GEOG40860

Environmental assessment is a mandatory requirement under European and international legislation. Its aim is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into planning and decision-making. It applies to spatial planning (e.g. land use, renewable or waste management plans) and to projects (e.g. power stations, incinerators, housing developments and wind farms). This is a research-led module that will introduce students to environmental assessment legislation, processes and practice through lectures, workshops, set readings and research activities. In particular, it will:

• Introduce the students to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA), as well as other relevant associated legislation (e.g. Water Framework Directive, Flood Risk Directive, etc.)
• Clearly identify for the students commonalities and differences in legislative requirements, as well as provide an overview on any legislation amendments/updates.
• Introduce the various practical steps to be undertaken in an environmental assessment (e.g. screening, scoping, alternatives, etc.), including public participation.
• Provide a range of methods and techniques to support environmental assessment processes; including an introduction to indicators.
• Provide real-life examples of environmental assessment across a range of scales (e.g. from national to local) and sectors (e.g. land use, energy, water, etc.)
• Examine current practice issues in environmental assessment and present measures to promote good practice.
• Facilitate and encourage critical analysis of environmental impact assessment practice, techniques and outcomes.
• Support students in the acquisition of an understanding of environmental assessment requirements and impact assessment methods.
• Support students in group work for the acquisition of a shared knowledge and environmental report writing skills.