We are delighted to have been appointed to conduct a study for ClimateXChange, the Scottish Government Centre for Expertise on Climate Change. The study aims to review how greenhouse gas emissions are considered as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes.

This project came about as a result of the Stage 2 examination of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill by the Scottish Parliament in June 2019.  During the debate, a question was raised as to whether there would be a need for additional mechanisms to report on estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions resulting from new Bills or Statutory Instruments, or whether existing legislative requirements, particularly SEA and EIA, would fulfill this role.

The study aims to:

“review current practice in considering greenhouse gas emissions as part of the SEA and EIA process, focusing in particular on:

• the methodologies used to assess greenhouse gas emissions impacts,
• the level of detail included in these assessments,
• how these emissions are reported and communicated.”

The study provides an excellent opportunity for us to combine our climate change research experience with our practical knowledge of undertaking SEA and EIA projects.

Read more about our EIA services.