Process-led and iterative

Depending upon context, certain tools can gain greater or lesser importance or can prove to lack relevance in the specific case. Conversely, other tools can be used without difficulty when they are required – a “joker” is placed to mark the position of such special tools in the process. Such tools may include safety analyses for facilities where major accidents are an issue, (eco)toxicological risk assessment, noise studies, pre-investment appraisals etc. PROSA is used to select and determine the depth of analysis of the different tools and indicators, and ensures integration of the various findings.

The assignment of individual steps and tools to specific phases is to be understood as a recommendation. Depending upon context, the steps are carried out in different depths. Core tools can also be applied in other or several phases of the PROSA process. For instance, evaluation takes place in the last phase, but important pre-evaluations already take place in the first phases – when determining the goal, identifying stakeholders, prioritizing ideas and selecting indicators. Departures from the recommended or planned sequence of work are possible without further ado – but they should be decided upon and reasoned clearly.