title: Integrated modelling for Sustainability Appraisal of urban river corridors: going beyond compartmentalised thinking.
abstract: Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a complex task that involves integration of social, environmental and economic considerations and often requires trade-offs between multiple stakeholders that may not easily be brought to consensus. Classical SA, often compartmentalised in the rigid boundary of disciplines, can facilitate discussion, but can only partially inform decision makers as many important aspects of sustainability remain abstract and not interlinked. A fully integrated model can overcome compartmentality in the assessment process and provides opportunity for a better integrative exploratory planning process. The objective of this paper is to explore the benefit of an integrated modelling approach to SA and how a structured integrated model can be used to provide a coherent, consistent and deliberative platform to assess policy or planning proposals. The paper discusses a participative and integrative modelling approach to urban river corridor development, incorporating the principal of sustainability. The paper uses a case study site in Sheffield, UK, with three alternative development scenarios, incorporating a number of possible riverside design features. An integrated SA model is used to develop better design by optimising different design elements and delivering a more sustainable (re)-development plan. We conclude that participatory integrated modelling has strong potential for supporting the SA processes. A high degree of integration provides the opportunity for more inclusive and informed decision-making regarding issues of urban development. It also provides the opportunity to reflect on their long-term dynamics, and to gain insights on the interrelationships underlying persistent sustainability problems. Thus the ability to address economic, social and environmental interdependencies within policies, plans, and legislations is enhanced.
authors.affiliation: Catchment Science Centre, Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, North Campus, Broad Lane, S3 7HQ Sheffield, UK; Environmental Analysis and Management Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. Electronic address: vikas.kumar@urv.cat.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rouquette
authors.forename: David N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Lerner
mesh_terms: D002958:City Planning; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D045483:Rivers; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014506:Urban Renewal
keywords: Bayesian Network; Integrated modelling; Sustainability Appraisal; Urban river corridor