The Brightfields phenomenon: a study of critical success factors, barriers and implications for sustainability
| Author(s) | DePrima, Anthony J. | |
| Date Accessioned | 2018-11-15T12:35:04Z | |
| Date Available | 2018-11-15T12:35:04Z | |
| Publication Date | 2018 | |
| SWORD Update | 2018-09-11T13:26:36Z | |
| Abstract | The practice of siting solar photovoltaic arrays on contaminated land is the Brightfields strategy. The strategy purports both promise and potential for redeveloping urban brownfields. Working within the context of sustainable urban planning and critical success factor theory, this dissertation focuses on the Brightfields phenomenon. ☐ Using qualitative multiple-case study approach, this dissertation explores “how” and “why” Brightfield projects succeed. Four Brightfield cases are studied including projects in Toledo, Ohio; Wilmington, Delaware; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Stow, Massachusetts. Using semi-structured interviews, the research draws upon the expertise of stakeholders including project developers, urban planners, property owners, environmental scientists, and public utility representatives. Through their views and knowledge, this research reveals factors across cases that contributed to successful Brightfields. Case documents, such as environmental studies, were also used to understand the projects. In addition, this dissertation explores the success factors identified in related literature. ☐ The problem presented by urban brownfields is well documented as an urban economic and planning issue. For theorists, academics, and researchers, several achievements herein should be of interest. For the practitioners, particularly urban planners, the research identifies critical success factors related to solar photovoltaic projects that overcome traditional barrier to brownfield redevelopment. ☐ Several critical success factors were identified. Unique to solar development was the ability of solar arrays to be constructed with little soil disturbance while their modular nature allows them to be easily configured around hotspots and monitoring systems. In addition, due to solar photovoltaics’ long-life cycle, developers can contract for long-term revenue sources that in turn allow for long-term financing. The research found that these projects were mostly driven by profit motivated solar developers acting in response to public policies in support of solar development. ☐ Comparing the projects to the 3E model of sustainability the research found that across cases there was only consistency in fulfilling environmental sustainability, while economic and equitable sustainability factors were not consistent. The research did discover that sustainability goals of both corporations and governments played an important supportive role in the projects. ☐ The dissertation provides a comparison of the research findings with the recommendations and the success factors used by the Environmental Protection Agency’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative in its on-line “Decision Tree” for siting renewable energy on contaminated land, and by the American Planning Association in its Solar Briefing Paper #6: Recycling Land for Solar Energy Development. Based on the results of the comparison, a checklist for siting solar on brownfield land is presented. ☐ The dissertation concludes by revisiting the promise and potential of the Brightfields strategy within the context of the research and finds that the promise is real and the potential will depend on the availability of solar development incentives going forward. | en_US |
| Advisor | Rich, Daniel | |
| Advisor | Ames, David L. | |
| Degree | Ph.D. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, School of Public Policy and Administration | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.58088/fvzw-v165 | |
| Unique Identifier | 1065536272 | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/23902 | |
| Language | en | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| URI | https://search.proquest.com/docview/2102619798?accountid=10457 | |
| Keywords | Applied sciences | en_US |
| Keywords | Social sciences | en_US |
| Keywords | Brightfields | en_US |
| Keywords | Brownfield | en_US |
| Keywords | Solar energy | en_US |
| Keywords | Sustainability | en_US |
| Keywords | Urban planning | en_US |
| Keywords | Urban redevelopment | en_US |
| Title | The Brightfields phenomenon: a study of critical success factors, barriers and implications for sustainability | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |