Impact Assessment

A science-based approach to EIA

Integral to the design process

Impact Assessment professionals work on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which are tools used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. Impact Assessment professionals provide information to decision makers and apply their knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development.

Within the IES, Impact Assessment professionals work to promote a science-based approach to EIA that supports environmental improvement through sustainable design and construction of projects. IES members engage with Impact Assessment as an integral part of the design process, identifying integrated solutions rather than ineffective ‘bolt-on’ approaches.

Using EIA to understand scientific processes

The IES EIA Community provides a forum for thought-provoking, critical conversations around EIA from a science-based perspective. The Community connects and supports environmental scientists and practitioners working across sectors and roles involved in EIA to facilitate meaningful discussion between disciplines on the key issues facing the sector.

The Community champions the ethos of utilising EIA as a tool to support decision-making, which leads to better environmental impacts from developments and is focused on providing environmental professionals involved in EIAs with the knowledge and skills to support this.