Approach for the Assessment and Ranking of Hospitals Based on Waste Management Practices Using RIAM, Sustainability, and EPI Techniques

Abstract

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) tool is used to assess any proposed development activity. It is beneficial for a detailed study of large projects, but less feasible for quick assessments of a smaller project. The rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) serves the purpose of quick quantitative assessments of any project. In this study, the RIAM technique used to assess waste management practices of various hospitals in the city of Prayagraj, India. Based on RIAM scores, the level and nature of the sustainability of waste management practices in hospitals are checked by the model of sustainability. In addition, the environmental performance index (EPI) is applied with RIAM scores for comparative study. Hospital "A"was ranked as the most promising sustainability option, with sustainability value (S-value) of 0.2815 and EPI of 211.921, indicating good sustainability. Strict abidance to rules and regulations and regular monitoring is needed to substantially improve waste management in hospitals. © 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.