Accounting for substitution and spatial heterogeneity in a labelled choice experiment

Many environmental valuation studies using stated preferences techniques are single-site studies that ignore essential spatial aspects, including possible substitution effects. In this paper substitution effects are captured explicitly in the design of a labelled choice experiment and the inclusion of different distance variables in the choice model specification. We test the effect of spatial heterogeneity on welfare estimates and transfer errors for minor and major river restoration works, and the transferability of river specific utility functions, accounting for key variables such as site visitation, spatial clustering and income. River specific utility functions appear to be transferable, resulting in low transfer errors. However, ignoring spatial heterogeneity increases transfer errors

An economic evaluation of photovoltaic grid connected systems (PVGCS) in Flanders for companies: a generic model

Energy efficiency in buildings has become a key goal of any energy policy. Europe relies on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which has been converted by Flanders into the ‘Energy Performance and Interior Climate’ (EPB). Taking into account this Flemish EPB-standard (in terms of maximum U-values, E-level and K-value), this study seeks the economically most profitable combination of insulation - facade, roof, floor and glazing - for the Flemish citizen. For this purpose, a scenario-analysis is conducted using the EPB-software Flanders and a self-designed Excel file. Based on some important profitability criteria, the most profitable combination is determined for three representative types of dwellings studied. The scenario-analysis generates some well-founded guidelines for the Flemish citizen when building a house. It shows that in order to ensure the maximum profitability from investment in insulation, the key factor for the semi-detached dwelling is the insulation of roof and floor, whereas for a detached dwelling the key factor is the insulation of facade and floor. As a subsidiary consideration, the study also indicates that the U-values resulting from the more stringent E-level are still not sufficiently stringent because the U-values obtained for the most profitable combination are far below their maximum value. The same consideration applies in the case of the K-value.status: publishe

Esquivanne: Un Outil de Conception des Barrages Mobiles de Navigation

peer reviewe

Batardeaux de maintenance pour barrages mobiles: avantages et inconvénients

peer reviewe

Exploring the future of carbon capture and utilisation by combining an international Delphi study with local scenario development

This article identifies the factors that, according to international experts, will have substantial effects on the future development and commercialisation of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies. A two-round online Delphi study with 15 international experts in the field of CCU enabled us to explore the main items within five impact categories: (1) benefits, (2) risks, (3) future developments, (4) demand, and (5) supply constraints. Based on the results of the Delphi study, we constructed 4 future scenarios that represent how the CCU sector could develop within 10 years, using a local scenario development workshop with 9 experts from within Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands. We used a deductive, explorative scenario development method, which resulted in a two-by-two scenario matrix. We find that the local experts consider the role of the government and the development of CCU costs to be the most uncertain factors and could have the highest impact on the development of the sector within the next 10 years. Our insights can be instructive for facilitating the process of scenario planning for CCU development activities. Finally, although we work with a regionally specific case study, the same method could be implemented in other regions, using the general findings from our Delphi study as a starting point for the scenario development. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

The state of the art of discrete choice experiments in food research

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) have become an often-used research method in food research due to their ability to uncover trade-offs made when choosing among multiple alternatives, especially when dealing with credence attributes. Insights into the main elements of the consumers' decision-making process are key to informing both public and private policies related to food production and consumption. However, DCEs are not confined to this field of study. This narrative methodological review sets out to provide a critical appraisal of the state of the art of DCEs in food research. We logically structure our review by comparing the field-independent state-of-the-art to its application in the specific food choice research domain. The comparison is presented for each of the steps required in implementing DCEs and allows for the identification of areas of improvement in best practice. We find that food research has adopted many of the methodological advances over the years, but further improvements are encouraged and outlined. Recommendations for future research are discussed

The state of the art of discrete choice experiments in food research

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) have become an often-used research method in food research due to their ability to uncover trade-offs made when choosing among multiple alternatives, especially when dealing with credence attributes. Insights into the main elements of the consumers' decision-making process are key to informing both public and private policies related to food production and consumption. However, DCEs are not confined to this field of study. This narrative methodological review sets out to provide a critical appraisal of the state of the art of DCEs in food research. We logically structure our review by comparing the field-independent state-of-the-art to its application in the specific food choice research domain. The comparison is presented for each of the steps required in implementing DCEs and allows for the identification of areas of improvement in best practice. We find that food research has adopted many of the methodological advances over the years, but further improvements are encouraged and outlined. Recommendations for future research are discussed