Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector - Term Paper Example

Environmental Impacts Assessment College Introduction UNEP defines Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making. It aims to predict environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision-makers. By using EIA both environmental and economic benefits can be achieved, such as reduced cost and time of project implementation and design, avoided treatment/clean-up costs and impacts of laws and regulations EIA also refers to the study of the impacts of a proposed projects, plans or programs on the environment. It assesses the possible positive and negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment. It consists of the natural, social and economic aspects. The purpose of EIA is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts when deciding whether to proceed with a project (ecolink.co.ke). Background of EAI The USA first introduced EAI under the Environmental Policy Act (1969). Since then it has evolved and a variety of offshoot assessment techniques have emerged acting as a broader impact assessment toolkit (International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The main focus is on social, environmental health, biodiversity and cumulative effects and risks. This initiative by the USA motivated many countries to initiate formal EAI systems with legislations and regulations. The EAI systems served as a guide as to when an environmental assessment was requisite, and for what kind of projects. Role and Purpose of EAI EAI plays major roles as far as environmental sustainability is concerned. It serves as a deterrent measure to adverse projects and at the same time a development tool for beneficial projects. The major roles of EAI are environmental sustainability, policy development, planning, investment, monitoring and assessment as discussed below. Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). EAI guarantees protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources including human health aspects against uncontrolled development. This is meant to ensure a sustainable economic development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to sustain themselves (Guidelines of Principles and Procedures for EIA (2nd Edition - January 2009). Identification of impacts of proposed projects EAI helps to identify possible impacts of a proposed public or private project. Often, the focus is dominantly environmental, that is biophysical. However, good practice also addresses social and economic aspects. EAI is useful in such projects as dams, industrial plants, transport infrastructure like airport runways and roads, farm enterprises, and natural resource exploitation such as extraction of sand (Guidelines of Principles and Procedures for EIA (2nd Edition - January 2009). Planning EAI is particularly important in the planning stages of a project as it serves as a tool for decision making. Through EAI an institution or a project developer is le to establish whether the project is environmentally suitable. This being an early stage, it can be decided whether to continue with the proposed project or adapt another alternative. EAI therefore reduces the risks that will result in the case that projects with potential environmental damage are implemented. Effective planning is also beneficial in that project developers can make use of improved technology. Better technology puts in check waste releases therefore ensuring sustainable development in the given environment. Conformity with a government’s laws and regulations Compliance with environmental standards reduces damage to the environment and disruption to communities. It also avoids the risk of fines, penalties and loss of trust and credibility. In many countries, EAI has been made a mandatory requirement by law. EAI must therefore be submitted for approval by the relevant governing bodies. In the USA, EAI is mandated under the U.S National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In Canada, EAI is a requirement under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). The European Union (EU) also mandates EAI. In South Africa, EAI was made legislation through the Environmental Conservation Act. Ensure resources are used effectively Sustainable development implies using renewable resources such as wood in a way that does not eliminate or degrade them. It also involves the use of non-renewable resources like steel and alluminium in a way that does not necessarily preclude easy access to them by future generations. Non-renewable resources like oil and coal should also be used in a way that slowly allows transition into renewable resources (Ascher, 2010).as far as resources for sustainable development is concerned, EAI ensures that development proposals do not undermine the critical resource and ecological functions or the well being, lifestyle and livelihood of the communities and peoples who depend on it. EAI also allows for identification of these resources and where and when they can be valuable. Australia, for instance, have a high demand for more resource-intensive lifestyles. This has consequently increased environmental impacts. Australians build big but not environmentally efficient buildings as reflected by their energy consumption and green house effect. The buildings themselves and materials used in construction, contribute to environmental impacts. The operational energy, generation of waste and the manufacture and transport of building materials exceed that permitted by the Kyoto Protocol (Ascher, 2010). The Kyoto Protocol advocates for stabilizing green house concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent damage. EAI would therefore help the Australian construction sector to adhere to sustainable development and at sane time adhere to the Kyoto Protocol (Brown and Fisher, 1999). Savings in Capital and Operating Costs EAI helps to cut costs incurred in case of adverse effects. It is also sensible to stop a project entirely if EAI establishes its potential damage to environment, this saves on capital. An ‘anticipate and cure’ approach is way better than a ‘react and cure approach’. Furthermore, according to World Bank, the costs of preparing an EAI rarely exceeds one per cent of the project costs (World Bank, 1997). Conclusion When carrying out EIA, a comprehensive view should be taken of the linkages and interactions among issues in question. Also, the EIA should identify both the benefits and costs of development. In practice, EIA often focuses on the adverse environmental impacts of proposed actions. This is done by reference to certain key characteristics, which establish the potentially significant effects (Fischer, 2007). Bibliography Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Ascher, W. (2010). Physical Infrastructure Development: Balancing The Growth, Equity, And Environmental Imperatives. New York, Palgrave Macmillan. Brown, S., Fisher, B. S., & Jotzo, F. (1999). Assessing The Impacts Of The Kyoto Protocol: Implications For The Australian Aluminium Industry. Canberra, Abare. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. (2012). Guide To The Participation Funding Program, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. [Ottawa], Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Ecolink.Co.Ke Fischer, T. B. (2007). The Theory And Practice Of Strategic Environmental Assessment: Towards A More Systematic Approach. London, Earthscan.Top of Form Guidelines Of Principles And Procedures For Eia (2nd Edition - January 2009 Legislative History: National Environmental Policy Act, 1969, Pl 91-190. (1971). Englewood, Colorado: Microcard Editions. United States. (1975). National Environmental Policy Act Oversight: Hearings ... 94th Congress, 1st Session On Oversight Of The National Environmental Policy Act Of 1969 ... September 8, 17, 18, 26, 1975. Washington, U.S. G.P.O. World Bank. (1997). The Impact Of Environmental Assessment A Review Of World Bank Experience. Washington, D.C., World Bank. World Commission On Environment And Development. (1989). World Commission On Environment And Development Archive Collection On Sustainable Development. Ottawa, Canada, International Development Research Centre. Read More