Economics

RPA has a long established track record in economic and policy analysis and our expertise has been recognised by a range of international and national organisations, including the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK Health & Safety Executive and the UK Environment Agency.

RPA’s expertise in the fields of Policy and Economics includes general policy reviews, environmental economics, developing problem-specific methodologies and undertaking detailed analysis of the environmental and economic implications of policy and development proposals. RPA is particularly proud of its work for the UK Government in the development of risk-benefit methodologies. Specifically, services in this field include:

• Cost/risk-benefit analysis
• Cost-effectiveness analysis
• Sectoral Studies
• Impact Assessments
• Multi-criteria methods (prioritisation)
• Compliance cost assessments
• Environmental economics
• Development of benefit transfer methodologies
• Review of economic instruments and their use
• International consultation exercises
• Workshops and training

Overall, RPA have undertaken economic evaluations relating to a wide range of legislation ranging from New Approach Directives such as the EMC Directive and the Toy Safety Directive, to vertical legislation such as the Cosmetics Directive as well as horizontal legislation such as the Existing Substances Regulation (ESR), the new EU Chemicals Policy (REACH), the Water Framework Directive and Waste regulations.