Research Papers 2014
Synopsis: Below you will find a list of Environment Committee research papers published in 2014.
Background for Study Visit: Resource Efficiency
- Date: 01/12/2014
Background for Study Visit: Resource Efficiency by Suzie Cave The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of ‘resource efficiency’ promoted by ReNEW. From a Northern Ireland perspective, the Department of the Environment has used resource efficiency to develop its waste management strategy for Northern Ireland. The concept, albeit with some differences in specific definitions, is one which has been used by a number of ‘think tanks’ in their analysis of environmental issues and has become central to the development of waste management law and policy at the EU level. The paper also introduces the related concepts of ‘resource efficiency’ and ‘the circular economy’ and provides an overview of how the promotion and development of resource efficiency and the circular economy is being pioneered through the Resource Innovation Network for European Waste programme (ReNEW).
Onshore Wind Power in Denmark
- Date: 01/12/2014
Onshore Wind Power in Denmark by Suzie Cave This paper is provided in response to a request from the Environment Committee. It gives background to wind power in Denmark including an overview of the policy position behind its development and schemes offered to encourage the expansion of the industry.
Co-op Wind Farms in Northern Ireland
- Date: 01/12/2014
Co-op Wind Farms in Northern Ireland by Suzie Cave This paper provides information on the Drumlin’s Cooperative which is the first co-operative (co-op) wind farm in Northern Ireland. It considers how the Co-op operates, the locations of the sites, the costs associated with its set up, its governance, generation and expected return for members, and any future proposals or plans.
Co-operative Wind Farm Schemes in Scotland
- Date: 01/12/2014
Co-operative Wind Farm Schemes in Scotland by Suzie Cave The following paper is in response to a request from the Environment Committee for information on co-operative wind farm projects in Scotland.
Wind Farm Community Benefits
- Date: 01/12/2014
Wind Farm Community Benefits by Suzie Cave The following paper is in relation to a request from the Environment Committee on community benefits from wind farm developments. It considers the community fund rates offered in NI, how these compare with other jurisdictions and gives a number of case studies. Finally it looks at examples of other types of community benefit from other countries such as Denmark, Germany and Netherlands etc.
Carrier bags – Environmental Impact
- Date: 09/07/2014 - Author: Suzie Cave
This paper is an update to the research paper from 2011 Comparison of Environmental Impact of Plastic, Paper and Cloth Bags. It details some of the most referenced and peer reviewed research that has been conducted on the overall environmental impacts of different types of carrier bags.
Call –in: Protection of minorities in divided societies
- Date: 04/03/2014 - Author: Suzie Cave
The following paper is a response to a request from the Environment Committee on call-in procedures in divided societies and the consideration of minorities. The paper explores examples from the UK and internationally in relation to commitments made under the Constitution for Kosovo.
Call-in operation in England and Wales
- Date: 04/03/2014 - Author: Suzie Cave
The Environment Committee requested information on the use of call-in by local authorities in England, with interest in examples of its operation. The following paper refers to reviews of call-in powers conducted for both England and Wales.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct for Councillors
- Date: 04/03/2014 - Author: Suzie Cave
This briefing note is in response to a request for information from the Environment Committee and considers the sanctions available in both England and Wales in relation to breaches of the code of conduct for councillors.
Single Transferable Vote: Operation in the new councils
- Date: 06/02/2014 - Author: Suzie Cave
This paper is a supplementary to the briefing note on Single Transferable Vote (STV) (NIAR 854-13). Information on how STV may operate in the new councils was discussed with Departmental Officials. Detail on the specific operations of STV has not been confirmed as yet; therefore information provided in this paper may alter in any resulting guidance to come.
