The Basics Of An Environmental Impact Assessment

Julie Starr • December 22, 2021



As the world becomes more and more environmentally conscious , there is an increasing need for environmental impact assessments. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are now required before any major construction or development project can be approved. This blog post will briefly touch on some of the aspects of an EIA.

1) What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?

An EIA is a process of evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project . It includes identifying, predicting, and mitigating any negative impacts that the project may have on the environment.

EIAs can be done for individual projects or for entire sectors (e.g., energy production, transportation).

2) Who Needs an EIA?

Any organization or individual that plans to construct, modify or operate a project that may have a significant environmental impact needs to do an EIA.

This includes:

EIAs are not required for small projects or for individuals.

3) What is Included in an EIA?

An EIA should include:

  • A description of the proposed project
  • Identification of potential environmental impacts
  • Proposed mitigation measures
  • Public consultation

The specific requirements for EIAs vary from country to country. For example, in the United States, a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be submitted for major federal undertakings.

4) What are the Benefits of Doing an EIA?

The benefits of doing an EIA include:

  • Improved environmental protection
  • Identification of potential environmental impacts before they occur
  • Increased public awareness and participation in decision making
  • Better coordination between different sectors
  • A better understanding of professional elemental mapping

EIAs help to ensure that projects are designed and operated in a way that minimizes negative environmental impacts.

5) How is an EIA done?

There are five stages in the process of completing an Environmental Impact Assessment.

  • Identification and evaluation of all potential environmental impacts from a project
  • Determination of mitigation measures to be applied if required by law or regulation, which will reduce the negative impact on the environment below acceptable levels
  • Application for formal approval
  • Implementation of mitigation measures
  • Monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of mitigation measures over time

Each stage can be broken down into a number of steps. For example, the first stage – Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Impacts – may involve:

  • Screening potential projects to see if they require an EIA
  • Carrying out a preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts
  • Identifying any significant adverse environmental effects
  • Assessing how serious these effects are

Mitigation measures may be required at any stage of an EIA. For example, if it is found that there will be significant negative environmental impacts from a project, then mitigation measures will need to be identified and put into place. If the mitigation measures are not effective, then additional ones may need to be considered or applied.

In conclusion, environmental impact assessments are an important part of ensuring that projects are designed and operated in a way that minimizes negative environmental impacts. They provide decision-makers with the information they need to make informed decisions about whether a project should go ahead and what measures need to be put into place to protect the environment.

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
Share by: