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EnTA: a definition

Berloznik (1997) describes the evolution from Technology Assessment (TA) to EnTA as an attempt in the mid-1970's to "provide neutral, factual input to decision making." TA progressed in the late 1980s as "a process of analysis of technological developments and their consequences and the discussions related to these analyses."

In the 1990's the focus of TA and EnTA developed to the "delivery of information that helps those involved with technological developments to determine their strategic policy" (Berloznik, 1997). Technology assessment therefore evolved from an objective and value-free assessment of technology adoption to a strategic level of decision making. The output is not a decision regarding a preferred tech-nology, but rather well informed policy choices which direct and guide selection, adoption, implementation and use of technologies. EnTA is therefore an appropriate philosophy that directs integrated and holistic policy-making.

Comparison of EnTA and EIA

A comparison between EnTA and EIA explores both differences (Table 1) and similarities (Table 2) between the two tools.

Potential users and scope of EnTA

The informal, voluntary nature of EnTA is most appropriate at the politico-strategic decision-making levels within the urban management context. EnTA, as a strategic decision-making philosophy that enhances sustainability, rather than a prescribed process, is aimed at both politicians and administrators, that are providing strategic or policy level guidance.

ENTA MILESTONES

The EnTA philosophy is based on a number of identifiable stages. See Figure 2.

It is important to remember that Figure 2 serves as an Aide-Memoire, rather than a defined process where the numbered boxes follow each other numerically.

Figure 2
How to do an Environmental Technology Assessment

Box 1: Examine the reason(s) for the proposed or related technologies

An understanding of the need for any technology forms the basis of any technology assessment exercise and enhances the investigation and understanding of potential alternatives, potential benefits and disadvantages associated with the adoption, implementation and use of technologies. The output of this exercise is a clear understanding of the need for technologies, including identification of the outcomes expected from the technology to be selected.

Box 2: Identification of guiding policies and other standards

All existing policies, legal and other standards that may influence or direct the successful decision, adoption, implementation and use of a technology need to be identified. The outcome of this exercise should be a list of strategic requirements that may influence or direct the technology adoption process, including a list of all authorizations that may be required.

Box 3: Analysis and description of technology options or alternatives

Technology options or alternatives are identified and explored. It is important to identify as many alternatives as possible, as rational decision making theory argues that there is a positive relationship between the extent of investigations into and consideration of alternatives and the soundness of decision outcomes.

An investigation of technology options or alternatives may be undertaken at micro or macro-levels. Micro-level alternatives refer to minor modifications that may be required to improve sustainability. Macro-level alternatives refer to alternative technologies or competing technologies. An investigation of new technologies or developments should also be undertaken to assess developments in new, related or competing technologies.

An analysis of technologies should also include issues such as:

• The scale of operations;
• Logistical needs such as transport, storage, energy supplies, waste disposal;
• Reliability potential of the technologies under review;
• Future performance potential of the technologies under review as far as the following parameters are concerned:

- Future commercialization rates;
- Improvement potential; and
- Need for supporting technologies such as back-up support, access to and cost of spares and maintenance requirements.

The output of this exercise is a clear understanding of alternative technologies that are on the market.

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