Sustainability-Based Assessment Criteria and Associated Frameworks for Evaluations and Decisions: Theory, Practice and Implications for the Mackenzie Gas Project Review

68 Pages Posted: 21 Aug 2010

See all articles by Robert B. Gibson

Robert B. Gibson

University of Waterloo - School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability

Date Written: January 26, 2006

Abstract

To assist the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Gas Project, its staff and the parties to the review in preparing for and carrying out an environmental assessment review that applies a sustainability framework, this report discusses the nature and use of sustainability-based assessment criteria, and related means of applying a sustainability framework in the review of the Mackenzie Gas Project and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The report describes the basic principles of sustainability assessment and the main approaches available for use in cases such as the Mackenzie Gas Project. It discusses how the generic requirements for sustainability can be combined with consideration of the major issues of the Mackenzie Gas Project case (insofar as these are evident from a general understanding of the nature of the proposed project, the history of deliberations on pipeline proposals and implications in the Mackenzie Valley area, and the broader context of hydrocarbon initiatives and northern development) to form a reasonably comprehensive framework for addressing contribution to sustainability in this Panel review. It also considers the major implications for trade-off evaluations and related judgements involved in reaching conclusions and making recommendations in this case.

Keywords: Sustainability Assessment, Sustainability Criteria, Trade-Offs, Mackenzie Gas Project, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

Suggested Citation

Gibson, Robert B., Sustainability-Based Assessment Criteria and Associated Frameworks for Evaluations and Decisions: Theory, Practice and Implications for the Mackenzie Gas Project Review (January 26, 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1663015 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1663015

Robert B. Gibson (Contact Author)

University of Waterloo - School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability ( email )

200 University Ave. W.
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
Canada

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