How can brownfield redevelopment policy be evaluated and monitored for its impacts and outcomes?

1 Evaluation framework

An evaluation framework is a systematic and transparent way of defining and measuring the goals, indicators, criteria, and methods of brownfield redevelopment policy evaluation. It can help to clarify the logic and assumptions behind the policy intervention, identify the intended and unintended effects, and compare the costs and benefits. An evaluation framework can be designed according to different approaches, such as logic models, theory of change, or realist evaluation. However, some common elements that should be considered are: the scope and purpose of the evaluation, the stakeholders and their interests, the data sources and collection methods, the analysis and synthesis techniques, and the reporting and dissemination formats.

2 Impact assessment

Impact assessment is the process of estimating and attributing the changes that occur as a result of brownfield redevelopment policy intervention. It can cover different dimensions, such as environmental, economic, social, and institutional impacts. Impact assessment can be conducted ex ante, ex post, or ex during, depending on the timing and purpose of the evaluation. It can also be qualitative or quantitative, or a combination of both. Some of the challenges and limitations of impact assessment are: the difficulty of establishing causality and counterfactuals, the heterogeneity and variability of brownfield sites and contexts, the uncertainty and unpredictability of future scenarios, and the trade-offs and synergies among different impacts.

3 Outcome monitoring

Outcome monitoring is the process of tracking and reporting the progress and performance of brownfield redevelopment policy intervention. It can help to provide feedback, accountability, and learning for the policy makers, implementers, and beneficiaries. Outcome monitoring can be based on different types of indicators, such as input, output, outcome, and impact indicators. It can also use different methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, case studies, or GIS. Some of the challenges and opportunities of outcome monitoring are: the availability and quality of data, the alignment and integration of indicators across different scales and sectors, the participation and communication of stakeholders, and the adaptation and innovation of monitoring systems.

4 Evaluation criteria

Evaluation criteria are the standards or principles that are used to judge the value or merit of brownfield redevelopment policy intervention. They can help to compare and contrast different alternatives, options, or scenarios, and to provide recommendations or lessons learned. Evaluation criteria can be derived from different sources, such as policy objectives, stakeholder expectations, or best practices. They can also be classified into different categories, such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, sustainability, or coherence. Some of the issues and considerations of evaluation criteria are: the selection and weighting of criteria, the trade-offs and conflicts among criteria, the transparency and legitimacy of criteria, and the sensitivity and robustness of criteria.

5 Evaluation methods

Evaluation methods are the techniques or procedures that are used to collect, analyze, and synthesize data for brownfield redevelopment policy evaluation. They can help to answer different types of questions, such as descriptive, explanatory, evaluative, or normative questions. Evaluation methods can be divided into different groups, such as experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, or mixed methods. They can also use different types of data, such as primary or secondary data, quantitative or qualitative data, or objective or subjective data. Some of the factors and choices of evaluation methods are: the purpose and scope of the evaluation, the availability and reliability of data, the validity and reliability of methods, and the resources and skills of evaluators.

6 Evaluation tools

Evaluation tools are the instruments or devices that are used to support or facilitate brownfield redevelopment policy evaluation. They can help to organize, visualize, or communicate data and information, or to model or simulate impacts and outcomes. Evaluation tools can range from simple to complex, from generic to specific, from qualitative to quantitative, or from static to dynamic. They can also be customized or adapted to different contexts or situations. Some of the examples and applications of evaluation tools are: checklists, matrices, scorecards, dashboards, maps, charts, graphs, tables, scenarios, indicators, frameworks, models, or software.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?