LUC is proud to announce the recent publication of research undertaken on behalf of ClimateXChange, the Scottish Government Centre for Expertise on Climate Change.

In this study we assess how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered as part of both Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The project was conducted in response to a parliamentary question about the mechanisms for reporting on estimated annual GHG emissions. It was speculated if existing procedures could adequately fulfil this role, or if new requirements would be necessary.

Findings of the ClimateXChange study

The study focusses on how GHG emission impacts are measured, how detailed these assessments are, and how this information is communicated. The findings of the study conclude:

• Data relevant to GHG emissions is included in SEA climate change assessments.
• However, the case studies reviewed did not use specific tools (for example carbon calculators) to estimate GHG emissions. Instead, assessments tended to adopt a qualitative approach using a standard SEA scoring system. This indicated a wider direction of travel in GHG emissions (increase or decrease).
• The majority of EIA case studies include some quantification of GHG emissions.
• Embodied GHG emissions in construction materials and those associated with transport movements were most commonly estimated using carbon calculator tools. This was found in instances where relevant information on material quantities or vehicle movements is already available.

LUC’s appointment for this research reflects its expertise and achievements in addressing climate change in EIA and SEA.

LUC members have spoken at numerous events relating to climate change and EIA. This includes webinars hosted by IEMA and the Society for the Environment, among others.

Joanna Wright, Director of Environmental Planning at LUC, has also published a chapter on this subject in the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Environmental Impact Assessment Handbook.

In 2019, LUC’s climate change and EIA work was shortlisted for an IEMA Award for Innovation in Impact Assessment.

You can view the report here.