Based on the sustainability assessment of the Canton of Bern, the scientists developed an appraisal tool to be applied to hydropower. The resulting grid contains 16 sub-areas with 45 criteria and a total of 150 indicators that measure environmental, social and economic effects. In two case studies in Ticino (Piottino) and Grisons (Lago Bianco), the researchers investigated the potential offered by this method, which also sees the involvement of the most important stakeholder groups.
The example of Lago Bianco on the Bernina Pass revealed that while there would be environmental impacts during the construction phase, capital would also flow into the region. What’s more, the construction workers would boost the local economy with their needs. By providing a source of employment, a power plant also has a positive impact on the economy during its operating phase. A neutral or positive assessment is also produced when assessing the operating phase’s environmental impact – back in 2008/2009, dialogue took place between all stakeholders, enabling all adverse environmental effects to be alleviated. This means that even in the event of low electricity prices – as has been the case in recent years –negative effects during the construction phase can be compensated by benefits in the operating phase.
An integrated sustainability assessment not only involves the analysis of effects, but rather also sees exchanges held between those affected – including the federal government, the cantons, operators, planners, environmental organisations and the local population – as well as the consideration of their views and appraisals. With an evaluation as comprehensive as this, it is possible to gain a broader view of a hydropower project. A project is deemed to be worthy of implementation from a social perspective if the outcome of the sustainability assessment is positive overall. This also includes instances in which a project is even deemed unprofitable from a purely financial viewpoint.