Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Major planning tasks are associated with the tremendous uncertainties such long-
term considerations are confronted with. Correspondingly, the methods are com-
plex while the results are insecure. The results deliver helpful knowledge for
strategic planning, which may be taken into consideration for operational planning
as well. On the operational planning level, life cycle considerations are rarely used,
as technical, functional and hydraulic aspects are focused on. Therefore, the LCC
approach is applied during the design phase of water systems, while it plays a minor
role in the implementation of the systems.
Further dif
culties can be seen in uncertainties concerning the projection of
external frame conditions such as the development of prices or of future demand.
The latter is becoming a real and ever-increasing problem in the face of the heter-
ogeneous demographic dynamics in Europe. In order to overcome such uncertainties
the investment decision process is usually accompanied by sensitivity analyses.
4.5.1 Demography and Infrastructure
New requirements for water and wastewater systems (e.g. increasing energy prices,
demographic change), as well as new technological solutions (e.g. higher cleaning
performance of small-scale sewage plants) increase the diversity of technically and
qualitatively appropriate alternative solutions. Against this background, life cycle
considerations are of increasing interest for decision makers, and come to the fore.
With raising degrees of freedom in planning, the meaning of life cycle consider-
ations is increasing.
The discussion concerning
has been also
leading to a consolidated application of the LCA in settlement planning rather than
infrastructure planning. However, the opportunities to influence the costs of
infrastructure through settlement planning are limited and the bene
“
cost of sprawl
”
or
“
cost of shrinkage
”
ts occur only
with enormous delays.
Though there are numerous good examples for application of the LCA in main-
tenance, as well as new developments, it must be stated that it is by no means
common practice. The personal attitude of the decision maker plays a signi
cant role.
Moreover, the age of the decision maker is relevant in this context. Many of them are
nearing retirement and may therefore only make decisions with positive effects
during the time remaining in their respective positions. Experts with vast experience
point out that there are differences in Europe, which can be explained through dif-
ferent planning cultures. Forerunners in the application of life cycle considerations in
water and wastewater management are countries in Scandinavia and central Europe
while the approach is less widespread in southern and eastern Europe.
4.5.2 LCA Versus LCC
Consideration of the LCA in the practice of water and wastewater management in
Europe and Germany predominantly relates to LCC. The more holistic perspective
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