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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2021

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for Dryland Farming Systems in Zimbabwe: A Stakeholder-Driven Integrated Multi-Model Assessment

Decision makers need accurate information to address climate variability and change and accelerate transformation to sustainability. A stakeholder-driven, science-based multi-model approach has been developed and used by the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) to generate actionable information for adaptation planning processes. For a range of mid-century climate projections—likely to be hotter, drier, and more variable—contrasting future socio-economic scenarios (Representative Agricultural Pathways, RAPs) were co-developed with stakeholders to portray a sustainable development scenario and a rapid economic growth pathway. The unique characteristic of this application is the integration of a multi-modeling approach with stakeholder engagement to co-develop scenarios and adaptation strategies. Distribution of outcomes were simulated with climate, crop, livestock, and economic impact assessment models for smallholder crop livestock farmers in a typical dryland agro-ecological zone in Zimbabwe, characterized by low and erratic rainfall and nutrient depleted soils. Results showed that in Nkayi District, Western Zimbabwe, climate change would threaten most of the farms, and, in particular, those with large cattle herds due to feed shortages. Adaptation strategies that showed the most promise included diversification using legume production, soil fertility improvement, and investment in conducive market environments. The switch to more legumes in the farming systems reduced the vulnerability of the very poor as well as the more resourced farmers. Overall, the sustainable development scenario consistently addressed institutional failures and motivated productivity-enhancing, environmentally sound technologies and inclusive development approaches. This yielded more favorable outcomes than investment in quick economic wins from commercializing agriculture.

Climate change adaptation↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Addressing User Needs through the Stakeholder Engagement Program

Every two years, the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG), an initiative of the U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO), surveys federal agencies to pinpoint their satellite Earth observation needs. For each expressed need, NASA-led assessment teams coordinate with the agencies to devise solutions. Solutions can include existing or modified data products as well as the construction of new data products and technologies, such as the Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) product and the Catalog of Archived Sub-Orbital Earth Science Investigations (CASEI). To facilitate adoption of new data products and technologies, the SNWG Management Office’s Stakeholder Engagement Program (SEP) was established. The program’s primary goals are to respond to training and capacity building needs expressed by agencies and to encourage engagement from stakeholders as SNWG solutions are developed. To serve these needs, SEP has developed the following: an SNWG Solutions Earthdata webpage, an SEP Earthdata webpage, and an Earthdata Search Portal for SNWG products. These avenues provide assistance to users from all backgrounds and levels of expertise as well as publicize the ongoing efforts of SNWG solutions. In addition, the SEP is also collaborating with NASA’s Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center to develop user-driven applications for SNWG products leveraging stakeholder input. This presentation will provide an overview of the SEP, highlight the resources currently available to users, and describe ongoing efforts to address the needs of users, so SNWG products can be better implemented into scientific workflows.

Jenny Wood↗
DOE OSTI2022

Building Envelope Campaign – Program Design and Stakeholder Engagement

Building envelope technologies impact approximately 30% of the primary energy consumed by residential and commercial buildings. The Building Envelope Campaign (BEC), which is part of the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Program, is a market transformation effort to help building owners and managers invest in high performance building envelope technologies for both new and existing commercial buildings. The success of the Campaign has depended on constructing a compelling program design plus organizing a technical team with ability to effectively recruit Participants and Supporters from across industry and keep them engaged.The design of the campaign included developing a strategy to leverage other technology campaigns within the Better Buildings program, identifying stakeholders (including diverse member groups that may have been underserved by previous technology campaigns), recruiting Supporters and Participants, and providing technical assistance in the form of a campaign-specific Building Envelope Performance tool and metric to help benchmark various building envelope options.Engagement had to overcome three main challenges – securing the Campaign Supporters/Participants, helping participants to use the envelope tool to evaluate project options, and getting those participants to submit successful envelope projects for evaluation and recognition by the program. The concepts are simple but program design/implementation and, in particular, sustaining stakeholder engagement can be challenging. This paper will highlight the approaches taken in: program design, engaging industry members, identifying and reaching underserved stakeholders, demonstrating benefits of high performance building envelope technologies and making the case for engaging in this campaign.

McLeod, Hayley↗
DOE OSTI2017

Stakeholder Involvement in the Revegetation of the 92-Acre Area - 17152

The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) works closely with stakeholders that have an interest in the revegetation of a closed landfill on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Located at the Radioactive Waste Management Complex on the NNSS, the 92-Acre Area was operational from 1961 to 2010. In 2009, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and NNSA/NFO agreed on a closure path consisting of a vegetative cover. Closure activities were initially completed in 2012. Although revegetation was initially promising, subsequent monitoring revealed that a viable plant community had not been established. Subsequently, sections of the site were chosen as test plot locations to determine the best path forward. Despite various seeding methods, mulching techniques, and irrigation frequencies, the test plots failed to produce viable plant communities in 2013 and 2014. NNSA/NFO had been in communication with one stakeholder, NDEP, during the revegetation process. NDEP agreed that after three failed revegetation attempts, a change in strategy was necessary. The Consolidated Group of Tribes and Organizations (CGTO), a coalition of tribal members representing seventeen culturally affiliated tribes and one organization, agreed to provide guidance using traditional ecological knowledge for re-vegetating the 92-Acre Area. A Tribal Revegetation Committee (TRC) was formed and tasked with developing guidance from a unique tribal perspective. After visiting the 92-Acre Area and receiving background information, the TRC held several meetings and deliberated on how to address the revegetation challenges. The TRC submitted recommendations to NNSA/NFO identifying approaches that incorporate tribal perspectives in re-vegetating the site. The Nevada Site-Specific Advisory Board (NSSAB), which is made up of community members who represent Nevada stakeholders, was also asked for input regarding the 92-Acre Area. After a public meeting in May 2016, the NSSAB submitted recommendations, which included a suggestion to consider input from the CGTO. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Of the final end state for decommissioning of reactors at SRS: collaboration between stakeholders, regulators, and the Federal Government - 15279

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is an 802 square-kilometer (310 square-miles) United States Department of Energy (US DOE) nuclear facility located along the Savannah River near Aiken, South Carolina. Nuclear weapons material production began in the early 1950's, utilizing five (5) production reactors. In the early 1990's all SRS production reactor operations were terminated. The first reactor closure end-state declaration was documented in a Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Early Action Record of Decision. The decision for the final closure of the 29,543 square-meter (318,000 square-feet) 105-P Reactor was determined to be in situ decommissioning (ISD). ISD is an acceptable and cost-effective alternative to off-site disposal for the reactor building, which will allow for consolidation of remedial action wastes generated from other cleanup activities within the P Area. ISD is considered protective by the regulators, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), public and stakeholders as waste materials are stabilized / immobilized, and radioactivity is allowed to naturally decay, thus preventing future exposure to the environment. Stakeholder buy-in was critical in the up-front planning in order to achieve this monumental final decision. Numerous public meetings and workshops were held in two different states (covering a 321 kilometer (200-mile) radius) with stakeholder and SRS Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) participation. These meetings were conducted over an eight- month period as the end-state decision making progressed. Information provided to the public evolved from workshop to workshop as data became available and public input from the public meetings were gathered. ISD is being considered for the balance of the four (4) SRS reactors and other hardened facilities such as the chemical Separation Facilities (canyons). Closure of the SRS P Reactor Area was precedent setting and sets the stage for closure of other reactors and hardened facilities. The DOE, USEPA, and SCDHEC engaged in active, up-front, and timely involvement with the SRS. The SRS CAB, elected officials, and citizens of South Carolina and Georgia met to discuss the P reactor area closure and associated risks. Early public involvement gave SRS and the regulators assurance that the selected decision was valid and would not be overturned. Public input improved the process and ensured that the important decision on the final end-state of the reactor facilities was not made in isolation. ISD of P Reactor will provide adequate protection of human health and the environment and the lowest cost since short-term risk is minimized to remedial workers from exposure to contaminated equipment and facilities by leaving the reactor vessel in place allowing for radiological decay over time. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Interactive statistical decision tools (GiSdT): An open source software integration of decision analysis and stakeholder judgment for sustainable waste management, disposal and remediation - 15650

The vast majority of remediation and waste management decisions are made without quantitative consideration of economic and socio-political factors. They are made instead based on quantitative metrics of human health risk. Sustainable decisions need to be made based on all three 'pillars of sustainability' (economics, environment and social), and require understanding and characterization of the costs and values associated with each pillar. In addition, such decisions need to conform to regulatory or other legal requirements, which often constrains the decision space of interest. Although efforts are often made to include factors across all three pillars (for example, for decisions made under CERCLA), these efforts are usually qualitative, and hence difficult to defend. They lack technical defensibility, transparency and traceability. The purpose of GiSdT (Guided Interactive Statistical Decision Tools) is to provide a quantitative framework whereby all aspects of a decision problem, such as remediation and waste management decisions, can be addressed quantitatively, and hence, defensibly, transparently and traceably. Most decision-makers do not currently have access to useful or usable methods and approaches when are presented with choices that have significant impacts across all three pillars of sustainability. The goal of GiSdT is to provide that access by identifying or developing effective and user-friendly decision methods and approaches that empower decision-makers to explicitly and routinely incorporate all aspects of sustainability into their decision-making. To identify and develop these methods and approaches, GiSdT provides the tools needed for decision-makers and stakeholders to understand and characterize their knowledge of their current decision-making processes, and what methods and approaches they need to pro-actively and quantitatively address all aspects of sustainability in their decisions. GiSdT is an open source interactive framework program that provides the tools needed to address the relevant components of a sustainability-based decision problem, including describing the decision landscape, translating that landscape into goals and objectives, valuing the measurable attributes that describe each objective, identifying decision options and addressing the uncertainty in the attributes (e.g., human health risk, institutional controls) through appropriate probabilistic models. In addition to addressing these quantitative technical components, the GiSdT program is aimed at facilitating stakeholder involvement so that the perspectives, values and objectives are all relevant stakeholders are addressed explicitly in the decision making process. The technical underpinnings of our software program, called Guided Interactive Statistical Decision Tools (GiSdT), are described. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Streamlining Stakeholder Data Accessibility Utilizing Web-Based GIS Capabilities - 18672

Environmental data is often complex, and it can be difficult to provide proper context to fully understand and comprehensively analyze the data. One tool identified to better present complicated data is the use of web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Web-based GIS provides much-needed visual context to the complex data collected at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). By overlaying environmental data atop relevant geographical features, such as topography, surface or subsurface geology, hydrogeological features, buildings, roads, and technical areas, LANL's diverse group of stakeholders are better able to understand environmental data collected at the LANL site within the framework of the surrounding geography. Since 2012, Los Alamos has utilized a web-based GIS module in the Intellus New Mexico data-sharing web site. This web site provides unfettered public access to LANL and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) - Department of Energy (DOE) Oversight Bureau environmental data. Through the past five years of real world experience, LANL identified areas where questions and confusion arose, particularly for those not directly associated with the site's environmental cleanup mission. In order to query the millions of records in Intellus in a meaningful way, users had to have substantial knowledge of the data organization and nomenclature ahead of time. While this was not a challenge for LANL and NMED environmental scientists, it proved to be a substantial barrier for members of the general public to utilize Intellus. In 2017, LANL initiated an Intellus redesign with the goal of deconstructing the type of questions people asked and identifying the types of user personas accessing the site to engineer a simpler path to desired data sets. Greatly simplified click paths ('Quick Paths') were created that walk the user through the basics with a minimum of jargon and a strong reliance on mapping results for easy visualization. The improved mapping was enabled by an upgraded online GIS functionality that allowed LANL to easily integrate their own base-maps to provide users the most up to date views of their data. The integrated Intellus GIS was enhanced to assimilate with LANL's dynamic base maps and site information in relation to data collection activities, to avoid outdated presentations. A simplified user interface (UI) was added and easier data querying was designed. A more robust visual presentation was created that allowed better viewing of spatial data. All data queries in the new simplified 'Quick Path' give the users the option to map the results and save their results to their optional accounts. This brings the power of GIS visualization to all users without the need for GIS knowledge or extensive training. By integrating with Esri{sup R} technologies, base-map layers in ArcGIS Online{sup R} can be updated by LANL or other data providers at any time and reflected immediately in the Intellus mapping application called GIS+ 1. Users can even load additional map layers to GIS+ that contain their own spatial data or information shared from over a million users on ArcGIS Online{sup R}, such as ecological information from the Fish and Wildlife Service, or geology layers from the USGS. The results from the improved quick path search in Intellus can be viewed in GIS+ and analyzed using Esri's{sup R} Smart Mapping technology, which makes it easy to classify results with its visual representation of the results in an interactive histogram, where sliders can be dragged to look at various intervals for each color range for that query. With enhanced GIS+, Los Alamos National Laboratory is able to observe improve Stakeholder engagement and positive Stakeholder interactions within its public environmental database, Intellus New Mexico. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Panel Session 4B: Best Practices in Project Communication Involving Stakeholders

This panel focused on a sustainable, holistic and integrated approach to structure nuclear waste management, disposal and remediation decisions. This panel had participation from internal and external stakeholders and discuss various approaches, tools, and techniques to effectively communicate factors that inform decisions. The panelists presented a summary of their experiences and share key points that were helpful in gaining common understanding with stakeholders. Presentations proposed include: 1 - The Evolution of U.S. Department of Energy and Stakeholder Relationships at the Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site (Penny Borgman, Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. (USA)); 2 - The Site Specific Advisory Board Experience - A Members Perspective - 19069 (Belinda Price, Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board (USA)); 3 - Preserving the Mound Laboratory Legacy-The Mound Cold War Discovery Center - 19550 (Susan Smiley, US DOE Office of Legacy Management (USA); Melissa Lutz, Navarro (USA))

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Panel Session 123: Panel: Stakeholder Involvement in Consolidated ISF Storage and Transportation Initiatives

Two license applications were recently submitted to the US NRC by two private entities- WCS, Inc, and Holtec, Inc. - for consolidated ISF in West Texas and in Southeast New Mexico (respectively). This panel explored the current efforts undertaken by the initiatives to involve stakeholders for the success of their efforts in licensing, constructing and operating their facilities. The panel discussed the perspective of several stakeholders, (including but not limited to regulators, State and local officials). Presentations proposed include: 1 - HI-STORE CISF: A Consolidated Interim Storage Facility for Used Nuclear Fuel in Southeast New Mexico (Myron Kaczmarsky, Holtec International (USA)); 2 - State and Local Stakeholder Issues for Spent Nuclear Fuel Transportation Corridors (Timothy Runyon, Carlsbad Technical Assistance Contract - Operated by North Wind/Portage (USA))

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Chapter 32: A Global Survey of Stakeholder Views and Experiences for Systems Needed to Effectively and Efficiently Govern Sustainability of Bioenergy

The increased international trade led to growing concerns over sustainability of biofuels and a variety of governance systems has emerged to regulate the bioenergy sector for maximization of the benefits and minimization of the possible negative impacts. The general concept of governance is used in different ways. But in this chapter it is used in the broad sense of governance processes undertaken by governments, market actors, voluntary organizations or networks. This concept of governance recognizes the interdependence of the public, market-based and voluntary governing processes, and the relationships that may exist between them. A survey was designed with the objective of analyzing stakeholders' views, experiences, and ideas in relation to the governance challenges. The survey revealed a broad support for existing and new co-regulation among stakeholders, but also that low share of certified land is seen as a challenge for both forestry and agriculture.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Maximizing Distributed Energy Resource Value for All Stakeholders

To fully understand the potential value of distributed energy resources (DER) in supporting a power system transformation, it requires engagement with diverse stakeholders. In May 2019, NREL brought together people across the DER community to collaborate and identify questions, needs, and an action plan to integrate DER and maximize their value for the entire energy community. This paper reflects the process and dialogue that took place and can be used as a framework for maximizing DER value for all stakeholders.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Resilience Insights from New York State Stakeholders

A diverse set of New York State stakeholders—representing state agencies, authorities, utilities, and regulators—were interviewed on their perceptions of energy resilience. This summary synthesizes the 34 interviews to examine the degree of shared understanding around resilience, to identify opportunities to address common challenges, and to align stakeholder interests to better serve New York State's services, systems, and people.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS2022

Reservoir Assessment Tool 2.0: Stakeholder driven improvements to satellite remote sensing based reservoir monitoring

In light of the rapidly increasing regulation of rivers due to planned and constructed reservoirs, monitoring reservoir operations has become very crucial. The Reservoir Assessment Tool (RAT) framework was developed to monitor reservoir operations globally, using hydrological modeling and satellite observations. With feedback from stakeholders, improvements in the RAT framework are demonstrated in this study using the Mekong River Basin as an example. A novel multi-sensor reservoir area mapping technique was developed using complementary strengths of optical and SAR sensors at a 1-5 day temporal resolution, allowing the quantification of sub-weekly reservoir operations. Additionally, the skill of radar altimeters in the RAT framework was tested using the Jason-3 altimeter. Using in-situ data from three Thai reservoirs in the Mekong Basin, consistent improvements were observed as compared to the original RAT framework. A functionality for visualizing forecasted outflow was also added using historically inferred reservoir operations or stakeholder-driven target storage expectations.

Reservoirs↗
DOE OSTI2024

Slide Decks for EV@S Stakeholder Meeting at INL September 2024

These slides were used at the Electric Vehicles at Scale National Lab Consortium, Stakeholder Meeting hosted at INL in September 2024. The slides are now requested to be made available publicly for reference. All slides review projects that are already in the public domain and their information is intended for public release. They are not from sensitive topics or areas with any restrictions. A few projects are overviewed in detail and some slides were just an aid to the breakout sessions that were conducted with stakeholders and lab staff.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Challenges and Considerations for Rural Transportation: Stakeholder Perspectives

This fact sheet presents key findings and challenges identified by stakeholders through an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP). The project engaged community stakeholders, fleet operators, and local officials across ten rural counties in western Alabama to explore opportunities for expanding access to alternative transportation fuels. Guided by a regional coalition and supported by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), the effort emphasized challenges and related potential technical solutions. The fact sheet highlights transportation priorities identified by participants, outlines barriers unique to rural contexts, and summarizes resources developed by NLR subject matter experts to help local entities address these challenges.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Challenges to EIA consultants whilst dealing with stakeholders in Punjab, Pakistan

Highlights: • EIA in Punjab is subject to influence by elites as a result of which projects are implemented prior to EIA. • Proponents consider EIA as hindrance to project development • Lack of EPA resources lead to delayed decision making • Consultants tend to compromise the EIA quality in order to profitably run their setup. • EIA implementation is weak because Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lacks capacity to enforce legislation - Abstract: Consultants play a pivotal role in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process because they are the ones who carry out assessments, deal with multiple stakeholders and thus face the most pressure. Considering the ineffectiveness of the EIA process, the current study attempts to identify the challenges faced by consultants in Punjab whilst dealing with stakeholders. Participant observation, professional practice and unstructured interviews were employed as data collection methods. Key challenges identified include the lack of equal treatment, insufficient capability of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultants, and the lack of awareness on the parts of the proponents and the public. Legislations accompanied with procedural controls exist in Punjab regarding EIA but the implementation is weak. A strong political will is necessary for implementation of EIA rules and regulation, awareness of the proponents and the public and capacity building of EPA. Registration and accreditation can help bring competent consultants in the field who can improve the process.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

From Computed Tomography–Guided to Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: What Do the Key Stakeholders Have to Say about the Transition?

International brachytherapy consortiums are advocating for the incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into the cervical brachytherapy process as a standard-of-care. Although some evaluations have been performed to quantify the effect on procedural time, little is known about the views and experiences of key stakeholders during the transition from computed tomography to MR-guided brachytherapy. This qualitative research project explored insights from key stakeholders related to a change in the gynaecologic brachytherapy process.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scientific and stakeholder evidence-based assessment: Ecosystem response to floating solar photovoltaics and implications for sustainability

Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) installations are increasing globally. However, their interaction with the hosting water body and implications for ecosystem function is poorly understood. Understanding potential impacts is critical as water bodies provide many ecosystem services on which humans rely and are integral for delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here, we used scientific evidence from a systematic review and stakeholder expertise, captured through an international survey and a workshop, alongside existing understanding of the role of water bodies in delivering ecosystem services and the SDGs. We found 22 evidence outcomes that indicated potential physical, chemical and biological impacts of FPV on water bodies. Assessment by stakeholders from across sectors indicated that reduced water evaporation is the greatest opportunity, whilst changes to water chemistry, including nitrification and deoxygenation, are the greatest threat. Despite these findings, FPV operators reported no observed water quality or ecosystem impacts. However, only 15% of respondents had performed water quality analysis; visual inspection alone cannot ascertain all water quality impacts. Based on the integration of these findings, we determined that FPV could impact nine ecosystem services. Furthermore, established linkages between ecosystem services and SDGs indicate the potential for impacts on eight SDGs, although whether the impact is positive or negative is likely to depend on FPV design and water body type. Our results further the understanding of the effects of FPVs on host water bodies and may help to ensure the anticipated growth in FPVs minimises threats and maximises opportunities, safeguarding overall sustainability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗