A model for evaluating environmental impacts in gas stations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out a method for evaluating environmental impacts in the area of gas stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and implementation of this study followed steps that enabled a survey to be conducted by combining a wide variety of sources and bibliographical material, such as manuals, regulations, standards, laws and articles necessary for drawing up the model and the indicators of environmental impacts; and next the authors used two case studies to test the proposed model and exemplify the application.

Findings

This research identified the sources that cause adverse environmental impacts and the main preventive actions, as well as those for eliminating environmental impacts caused by the activities of the gas stations, so was possible developing a model which evaluated the real environmental situation of gas stations, using indicators to identify opportunities for improvements in the enterprises with ISO 14001 certification and non‐certificated enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This study used some international standards and some specific laws from Brazil, but it can be adapted to the current standards for gas stations in other countries.

Practical implications

Based on findings, it is believed that by using the model proposed in this research study, it is possible to diagnose the real environmental situation of the gas stations, thereby contributing to the preservation of the environment, sustainable development and above all to improving people's quality of life.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the development of a viable model that can be used by enterprise, researchers and governmental environmental agencies for evaluating the environmental impacts of gas stations, integrating four different variables.

Citation

Patrícia Bezerra Rocha, S., José Oenning Soares, E. and Dumke de Medeiros, D. (2011), "A model for evaluating environmental impacts in gas stations", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 22 No. 6, pp. 803-825. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831111170885