Compatibility Appraisal

From SEA.unu.edu/wiki

Compatibility appraisal is a way of testing 1. how internally consistent the strategic action is, and 2. how compatible it is with other strategic actions. Where lack of compatibility is identified the strategic action should be reconsidered in an attempt to improve its internal consistency.

A straightforward technique for carrying out such appraisals is a compatibility matrix. Here is an example:

  1. To protect and enhance environmental quality
  2. To achieve economic prosperity
  3. To provide for local housing requirements
  4. To regenerate urban areas
  5. To achieve prosperous and attractive rural areas
  6. To achieve better integration with mainland Europe
  7. To seek integration of transport modes and reduce the need to travel
  8. To match infrastructure and services to needs

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1               2             3             4             5             6             7

compatible incompatible uncertain no clear links

Advantages:

   * Helps to ensure that a strategic action is internally coherent
   * Clarifies trade-offs, e.g. between social benefits and environmental costs
   * Is easy to understand

Disadvantages:

   * Is subjective
   * Can be long-winded
   * Not strictly environmental/sustainability assessment

Further reading:

DoE (1993)