Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ing the variability (within a predefined range) of quality-of-life indicators
to envisage a formalizing process for relationships and constraints that is
capable of analyzing such indicators to determine their connections.
• Applying the new evaluation and decision support model to both local- and
wide-scale plans
, with the aim of being able to evaluate the development
scenarios contained in the plans, and relate them to the objectives of sus-
tainability that each territorial area plans to reach.
The use of
parameterization systems
suitable for the construction of a
decision support model that uses the indicators selected in an aggregate form
is probably an innovative step with respect to the experiences observed up to
now. In mathematics, a
paramete
r is an arbitrary constant used in systems,
formulae, and equations (called, appropriately, parametric) that can assume
any value for a determined field (set of numbers). The introduction of
para-
meterization
could give the system the flexibility it needs in the specific area
of application. The number of parameters necessary for the description of a
system is directly proportional to the system's complexity [4, 5].
8.1
An Operational Decision Support Tool
To define the model, the “Adriatic city,” stretching from
Veneto
to
Apulia
,
was defined as the study area. It is an area characterized both by settlement
sprawl that moves from the coast toward the inland areas without visible con-
tinuity solutions, and by strongly negative elements: poor air quality, building
and open spaces, the lack of easily usable
green areas
, mobility in a state of
permanent congestion, elevated levels of noise pollution, the lack of adequate
production management, and the lack of waste collection and disposal man-
agement.
The model considers the existing connections and relationships between
the different areas of investigation identified to deal with the problems men-
tioned previously. These are areas that are generally represented by the usual
indicators of environmental sustainability. The objective was to identify their
mutual correlation and adaptability to the context of the Adriatic city (process
of parameterization). From among the various parameters, the model should
identify those that best interpret strategies for decision-making, governance,
and the policies for change indicated as an objective. Once the synthetic meas-
urements through a parameterization model that will regroup and synthesize
the set of preselected indicators are obtained, these indicators become the
basis for the development of a decision support system to be applied in the
course of the policy cycle and throughout its different subsequent phases to
reach a set of predefined objectives: landscape quality, environmental comfort,
and energy efficiency for a better quality of life [6, 7]. With such an aim, we
proceeded through the following steps:
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