Research Amalie Bjornavold

Abstract

EnvEcon studies the interaction between economy, technology and the environment. The researchers of EnvEcon are part of the department of Engineering Management (Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp). EnvEcon performs excellent solution-oriented research to address sustainability challenges and problems in their economic context. EnvEcon has four research lines: i) the Economics of Climate Change and Adaptation, ii) the Circular and Biobased Economy, iii) Sustainable Development of Socio-Ecological Systems, iv) Energy Transition and Green Chemistry. A broad range of expertise is developed: conceptual and methodological aspects of assessing sustainability, techno-economic assessment, valuation of environmental impacts and the economic impact of climate change. This project proposal will focus on our research line of the economics of climate change and adaptation. The ambition is to strengthen the position of EnvEcon of being a leading European group with the following focus: 1) Develop and submit European project (Horizon Europe) proposals on climate change adaptation; 2) Participate in European and African networks to develop research tracks and new collaborations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Passel Steven
• Co-promoter: Bjornavold Amalie
• Co-promoter: Van Schoubroeck Sophie

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

BLUE4ALL will align top-down regulatory demands about European (networks of) MPAs with bottom-up societal expectations as a guarantee for achieving effective, efficient and resilient MPAs and networks of MPAs which meet EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 objectives. By mobilizing stakeholders from BLUE4ALL's 25 information sites and Living Labs, i.e. locations across the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea and the North-East Atlantic regions where (networks of) MPAs have been established and from which lessons learned can be drawn about success and failure relative to how challenges were tackled, we will co-create robust and replicable social, governance, ecological and environmental tools to meet conservation and/or restoration objectives in socially sustainable and acceptable ways. These science-based tools will be tested in Living Labs, i.e. locations where (networks of) MPAs are in the process of establishment and where these tools can be fed into the ongoing MPA process. The operationalized and tested frameworks will ultimately be generalized into a Blueprint Platform for the co-creation of effective, efficient and resilient (networks of) MPAs. This scheme will separate generically encountered challenges and applied solutions from MPA (network)-specific challenges and solutions and develop guidance in a user friendly manner to end-users (i.e. MPA (network) managers and authorities). This guidance will take the shape of an interactive web based Blueprint Platform directing the end-users to those challenges and solutions most applicable to their site(s). User-friendliness and applicability will be maximized by cross-checking the Blueprint Platform development with the actors and stakeholders of the Living Labs throughout the whole process of its development. Knowledge transfer and interaction with stakeholders and society-at-large at local to regional scales will lead to the development of a platform for MPA networking to interact with communities of practice boosting the BLUE4ALL legacy to its ultimate goal to restore our oceans and waters

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Bjornavold Amalie
• Co-promoter: Van Passel Steven
• Co-promoter: Van Schoubroeck Sophie

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

BEvitalise aims to promote circular and climate-conscious consumption patterns through a better understanding of the way in which Belgian consumers make purchasing decisions. Belgium's continued transition to a circular economy has the potential to deliver important benefits – from reduced pressure on the environment, supply security, and increased competitiveness, innovation, and growth. To deliver these benefits, consumers have a vital role to play in this transition. Understanding the preferences underlying Belgian consumers' decision-processes is therefore key to transform the traditional economic model based on the 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern. The way the market is currently structured means that information on the product is often lacking, inaccurate or misleading. While Belgium's three regions have used an effective mix of policy instruments to achieve prominent levels of recovery and recycling of municipal waste and other waste streams, a key challenge for all will be to reduce the volumes of materials consumed, as well as wasted. In line with the 21 targets of the Federal Circular Economy Roadmap (as well as Circular Flanders, Circular Wallonia, and the Brussels Regional Circular Economy Strategy), further awareness-raising efforts are needed to encourage circular behaviour to reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle existing materials and products. Based on results achieved through BEvitalise, we will propose policy recommendations to better inform, incentivise and increase circular behaviour among Belgian consumers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bjornavold Amalie

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The PATTERN project's general objective is to improve practitioners' capacity for decision making on climate and environmental policies, by developing an interactive online platform for the economic appraisal of policies and measures. To reach this general objective, the project will develop an operational integrated economic appraisal approach (WP3 and 4), deliver guidelines to bridge ex-post and exante analyses (WP1), build and demonstrate an effective participatory process to create 5 Theories of Change (WP2), build a European Community of Practice for climate and environmental policymaking (WP6), and create a One-Stop-Shop for all policy and decision makers to access and use the project results easily. PATTERN will thus provide decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public with more realistic and operational ability to systematically assess their policies and their consequences. It will provide a basis for improving (i) methodologies, techniques and models for conducting economic appraisal of climate and environmental policies (ii) the broader policy evaluation framework and practices currently used in European countries and their regions and (iii) tailored analysis and engagement strategies structures for the participation and co-creation with relevant stakeholders and key actors to enhance operational capacities and improve the impact of European policies on climate and environment. Overall, results obtained from in-depth ex-post and ex-ante analysis of the PATTERN's 5 case studies will bring new evidence on the effectiveness of various types of regulatory strategies, instruments and approaches for climate and environmental policies and insights for the design and evaluation of the implementation of major European policies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Passel Steven
• Co-promoter: Bjornavold Amalie
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Cools Jan
• Co-promoter: Van Schoubroeck Sophie

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Few car owners regularly think of the environmental impact of the refrigerant used in the air conditioning systems of their vehicles. However, the cooling agents most commonly used in these systems, have in the past decades been recognised to be potent greenhouse gases, and therefore direct contributors to climate change. Currently driven by regulation, technological development for climate-friendly cooling agents is occurring rapidly, but we are now seeing an industry wide shift to a synthetic solution in place of a natural alternative. Recent measurements show that the former could pose a threat to ecosystems; potentially toxic for plants, animals and algae. A natural and safe solution exists - but is somewhat more expensive and technically demanding. In this highly uncertain regulatory and scientific environment, the project hypothesises that short-term fixes are being relied upon, in place of long-term economically and environmentally viable options. Research into the dynamics at play is crucial for the prospect of sustainable business to develop, as the project will identify the (potential) impact and future role of different stakeholders on the shaping of the market - from the private sector, to consumers, science and the state, through both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Based on a conceptual framework, we study how consumers can drive technological change (using discrete choice experiments) and how the supply of technologies available can be clarified (using techno-economic analysis). The state of the art perspective will have significant implications for policymakers and businesses shaping the energy agenda and instigating technological innovation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Passel Steven
• Fellow: Bjornavold Amalie

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project