What is the D.E.R.A index? And how is it calculated?

DERA's index: Is the concluding index for the environmental assessment at the chosen location. The index runs between 0 and 10, weighing in all the environmental parameters relevant to the site. The index is provided at the level of an individual house, while a building across the street, if affected by other uses, may receive a different index. The accuracy of the index is constantly being improved by optimizing the data, increasing the resolution of the information, and improving data collection technologies.

Our product analyzes hundreds of uses around the site and defines them within five main categories, each of which receives a score. A weighted average of this analysis forms the index. The five main categories are:

● Air quality:

Examined by nearby uses, depending on the nature and intensity of emissions. All industrial, transportation uses (and many other) are weighted into the air quality score. This index is an important parameter within the general definition of environmental quality and many studies link health and life expectancy to air quality.

● Electromagnetic radiation:

Also known as non-ionizing radiation, originates from magnetic fields. Non-ionizing radiation does not transmit enough energy to cause health damage if momentarily exposed to it, though prolonged exposure may transmit enough energy to change biological tissues and harm health. Many studies indicate a connection between daily exposure to electromagnetic radiation such as sources of electrical voltage, and various types of cancer. The information we provide may be an indication of an area affected by visible voltage sources, such as high voltage lines and transformers adjacent to the test site.

● Noise:

There are many studies linking ill health conditions to prolonged exposure to noise, even at seemingly low levels. There are also many studies linking the existence of noise nuisances and their negative impact on property prices. In this category dozens and sometimes hundreds of land uses around the property are considered, including, industry, transportation, public sites, and many more.

● Soil contamination:

When there are industrial land uses, there is a suspicion that during their activity they emitted polluting substances to the ground. Some of these materials may be absorbed into the soil or ground water. When there is a suspicion of the presence of such contamination, it is advisable to carry out tests by drilling and sampling the soil in suitable laboratories. The score provided is created by analyzing the visible land uses found. We examine dozens of uses around the chosen site and evaluate their relevance to creating a potential for soil contamination. The score may be used as an indicator to the possibility of further testing needed by a local expert.

● Ecology and sustainability:

This parameter is calculated by examining the environment near and far while weighing many ecological parameters such as water sources, vegetation, the diversity of species as well as internalizing other factors related to the accessibility of nature reserves and other natural values. The score also considers values that contribute to sustainability, such as urban parks, playgrounds, bike paths and other data. Studies have shown a positive correlation between a supportive and a sustainable environment to human health and life expectancy. Additional studies indicate a connection between the increase in property prices and proximity to trees and other natural values.