A composite indicator for measuring the environmental performance of water, wastewater, and solid waste utilities. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mergoni, Anna; D'Inverno, Giovanna; Carosi, Laura
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 74(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Environmental sustainability -- Environmental pressure indicator -- Benefit of the doubt -- Composite indicator -- Robust and conditional analysis; Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2021.101285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to measure and benchmark the environmental performance of Portuguese utilities jointly active in the three sectors of water supply, wastewater collection and solid waste management. To do so, we suggest the use of a traditional (optimistic) directional distance Benefit of the Doubt index. We complement the analysis by considering also the pessimistic version of the proposed BoD and by implementing a robust and conditional approach. The obtained results show that there is space for improvement in the pressure balance of these utilities, especially for small and very large units, mostly operating in urban areas. Highlights: An environmental pressure indicator for water and waste utilities is proposed. The composite indicator accounts for positive/negative pressures on the environment. A robust and conditional directional distance Benefit of the Doubt index is used. The environmental pressure of Portuguese water and waste utilities is evaluated. The tool is useful from a policy perspective and results are analyzed accordingly.