Ann-Christin Pålsson

System for Integrated Business Environmental Information Management

Abstract By making use of current business information technology, such as Internet-accessible tools, and industrial environmental management tools, standards, policies and legislation an information system for environmental information management has been designed. The system is named Integrated Business Environmental Information Management (IBEIM), and it includes operational, procedural and organisational support for a business’ entire environmental information management. IBEIM consists of a system architecture and an information and data content. The system architecture is designed from three thoroughly developed information models, i.e. a reference model for information aggregation and communication, an information model for data structuring, and a modularization including module interface specifications. The content is stored in a common information platform, and includes, for example, a structured knowledge system. IBEIM efficiently supports and integrates environmental information management for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) tools, LCA and other environmental process modelling tools, and Design for Environment (DfE) tools. With this system, integration communication and reports are handled in a consistent and compatible way all through an organisation of any size. IBEIM is also designed for supply chain communication.

Industrial environmental information management for technical systems

Abstract This paper describes a procedural approach for modelling a technical system for industrial environmental assessments. The approach is formulated as a procedural and conceptual model, denoted PHASETS (PHASEs in the design of a model of a Technical System). The objective of PHASETS is to serve both as a linguistic model for documents describing a technical system, as well as to serve as a guideline when accomplishing or assessing a model of a technical system. The PHASETS approach for information management and data quality control is independent of data format but relies on organisational commitment, for authorisation and for supplying the necessary competence needed to maintain the quality routines. Some applications for PHASETS are described.

OMNIITOX concept model supports characterisation modelling for life cycle impact assessment

Goal Scope BackgroundThe main focus in OMNIITOX is on characterisation models for toxicological impacts in a life cycle assessment (LCA) context. The OMNIITOX information system (OMNIITOX IS) is being developed primarily to facilitate characterisation modelling and calculation of characterisation factors to provide users with information necessary for environmental management and control of industrial systems. The modelling and implementation of operational characterisation models on eco and human toxic impacts requires the use of data and modelling approaches often originating from regulatory chemical risk assessment (RA) related disciplines. Hence, there is a need for a concept model for the data and modelling approaches that can be interchanged between these different contexts of natural system model approaches. Methods. The concept modelling methodology applied in the OMNIITOX project is built on database design principles and ontological principles in a consensus based and iterative process by participants from the LCA, RA and environmental informatics disciplines. Results. The developed OMNIITOX concept model focuses on the core concepts of substance, nature framework, load, indicator, and mechanism, with supplementary concepts to support these core concepts. They refer to the modelled cause, effect, and the relation between them, which are aspects inherent in all models used in the disciplines within the scope of OMNIITOX. This structure provides a possibility to compare the models on a fundamental level and a language to communicate information between the disciplines and to assess the possibility of transparently reusing data and modelling approaches of various levels of detail and complexity.ConclusionsThe current experiences from applying the concept model show that the OMNIITOX concept model increases the structuring of all information needed to describe characterisation models transparently. From a user perspective the OMNIITOX concept model aids in understanding the applicability, use of a characterisation model and how to interpret model outputs.Recommendations and OutlookThe concept model provides a tool for structured characterisation modelling, model comparison, model implementation, model quality management, and model usage. Moreover, it could be used for the structuring of any natural environment cause-effect model concerning other impact categories than toxicity.

The data quality foundation in OMNIITOX information system

Extended SummaryGoal and ScopeThis paper describes the data quality foundation for the OMNIITOX information system, with regard to data quality requirements and maintenance.Main FeaturesThe data quality concept applied in the OMNIITOX project is based on results that are successfully used in other contexts (Fig. 1). Specific data quality requirements have been developed, which are applied in data acquisition and data review. The data quality requirements and quality maintenance is supported by the OMNIITOX concept model, which supplies a common language for the users from the different disciplines.Results and DiscussionThe quality requirements and the concept model have been tested during data acquisition for the information system, and have been found to be a successful framework. The results from practical work demonstrate that it is possible to have a common understanding of the concept model and quality requirements. The users experience the initial phase of learning the concepts and quality requirements as tedious. Nevertheless, experiences show that the users will benefit from the education during the further work. A considerable amount of data has been acquired based on the data quality foundation.ConclusionsThe data quality foundation has been a successful framework for managing data quality in the design and establishment of the OMNIITOX information system. The data quality concept, the concept model, and specific quality requirements are applied as quality management tools to find, acquire, document, and interpret the information. Several quality issues deriving from interdisciplinary differences between the different users have been resolved, which facilitates a common understanding and reduces the risk of misinterpretations and misuse of information.Recommendations and OutlookAn important task for the finalization of the OMNIITOX project is to secure the credibility and long-term stability of the information system. The OMNIITOX information system will somewhat have less potential to support the toxicology related assessments in Europe if any of the involved disciplines chooses to reject or not to apply the concept model and the quality requirements.