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1. Introduction Development is often described in terms of the successive advances in technology. For example, the steam age, the industrial age, and the information technology age all refer to different historical periods. We now live in a world that is highly reliant upon technology for food, employment and economic prosperity. Although technological advancements have improved the quality of life of many people, they have also been a source of significant social and environmental disruption. Some dramatic examples of failed technological initiatives include:
These problems resulted from the implementation of industrial processes where
the possible effects upon the environment, and human health, safety and welfare,
were not fully anticipated or appreciated. Technology develops as a response to a perceived problem, need, or desire. Very often several solutions are available to address a given situation. Being able to select the most appropriate technology initially can reduce the potentially disastrous social, economic and environmental impacts that an inappropriate choice may have in the longer term. In many instances failure of a technology occurs as a consequence of events that have not been identified and planned for in advance. All too often, such adverse effects are unnecessary and avoidable. If the potential problems and risks are highlighted at the start of the development process they can often be avoided, or reduced to an acceptable level. This Manual has been developed by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in order to give planners, decision makers and other stakeholders a practical tool that will help them identify the potential impacts of different technological choices, before any environmental problems occur. Called Environmental Technology Assessment (EnTA), this tool aims to assist stakeholders, at the scoping stage, to make informed choices about technologies that are compatible with sustainable development goals. In its simplest form, EnTA is about helping people make good choices - for the environment, as well as for themselves at the earliest appropriate stage in planning an investment project. Additional background information on EnTA may be obtained by consulting the resources listed in Annex 1. The Manual presents relevant background material, a Workbook containing a
more detailed and comprehensive description of the steps of an EnTA, worksheets
on which the Workbook is based, and a case study that provides an example of an
EnTA (see Annex 2), based on the Workbook and worksheets. 1. 1 Goals of the EnTA Manual The goal of this Manual is to provide technology users, decision-makers, and other stakeholders with a structured approach to analysing the consequences of, and the alternatives to, a given technology. However, obtaining detailed information regarding the technical aspects and implications of a new or emerging technology is often a major constraint. The approach taken here is therefore qualitative and exploratory. Although the assessment procedures described here will not be able to address all issues associated with a technology, they should lead to recognition of the major concerns and indicate whether and where a more in-depth analysis would be appropriate. This Manual gives practical suggestions for the use of EnTA to help facilitate a dialogue between multiple stakeholders, ultimately leading to a more informed choice between selected technological alternatives in the early stages of a technology investment project. The Manual is intended to provide multiple stakeholders with a relatively rapid and straightforward approach to assessing the environmental implications of small, medium and large scale technological developments. It will also pinpoint any need for more in-depth information gathering and analysis. The procedures described in this Manual are not intended to discourage technological development or restrict technological choices. Rather, they are aimed at improving the environmental outcomes associated with the decisions made by planners and others making choices related to technologies. The Manual, including the workbook, should be seen as
outlining the major, critical steps in the technology assessment process. It
cannot identify and evaluate the full range of environmental implications of a
technology. However, the issues raised while following the steps described in
the workbook, and completing the worksheets, will allow a technology stakeholder
to better direct their efforts, and available resources, in any later work that
might be required. 1.2 Who should use this Manual? As EnTA is a descriptive assessment of a technology, different stakeholders can use it in a variety of ways. In general this Manual is designed to help anyone who uses, or will be effected by, a technology-related decision. Potential users include:
The Manual has been designed to enable people with different
skills and experience to apply the principles and procedures of EnTA to their
specific needs. The workbook has been structured to facilitate the application
of the EnTA process to most technological interventions, regardless of size,
type or level of development of the country involved. 1.3 How to use this Manual This Manual, including the workbook and worksheets, has been structured to answer four fundamental questions:
It is recommended that a user first reads through the entire Manual, including reviewing the case study in Annex 2, before embarking on any practical application of EnTA. This will lead to an early understanding as to how the key elements of an EnTA fit together and will provide guidance on conducting a specific EnTA. The EnTA case study for lead-acid battery recycling, included in Annex 2 of this Manual, is intended to provide useful guidance on best practices to be adopted in conducting an assessment. If a potential user of the EnTA procedures is well informed on
matters such as environmental, economic and social impact assessments they may
choose to proceed directly to the reading of the workbook and use of the
worksheets.
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