Abstract
Objective. Aomori Prefecture published its comprehensive “Biomass use strategy” in March 2004. Since then, biomass projects have been implemented in Chunan Region, Aomori Prefecture. But now few projects are being started in the region for the following reasons. First, the prefectural government has not formulated a master plan for stimulating business and residential development in the region. Second, there is no system for simulating or comparing the benefits from projects from the different biomass interests. Previous studies have developed a technological information infrastructure(TII) for simulating the system of biomass utilization needed for the region. But it is difficult for TII to evaluate the performance of the systems from economical, environmental and social perspectives and from many levels from individual entities to the entire region. If there were a model that could evaluate these performances from each perspective, it would then become much easier for the biomass interests to discuss and select a better system using these evaluations. The purpose of this study is to create a model that can evaluate the performance of the biomass policies and projects in the region from these three perspectives.
Results and Discussion. This study developed a new model for performance evaluation using examples from existing evaluation tools, such as Material Flow Analysis/Life Cycle Assessment, environmental accounting and input-output tables. In addition, this model complements the evaluation function of the TII. First, we developed an evaluation map that represents the management resources flowing or stockpiling among the relevant entities within the region and outside it. Then we proposed a decision making card to be used for the different biomass interests. The card is used to quantify the flows or stocks which have been made visible by the map, and thus provide a basis for identifying a better system of biomass utilization.
Conclusions. The prefectural government together with businesses and residents can use the evaluation map and decision making card as a tool to make policymaking and project planning more effective and efficient by simulating a system of biomass utilization that uses performance data from all three perspectives. This tool is also useful for businesses and residents in making policy recommendations and evaluating projects.
