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Glossary

This glossary includes a set of terms that are relevant to the PETUS project as interpreted by the PETUS team.

case studies

A case study is a detailed investigation of a project or plan used to demonstrate a common subject to further understanding. The case studies within PETUS are a range of European projects from different sectors, scales and at different stages of tool implementation, benchmark data and decision making processes used in practice.

decision making

The process of moving towards and reaching a decision on an issue or certain course of action, such as deciding to carry out something or not, and/or the process of choosing the measure to be implemented.

end users

Persons or organisations who will use the product or item being developed. In PETUS this will be persons or organisations that need or use knowledge regarding evaluation methods on urban sustainability to carry out assessments; those who implement evaluations in practice and need the results of those evaluations for decision making; (local) decision makers and those who prepare the alternatives for involved stakeholders.

evaluation assessment

A methodical analysis that uses selected criteria to allow comparison of two or more items, to judge favourability between choices and identify lessons to be learnt.

holistic

Concerns the whole and the interdependence of the separate parts. For example, a large scale housing development will include water and sewage, energy and transport (among other items) which need to be considered in detail as well as in combination.

practical

Originating from experience or practice. Intended to be implemented in everyday work situations.

public participation

The involvement of interested residents that a project is likely to have an impact on.

stakeholders

People or groups of people who have invested time, resources, money, property etc. in the application of a project and/or who are affected by the result.

sustainability

The process of maintaining and developing environmental, economic and social resources during the process of development. "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" Brundtland Commission (1987) Our Common Future, WCED, p.43.

targets/aims

Specific goals to work towards. A level to which a project is directed.

technical infrastructure

Basic physical structures required for the functioning of modern society including transportation systems such as roads, bridges, airports and seaports as well as telecommunication systems, water and sewage supply and energy supply.

tools

A tool is a procedure, guidance, method, evaluation or assessment to assist with accomplishing an objective or achieving a result. In PETUS tools are included that assist in incorporating sustainability into urban infrastructure projects.

urban

Area of continuous built up/developed land, normally in relation to a town or city.