Dynamics in the governance of electricity regimes - Using the example of regional electricity supply in Austria
Stefan Thomas Wagner, 2013
The recent discussion of the transition of energy regimes and new dynamics of energy governance is a highly sensitive issue throughout science and politics. The main issue of this work is to identify to what extent and how the governance structure of especially electricity utilities changed due to the European liberalization process of the electricity market. Using a multi-level approach, this research draws important lessons from an analysis of the Austrian electricity system. The large interdependencies in the recent European electricity sector require an integrated treatment of supranational, national and regional levels. Better understanding of governance models dealing with the innovation processes of the European electricity sector is an expected outcome of this thesis. At its core this research aims to identify the main actors and interactions of the electricity regime playing an important role in this process of transition. The assumed transitions from a national, government-centered hierarchical structure of the electricity sector towards the dawn of the single European electricity market with its market-based implications and accompanying regulatory mechanisms will display the temporal horizon of the research.
The use of triangulation has enabled a combination of qualitative analysis, expert interviews and statistical data analysis to produce a more comprehensive knowledge of the modes of energy governance. The application of governance, sustainable development and policy analysis allow us to further reflect upon possible future developments in the field of electricity governance.
Stefan Thomas Wagner, 2013
The recent discussion of the transition of energy regimes and new dynamics of energy governance is a highly sensitive issue throughout science and politics. The main issue of this work is to identify to what extent and how the governance structure of especially electricity utilities changed due to the European liberalization process of the electricity market. Using a multi-level approach, this research draws important lessons from an analysis of the Austrian electricity system. The large interdependencies in the recent European electricity sector require an integrated treatment of supranational, national and regional levels. Better understanding of governance models dealing with the innovation processes of the European electricity sector is an expected outcome of this thesis. At its core this research aims to identify the main actors and interactions of the electricity regime playing an important role in this process of transition. The assumed transitions from a national, government-centered hierarchical structure of the electricity sector towards the dawn of the single European electricity market with its market-based implications and accompanying regulatory mechanisms will display the temporal horizon of the research.
The use of triangulation has enabled a combination of qualitative analysis, expert interviews and statistical data analysis to produce a more comprehensive knowledge of the modes of energy governance. The application of governance, sustainable development and policy analysis allow us to further reflect upon possible future developments in the field of electricity governance.
Integrative processes as a solution for sustainable development - a case study on agriculture in Sierra Leone
Charlotte Flaujac, 2013
Food security and poverty alleviation receive the attention of most development agencies. These actors attempt to help developing countries often anchored in subsistence agriculture to move towards commercialized agriculture to reach sustainable human and economic development. In order to succeed, agriculture policies have to consider the needs of the population engaged in agriculture activities in order to offer adapted development strategies. This paper tries to capture the reality of farmers? livelihoods and assesses the impact of agricultural policies and projects, through the example of Sierra Leone. Inspired by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach and the Capability Approach, questionnaires were conducted with small scale farmers to understand the role of agriculture on their livelihoods and to assess its attractiveness in terms of assets and capabilities. Building up on the learnings of these two approaches and implementing the Graz Model for Integrative Processes, the transformative capacity of agriculture processes, which corresponds to the ideal scenario, was determined based on two case studies: The Sierra Leone´s national agricultural policy and the grass root project Safer Future Youth Development Programme. The analysis of the agricultural sector revealed that it suffers from a lack of attractiveness that could compromise the efforts of policy makers to make it one major instrument of change and poverty reduction. The practice of agriculture is linked with little assets, high vulnerability, and little room is available for central capabilities. Political measures alone are not sufficient to reach farmers? sustainable development. The action of local NGOs could be identified as a crucial factor to help reach this goal. Still, transformative agricultural processes require a strong shared vision, implemented by co-creative and committed stakeholders, without exception.
Charlotte Flaujac, 2013
Food security and poverty alleviation receive the attention of most development agencies. These actors attempt to help developing countries often anchored in subsistence agriculture to move towards commercialized agriculture to reach sustainable human and economic development. In order to succeed, agriculture policies have to consider the needs of the population engaged in agriculture activities in order to offer adapted development strategies. This paper tries to capture the reality of farmers? livelihoods and assesses the impact of agricultural policies and projects, through the example of Sierra Leone. Inspired by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach and the Capability Approach, questionnaires were conducted with small scale farmers to understand the role of agriculture on their livelihoods and to assess its attractiveness in terms of assets and capabilities. Building up on the learnings of these two approaches and implementing the Graz Model for Integrative Processes, the transformative capacity of agriculture processes, which corresponds to the ideal scenario, was determined based on two case studies: The Sierra Leone´s national agricultural policy and the grass root project Safer Future Youth Development Programme. The analysis of the agricultural sector revealed that it suffers from a lack of attractiveness that could compromise the efforts of policy makers to make it one major instrument of change and poverty reduction. The practice of agriculture is linked with little assets, high vulnerability, and little room is available for central capabilities. Political measures alone are not sufficient to reach farmers? sustainable development. The action of local NGOs could be identified as a crucial factor to help reach this goal. Still, transformative agricultural processes require a strong shared vision, implemented by co-creative and committed stakeholders, without exception.
Ecotourism as community development tool: Development of an evaluation framework
Thomas Winkler, 2012
Award: 4th TUI Sustainability Award
This thesis reflects on the question under which conditions ecotourism can result in successful community development. This main research question results in the working hypothesis that, community empowerment emerges through properly conducted ecotourism and contributes to community development and subsequently, regional development and welfare. The master thesis outlines the positive effects ecotourism can have on a community in a third-world country and also on the individual tourist. System theory was used in order to create a research framework including all actors of an ecotourism project. As a major part of this model deals with community empowerment connected to ecotourism, an evaluation framework for community empowerment was created which enables the researcher to compare different ecotourism projects with each other. A set of indicators - economic, social, political, psychological, ecological and tourism related - was developed and can be used for different kinds of ecotourism projects. According to this set of indicators two ecotourism project in Nepal were evaluated. Questionnaires for community members, project workers and tourists were created and handed to people in the villages of the case-study area.The main goals of this thesis consists in showing that community empowerment, if emerging through ecotourism, has a positive effect on community development and, in creating an evaluation framework for ecotourism projects which can be applied in different countries all over the world. This evaluation framework can be applied both, for the comparison of ecotourism projects in various countries as well as for the analysis of strengths and weaknesses within a single project. Additionally, the results of the evaluation should help the visited projects in Nepal to improve their performance and to find potential weaknesses in their development plans.
Thomas Winkler, 2012
Award: 4th TUI Sustainability Award
This thesis reflects on the question under which conditions ecotourism can result in successful community development. This main research question results in the working hypothesis that, community empowerment emerges through properly conducted ecotourism and contributes to community development and subsequently, regional development and welfare. The master thesis outlines the positive effects ecotourism can have on a community in a third-world country and also on the individual tourist. System theory was used in order to create a research framework including all actors of an ecotourism project. As a major part of this model deals with community empowerment connected to ecotourism, an evaluation framework for community empowerment was created which enables the researcher to compare different ecotourism projects with each other. A set of indicators - economic, social, political, psychological, ecological and tourism related - was developed and can be used for different kinds of ecotourism projects. According to this set of indicators two ecotourism project in Nepal were evaluated. Questionnaires for community members, project workers and tourists were created and handed to people in the villages of the case-study area.The main goals of this thesis consists in showing that community empowerment, if emerging through ecotourism, has a positive effect on community development and, in creating an evaluation framework for ecotourism projects which can be applied in different countries all over the world. This evaluation framework can be applied both, for the comparison of ecotourism projects in various countries as well as for the analysis of strengths and weaknesses within a single project. Additionally, the results of the evaluation should help the visited projects in Nepal to improve their performance and to find potential weaknesses in their development plans.
Analysing the transition of a regional energy system using energy flow analysis - the case of the Austrian "ökoEnergieland"
Roya Akhavan, 2012
Energy-self-sufficient regions seem to be a problem-solving approach to overcome socio-economic challenges faced by rural areas dependent on fossil fuel imports. The integration of renewable energies in regional energy systems has provoked a transition providing a region with a sustainable added value and mitigating negative effects of fossil energy sources.
In this context transition theory provides a conceptual framework to assess innovative long-term developments in energy systems. To analyse structural key processes and the regional transition the method energy flow analysis (EFA) was used to quantify energy flows in a best-practice region. The energetic quantification was conducted for the reference years 1990, 2000 and 2010 in the Austrian energy-region “ökoEnergieland“.
The results of the analysis revealed that the regional transition is accelerating as in 2010 the level of regional self-supply achieved 50.6 %, which is almost 20 % more than in 2000. The regional full exploitation of the key resource forestry for energy purposes seems on long-term not guaranteed and causes dependency on wood material imports whereas solar radiation remains underutilized.
However, as an energy transition depends on the interaction and co-evolution of several institutional, technological and socio-economic driving forces the method of quantifying energy flows is limited.
Roya Akhavan, 2012
Energy-self-sufficient regions seem to be a problem-solving approach to overcome socio-economic challenges faced by rural areas dependent on fossil fuel imports. The integration of renewable energies in regional energy systems has provoked a transition providing a region with a sustainable added value and mitigating negative effects of fossil energy sources.
In this context transition theory provides a conceptual framework to assess innovative long-term developments in energy systems. To analyse structural key processes and the regional transition the method energy flow analysis (EFA) was used to quantify energy flows in a best-practice region. The energetic quantification was conducted for the reference years 1990, 2000 and 2010 in the Austrian energy-region “ökoEnergieland“.
The results of the analysis revealed that the regional transition is accelerating as in 2010 the level of regional self-supply achieved 50.6 %, which is almost 20 % more than in 2000. The regional full exploitation of the key resource forestry for energy purposes seems on long-term not guaranteed and causes dependency on wood material imports whereas solar radiation remains underutilized.
However, as an energy transition depends on the interaction and co-evolution of several institutional, technological and socio-economic driving forces the method of quantifying energy flows is limited.
The possible inclusion of the Austrian waste management in the EU Emissions Trading System : an empirical analysis on opportunities and limitations
Magdalena Pierer, 2012
Award: Environmental System Sciences Master Theses Award
Assuming an inclusion of Austrian waste management (WM) into the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the thesis gives an overview on chances and limitations coupled with that. A literature review with related hypotheses and assumptions, as well as the analysis of 19 qualitative, guideline-based expert interviews reveal prevailing uncertainties and lacking information regarding the manifold facets of this issue. (These include among others the specific structure and characteristics of WM; its climate relevance; problems in quantifying emissions and emission reduction potentials; framework conditions that might apply; issues of costs, cost passthrough and competitiveness; innovation and incentives; and experts’ personal opinions.) Whereas some hypotheses and assumptions are confirmed by the experts, in general, there are not even unequivocal opinions regarding essential basics. As a result, no uniform and clear results of the interviews can be presented. However, providing a fundamental structure for the unclear, complex and diverse field regarding the connection of WM and EU ETS, the thesis prepares the ground and identifies main aspects for further research.
Magdalena Pierer, 2012
Award: Environmental System Sciences Master Theses Award
Assuming an inclusion of Austrian waste management (WM) into the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the thesis gives an overview on chances and limitations coupled with that. A literature review with related hypotheses and assumptions, as well as the analysis of 19 qualitative, guideline-based expert interviews reveal prevailing uncertainties and lacking information regarding the manifold facets of this issue. (These include among others the specific structure and characteristics of WM; its climate relevance; problems in quantifying emissions and emission reduction potentials; framework conditions that might apply; issues of costs, cost passthrough and competitiveness; innovation and incentives; and experts’ personal opinions.) Whereas some hypotheses and assumptions are confirmed by the experts, in general, there are not even unequivocal opinions regarding essential basics. As a result, no uniform and clear results of the interviews can be presented. However, providing a fundamental structure for the unclear, complex and diverse field regarding the connection of WM and EU ETS, the thesis prepares the ground and identifies main aspects for further research.
A checklist for sustainable product development : the example of innovative lightweight technologies in automotive engineering
Josef Schöggl, 2012
Award: Saubermacher Umweltpreis
Early phases of product development are of great importance not only for the reduction of costs but also for the improvement of a products? sustainability performance. This particularly holds true for innovative lightweight concepts, since they require the application of new materials and the development of new practices and process, on which there is only insufficient data and experience concerning their sustainability aspects available. This lack of information and the high rate of uncertainty hinder the application of traditional sustainability assessment tools, such as Life Cycle Assessment, which moreover only focuses on environmental aspects and leaves out economic and social aspects. Since it was the aim of thesis to fully integrate a sustainability perspective into the product development process by facilitating Life Cycle Thinking and sustainability awareness among designers and engineers, also other Eco-Design and Design for Sustainability tools were considered only partially applicable for this purpose, why a new tool, the Checklist for Sustainable Product Development was developed. It is based on the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development methodology, and particularly focuses on early phases of automotive development.
Josef Schöggl, 2012
Award: Saubermacher Umweltpreis
Early phases of product development are of great importance not only for the reduction of costs but also for the improvement of a products? sustainability performance. This particularly holds true for innovative lightweight concepts, since they require the application of new materials and the development of new practices and process, on which there is only insufficient data and experience concerning their sustainability aspects available. This lack of information and the high rate of uncertainty hinder the application of traditional sustainability assessment tools, such as Life Cycle Assessment, which moreover only focuses on environmental aspects and leaves out economic and social aspects. Since it was the aim of thesis to fully integrate a sustainability perspective into the product development process by facilitating Life Cycle Thinking and sustainability awareness among designers and engineers, also other Eco-Design and Design for Sustainability tools were considered only partially applicable for this purpose, why a new tool, the Checklist for Sustainable Product Development was developed. It is based on the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development methodology, and particularly focuses on early phases of automotive development.
The link of nature conservation and regional development - an analysis of the European Green Belt Initiative in Greece
Julia Günzel, 2011
This study deals with the link between nature conservation and regional development on the example of the implementation of the large-scale project named the European Green Belt Initiative. Both sectors represent challenges: The negative impact of human activity on the environment is strong and regional disparities in terms of economic and social aspects are increasing. With the growing awareness of sustainability the connection of both sectors is often stressed as an essential factor for achieving sustainable development.The European Green Belt Initiative aims at conserving biodiversity along the former borderline of the Soviet Union under consideration of regional development. The prefecture Pella in Greece is one of the border areas subject to the initiative: Bordering the non-EU country Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) the region possesses a high biodiversity and a dominantly rural character. At the same time the area shows major lacks in the implementation of nature conservation and suffers economically and socially from the border area status.To find out about the potential benefit of the initiative for the prefecture Pella, surveys were conducted with local stakeholders, experts and decision makers as well as with tourists. This way information about the protected areas? role for the regions? development, current problems and needs for change was collected. The results showed that nature conservation is indeed integrated in regional development approaches. In practice, however, the protected areas play a rather passive role: Illegal activities like logging and hunting by the inhabitants obstruct the achievement of the conservation goals and alternative tourism potential as additional income is not fully used. Furthermore the cooperation with FYROM is inefficient if not lacking.
Julia Günzel, 2011
This study deals with the link between nature conservation and regional development on the example of the implementation of the large-scale project named the European Green Belt Initiative. Both sectors represent challenges: The negative impact of human activity on the environment is strong and regional disparities in terms of economic and social aspects are increasing. With the growing awareness of sustainability the connection of both sectors is often stressed as an essential factor for achieving sustainable development.The European Green Belt Initiative aims at conserving biodiversity along the former borderline of the Soviet Union under consideration of regional development. The prefecture Pella in Greece is one of the border areas subject to the initiative: Bordering the non-EU country Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) the region possesses a high biodiversity and a dominantly rural character. At the same time the area shows major lacks in the implementation of nature conservation and suffers economically and socially from the border area status.To find out about the potential benefit of the initiative for the prefecture Pella, surveys were conducted with local stakeholders, experts and decision makers as well as with tourists. This way information about the protected areas? role for the regions? development, current problems and needs for change was collected. The results showed that nature conservation is indeed integrated in regional development approaches. In practice, however, the protected areas play a rather passive role: Illegal activities like logging and hunting by the inhabitants obstruct the achievement of the conservation goals and alternative tourism potential as additional income is not fully used. Furthermore the cooperation with FYROM is inefficient if not lacking.
Analysis of building integrated Photovoltaic in Austria : a qualitative investigation from the viewpoint of the module producer with special consideration of the new EU building directive
Johann Koinegg, 2011
Award: Herbert Broschek Preis
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is one sub-category of the photovoltaic (PV) industry and is till now a niche market with few installations in Austria and also international. The main goal within this thesis is to identify hindrances for an increased use of BIPV systems and how experts and practitioners estimate the future developments in this field. Further issues within the context of PV and BIPV are the European building directive as well as the situation regarding building simulation tools. A literature study is the basis for answering the research questions and also the basis for the qualitative research which serves as the main method of the thesis. It is shown that PV and BIPV are seen as to be technologies with huge implication for the energy supply of the future. It became clear from available literature as well as from the qualitative analysis, that the higher cost for BIPV is not the only reason for the few BIPV projects. BIPV lies between the PV and the building industry and as these two industries till now had almost no connection, the understanding of the matters of each other has not evolved. BIPV would require a new trade within the process of the construction of a building which is somehow still missing. Cooperation amongst players from the building industry and players from the PV industry has to be strengthened in order to overcome existing barriers. Within this thesis recommendations for action for the module producer as well as for official institutions and lobbying groups are given. Moreover information regarding PV and BIPV is compiled and the future development assessed. BIPV is for Austria a great opportunity to serve as one means to be again at the forefront of green development. Further it is a niche in which Austrian industry could position itself as innovation and industry leader.
Johann Koinegg, 2011
Award: Herbert Broschek Preis
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is one sub-category of the photovoltaic (PV) industry and is till now a niche market with few installations in Austria and also international. The main goal within this thesis is to identify hindrances for an increased use of BIPV systems and how experts and practitioners estimate the future developments in this field. Further issues within the context of PV and BIPV are the European building directive as well as the situation regarding building simulation tools. A literature study is the basis for answering the research questions and also the basis for the qualitative research which serves as the main method of the thesis. It is shown that PV and BIPV are seen as to be technologies with huge implication for the energy supply of the future. It became clear from available literature as well as from the qualitative analysis, that the higher cost for BIPV is not the only reason for the few BIPV projects. BIPV lies between the PV and the building industry and as these two industries till now had almost no connection, the understanding of the matters of each other has not evolved. BIPV would require a new trade within the process of the construction of a building which is somehow still missing. Cooperation amongst players from the building industry and players from the PV industry has to be strengthened in order to overcome existing barriers. Within this thesis recommendations for action for the module producer as well as for official institutions and lobbying groups are given. Moreover information regarding PV and BIPV is compiled and the future development assessed. BIPV is for Austria a great opportunity to serve as one means to be again at the forefront of green development. Further it is a niche in which Austrian industry could position itself as innovation and industry leader.
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