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Program Brief
Problem solving for sustainable development requires a myriad of environmental and other decision-making tools. This program focuses on the identification, development, integration, and application of environmental decision-making tools. The current focus of the program is on development of a geographical information system (GIS) based environmental management system. The system will serve as a basis for integrating existing Systems Analysis Branch analytical tools for pollution prevention, environmental impact analysis, and environmental management evaluation. Data from public, and private sector facilities are used to develop and test the tools.
Many environmental tools are being developed and demonstrated as part of the Systems Analysis Branch mission. These tools, combined with others, assist users in incorporating environmental considerations and sustainable development concepts into the decision-making process. While each tool is beneficial for its intended purpose, it is important for the user to understand the capabilities and limitations of the tool, which tool is most applicable to the situation at hand, and how and when the tool should be used. Also, various tools should be used in conjunction with others to gain maximum benefit. This research program thus focuses on three areas: (1) Identification; (2) Development and Integration; and (3) Application and Demonstration.
Focus Area I – Identification
Tools within the Branch, Division, Lab, Agency, and others that are publicly available are examined, categorized, and evaluated for their potential use in sustainable development and environmental management.
Focus Area 2 - Development and Integration
Existing tools and techniques often focus on particular areas of concern or meet specific needs; however, many tools are related or even dependent upon other tools. By capitalizing on this synergism, opportunities are identified for interaction between tools and for integration of concepts and methodologies to form tools for broader application. Where gaps exist, new tools are developed whenever possible. Examples of new tools to be developed include a GIS-based tool for total environmental management.
Focus Area 3 - Application and Demonstration
During and after development, tools must be tested to assure they meet the objective of enhancing sustainability. Therefore, public and private sector facilities are sought to demonstrate and validate tools developed. Working with these facilities as "test beds" encourages P2 and sustainable development while providing an opportunity for decision makers to become partners in the development of new and existing environmental tools and methods. Public and private sector sites are used as test beds to test, apply, and demonstrate environmental tools.