Alternatives assessment or alternatives analysis is a problem-solving approach used in environmental design, technology, and policy. It aims to minimize environmental harm by comparing multiple potential solutions in the context of a specific problem, design goal, or policy objective. It is intended to inform decision-making in situations with many possible courses of action, a wide range of variables to consider, and significant degrees of uncertainty. Alternatives assessment was originally developed as a robust way to guide precautionary action and avoid paralysis by analysis; authors such as O'Brien have presented alternatives assessment as an approach that is complementary to risk assessment, the dominant decision-making approach in environmental policy.[1] Likewise, Ashford has described the similar concept of technology options analysis as a way to generate innovative solutions to the problems of industrial pollution more effectively than through risk-based regulation.[2][3]
Alternatives assessment is practiced in a variety of settings, including but not limited to green chemistry, sustainable design, supply-chain chemicals management, and chemicals policy.[4] One prominent application area for alternatives assessment is the substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives, also known as chemical alternatives assessment.[5]
^O'Brien, Mary (2000). Making better environmental decisions: An alternative to risk assessment. Cambridge: MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-15051-4.
^Ashford, Nicholas A. (1994). "An innovation-based strategy for the environment". In Adam M. Finkel; Dominic Golding (eds.). Worst things first? The debate over risk-based national environmental priorities. Washington, DC: Resources for the Future. pp. 275–314. ISBN 0-915707-74-8.
^Ashford, Nicholas A. (2005-02-23). "Incorporating science, technology, fairness, and accountability in environmental, health, and safety decisions". Human and Ecological Risk Assessment. 11 (1): 85–96. doi:10.1080/10807030590919918. ISSN 1549-7860.
^Geiser, Ken (2015). Chemicals without harm: Policies for a sustainable world. Urban and industrial environments. Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-51206-0.
^Roy M. Harrison; Ronald E. Hester, eds. (2013). Chemical alternatives assessments. Issues in Environmental Science and Technology. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 978-1-84973-723-4.
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