Stakeholder involvement in australian paper and packaging waste management LCA study

Abstract

Intention, Goal, Scope, Background

To discuss the process of stakeholder involvement as undertaken in a post-consumer paper and packaging waste management LCA study conducted during 1997-2001 for the Melbourne Metropolitan Area, Victoria, Australia. Secondly, to present the findings from a survey conducted with the stakeholder groups regarding their perception of involvement in the project.

Objectives

To investigate the stakeholder’s perception; and value of being involved in the LCA study intended to generate quantitative environmental information to support debate, development and implementation of waste management practices.

Methods

Stakeholders that were involved in the study, both actively and passively, were surveyed by questionnaire Survey findings were analysed in conjunction with stakeholder interaction experiences obtained in the course of the study. as]Results and Discussion

Respondents to the survey believed there was a sufficient level of interaction between stakeholders and researchers during the course of the project. The advisory committee approach helped to timely recognize issues and deal with them appropriately. It furdier assisted in the collection of life cycle inventory data and in obtaining ownership of outcomes by the research ream appropriately responding to the needs and issues raised by stakeholders.

Recommendations and Outlook

General recommendations for the inclusion of stakeholders in future studies are to use stakeholder interactions, wherever it is possible and practical, which in turn play an educational role, engage stakeholders from the start of the process and allow additional time in the project plan for review stages, as well as ensuring that all relevant groups are represented — industry, industry associations, government and non-governmental organizations, and also provide sufficient material and progress for discussion at meetings.