Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Energy and construction: important drivers of resource use
Better and more efficient management of materials is an important EU policy goal. New research has analysed what drives resource use and the productive use of materials across Europe and indicated that energy efficiency and construction of buildings and roads are the main policy areas to address. Download article (PDF)

Waste management policy works, but waste prevention is key
Waste management policy in the EU is successfully reducing the proportion of waste that is sent to landfill and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by inefficient waste management, according to a new study. However, the study also supports greater efforts channelled into waste prevention. Download article (PDF)

'Seascape': a key influence on marine protected areas
New research has shed light on how fish respond to marine protected areas (MPAs). It suggests that seascape structure - the range of sea depths and habitat types included inside and outside the MPA - has a larger influence on changes in the abundance of fish than protection itself. Download article (PDF)

Little Bustard: case study for modelling conservation costs
A new model, named OUTOPIE, could help design more effective agri-environmental schemes. The model links the farm, field and landscape levels to allow a more accurate assessment of the costs of enrolling specific fields in conservation schemes. Using the model, the researchers were able to assess the cost-effectiveness of different policies for the conservation of the Little Bustard bird (Tetrax tetrax) in France. Download article (PDF)

Graphene has potential for use in flexible batteries
Researchers have shown that graphene paper can be used to construct flexible and rechargeable batteries, which may even perform better than non-flexible batteries. These might be used in a range of portable, bendable and rollable devices and could also help develop new energy generation technology, such as flexible solar cells. Download article (PDF)

Resource productivity as sustainability indicator may need developing
Resource productivity has become a popular indicator of environmental sustainability. However, new research has demonstrated that it is influenced by national income and its current use tends to support a simultaneous growth in economic productivity and resource consumption. In order to shape policy effectively, the study suggests that targets should directly emphasise resource consumption and emissions. Download article (PDF)