Web based integrated models for participatory planning

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the development of an integrated assessment model that embeds the web dimension and aims at increasing awareness in society, especially on environmental issues. The model incorporates features that make it capable of promoting participatory planning procedures in dealing with environmental problems. The first part of the paper presents the notion of both Integrated Assessment (IA) and Participatory Integrated Assessment (PIA). The second part, elaborates on an indicative list of Integrated Assessment Models, while the third part presents an outline of the expert oriented IA-LandGEM model that calculates greenhouse gas emissions. The last part contains the transformation of the LandGEM model into a PIA Model that estimates gas emissions from household waste disposal; incorporates the web dimension and can be used in the context of participatory planning as an increasing awareness tool. Finally, some interesting conclusions are drawn on the use and flexibility of the constructed model. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.