The development of environmental performance policy indicators for public services, and in particular for the defence sector, is an emerging issue. Despite a number of recent initiatives there has been little work done in this area, since the other sectors usually focused on are agriculture, transport, industry, tourism and energy. This type of tool can be an important component for environmental performance evaluation at policy level, when integrated in the general performance assessment system of public missions and activities. The main objective of this research was to develop environmental performance policy indicators for the public sector, specifically applied to the defence sector. Previous research included an assessment of the environmental profile, through the evaluation of how environmental management practices have been adopted in this sector and an assessment of environmental aspects and impacts. This paper builds upon that previous research, developing an indicator framework-SEPI-supported by the selection and construction of environmental performance indicators. Another aim is to discuss how the current environmental indicator framework can be integrated into overall performance management. The Portuguese defence sector is presented and the usefulness of this methodology demonstrated. Feasibility and relevancy criteria are applied to evaluate the set of indicators proposed, allowing indicators to be scored and indicators for the policy level to be obtained. r

a b s t r a c tThe environmental performance evaluation (EPE) of organizations is becoming an autonomous management tool. The main goal of this research was to assess the state of EPE practice in the Portuguese defence sector, as a particular part of public services. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving all Portuguese military units that have a person in charge of environmental issues. The questionnaire was designed to assess: (i) the importance and drivers of EPE; (ii) the ISO 14031 knowledge and implementation; (iii) the knowledge and use of environmental indicators; (iv) the optimal format for indicators; and (v) the advantages and drawbacks of using environmental indicators. Despite various initiatives driving environmental practices in public organizations, most of that experience is only centred on an environmental management system, and EPE is quite a new issue. Nevertheless, general environmental performance evaluation is a growing reality and one in which Portuguese military units are taking an increasing interest. Overall respondents agree on the importance of measuring and communicating environmental performance related to their main missions and activities. The main drivers for EPE in military units are the prevention of health risks and compliance with regulations. However, to date, ISO 14031 and environmental performance indicators are almost unknown in the respondent military units. Among the three military branches, the Navy revealed the worst environmental performance evaluation knowledge, awareness and practice.

Environmental quality is a driving force for the sustainable development of tourism in the 21st century. Nevertheless, the increasing pressures placed upon the stocks of natural capital call for integrated approaches to balance the impacts of tourism activities. Recent growth trends of the golf industry are strengthening its potential to become a vehicle for competitive and sustainable tourism. On the other hand, golf courses cause undisputed environmental impacts, which require effective management and control. This paper presents a sustainability assessment framework and the results from its application to the Algarve's golf courses. A key element of the sustainability analysis was the development of performance indicators. It was concluded that the position of the existing courses in the environmental dimension could be improved if management tools were implemented by many of the golf clubs. This measure would bring the environmental indicators closer to the benchmarking values of the courses with the best environmental performance. In terms of economic and social performance, the indicators show that golf is a profitable business, whether as an anchor for other tourist development, or as a sporting activity on its own.

Public institutions are beginning to realise that they must shift their management towards sustainability. Thus, public sector, including defence services, environmental performance evaluation is a growing reality. The main objective of this research was to assess the environmental pressures and impacts profile of the Portuguese defence sector. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving all Portuguese military units that have a person in charge of environmental issues. Respondents generally reported that the majority of their activities have few serious environmental problems. These results could show the respondents' general perception of the increasing implementation of environmental management practices in military units and probably some lack of knowledge, but also a standard based on compliance with regulations. Many environmental pressures in the Portuguese military are related to primary environmental problems, such as water supply, wastewater and solid waste, showing that the integration of environmental awareness and practices into the Portuguese military is quite new.

Sport tourism, in particular golf, is an emerging form of tourism. This is the case in the Algarve region where golf has significant economic, social and environmental impacts. This paper presents a sustainability assessment framework developed for the Algarve's golf courses. Sustainable golf development (SGD) was analysed from an integrated perspective: economic, financial and environmental. A scenario methodology was used to measure the long-term golf development impacts at different supply levels, given the core indicators defined for each dimension of analysis. It was concluded that SGD in the Algarve should be framed within high service and environmental quality standards, with a supply of between 29 and 41 golf courses.