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A range of integrated appraisal techniques have been utilised to study the comparative performance of various domestic micro-generators that have been proposed as possible decentralised energy resources for ‘low carbon’ buildings. Energy, environmental impact and cost–benefit analysis methods, employed on a ‘whole systems’ basis, are described. The application of this ‘toolkit’ is illustrated by way of the evaluation of three micro-generators: a micro-wind turbine; a (generic) solar photovoltaic array; and a solar hot water system. It is estimated that all three generators, in appropriately sited installations, have energy and carbon paybacks well within their lifetimes. Significant life-cycle environmental impacts are associated with the use of aluminium to fabricate both the solar hot water unit and the micro-wind turbine. All three domestic micro-generators were found to be economically unattractive in the present liberalised British energy markets from a societal perspective. Increased production volumes and technical innovations in the next generation of devices, such as improvements in their manufacturing processes and operational efficiencies, are necessary in order to render micro-generators economic propositions. However, there are likely to be many external and unpredictable changes to the global energy market during the years to 2050. These could dramatically alter the prospects for distributed generation.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to outline the findings from a research project seeking to develop and test a set of key performance indicators for airport facility management, with particular focus on safety and security. Design/methodology/approach -A case study approach was adopted for this project and data was collected from a series of interviews, workshops, the internet and other media. Findings -The need for airport security and safety is paramount, post 9/11. Airports generate revenue from the facilities they provide so they seek to maximise their potential revenues but must do so with safety and security foremost in the operators' minds. In the UK a system for boosting security at the airports termed "multi-agency threat and risk assessments" has been developed jointly by the Department for Transport and the Home Office after Sir John Wheeler's report on airport security and policing in 2002. This provides a framework for this research and enables the evaluation of current practice to be undertaken. Originality/value -Previous research has not directly measured the relative performance of airport safety and security and the role of facility management in achieving that level of performance and this is the focus of the study. This paper concludes by presenting a potential list of key performance indicators for airport safety and security that emerged from the interviews and workshops.

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