Common Appraisal Framework

From SEA.unu.edu/wiki

A common appraisal framework aims to consider different strategic actions or projects using a common framework (though not a common indicators as in cost-benefit analysis). For instance, a road option could be directly compared to a rail option using a CAF.

Example:

Proposal name: Motorway network Option description: Links A-B, B-C and E-F
problems	qualitative impacts	quantitative measures	assessment
noise		440 properties experience decrease in noise 650 properties experience increase in noise	650 properties experience increase in noise
landscape	6km through area of moderate landscape importance		moderate adverse
biodiversity	6km through area of low biodiversity importance		neutral
safety		40 fewer accidents/year; 3 fewer deaths/year	£6 million saved over 5 years </tbody>

Advantages:

   * Allows alternative development options to be compared
   * Can be used at all geographical scales
   * Can cover the entire range of impacts: quantifiable, unquantifiable, social, economic, environmental
   * Is transparent: does not attempt to quantify impacts that are difficult to quantify
   * Can bring together information from other prediction techniques, e.g. modelling, GIS

Disadvantage:

   * Does not make the decision!
   * May still give more importance to quantifiable than non-quantifiable impacts

Further reading:

Click here for a more detailed example and here for UK guidance on a common appraisal framework for transport options.