IEMA launches impact assessment standard

A new scheme to improve environmental impact assessments (EIAs) has been launched by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

The EIA Quality Mark, launched on 18 April, is a voluntary standard for organisations that regularly carry out EIAs.

It examines management processes and staff development approaches, with the aim of improving and sharing best practice.

IEMA will operate the scheme and monitor each of the registrant’s compliance to the standard’s seven “commitments to excellence” which include: ensuring all staff have the opportunity to undertake continuing professional development and that all EIAs are effectively scoped.

The scheme has launched with 38 organisations including those that completed the transition from the previous corporate EIA register and those which piloted the new application process.

The Environment Agency was the first developer to be awarded the EIA Quality Mark thanks to the standard of EIA practice shown by its National Environmental Assessment Service (NEAS).

Ross Marshall, NEAS’s director, said: “We are proud to be the first recipient of the EIA Quality Mark. NEAS joined the scheme to demonstrate the value as an asset operator that EIAs bring to our own infrastructure programmes and emphasise the need for continuous performance improvement.”

All of the scheme’s registrants are required to submit two 750-word articles related to EIA during each year, which will be published on the environmentalist website, and submit case studies of effective EIA practice.

For more information about the scheme and to apply visit www.iema.net/qmark.