
Mihic MM, Petrovic DC, Vuckovic AM, Obradovic VL, Đurovic DM (2012) Application and importance of cost–benefit analysis in energy efficiency projects implemented in public buildings: the case of Serbia. Therm Sci 16(3):915–929
Nyborg K (2012) The ethics and politics of environmental cost–benefit analysis. Routledge, London
Nyborg K (2014) Project evaluation with democratic decision-making: what does cost–benefit analysis really measure? Ecol Econ 106:124–131
Rossi PH, Lipsey MW, Freeman HE (2004) Evaluation, a systematic approach, 7th edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks
Thoft-Christensen P (2009) Life-cycle cost–benefit (LCCB) analysis of bridges from a user and social point of view. Struct Infrastruct Eng 5(1):49–57
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (1998) Benefit–cost analysis guide. http://classwebs.spea.indiana.edu/krutilla/v541/Benfit-Cost%20Guide.pdf
United Nations ESCAP (2003) Determining the efficiency of policy measures (cost–benefit analysis). http://www.unescap.org/drpad/vc/orientation/M5_lnk_7.htm
Willis K (2010) Is all sustainable development sustainable? A cost–benefit analysis of some procurement projects. J Environ Assessment Policy Manag 12(03):311–331
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
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
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-016-9594-5