Transform

New guidance on applying the mitigation hierarchy

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Integrating environmental and social considerations into the design of projects and policies is critical, not only to avoid or mitigate negative effects, but also to seize opportunities for positive outcomes and beneficial effects

Recognising the challenges practitioners face in implementing these principles in practice, IEMA has released its latest Environmental Impact Assessment guidance, Implementing the Mitigation Hierarchy from Concept to Construction.

It provides valuable insights into the practical application of mitigation measures and essential guidance on how to implement the mitigation hierarchy – avoid, prevent, reduce and offset – from a project’s inception. It also outlines strategies for maintaining and communicating these mitigation measures across various phases, including pre-consent assessment, construction, operational phase environmental management systems and eventual decommissioning.

The guidance addresses common challenges, such as inadequate implementation of construction-phase mitigations, insufficient monitoring
and enforcement of environmental conditions, and poor communication between phases. It advises on securing planning conditions, transferring information between phases effectively, and contractor procurement, underscoring the importance of clear and accurate mitigation measures
via well-drafted construction environmental management plans.

It also makes recommendations for monitoring the implementation of mitigation measures and advocates the use of independent environmental clerks of works to ensure adherence to agreed conditions. Building on IEMA’s Shaping Quality Development (2015) and Delivering Quality Development (2016) publications, these updated guidelines support high-quality, sustainable development practices.

See www.bit.ly/mitigation-hierarchy for details


Published by:
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Rufus Howard FIEMA

Policy and Engagement Lead

Dr Howard is the policy and engagement lead for Impact Assessment at IEMA and a leading professional in EIA, with two decades of international experience across renewable energy and major infrastructure. A Fellow of IEMA and Chartered Environmentalist, Rufus holds degrees in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Law, and a doctorate in Management. A trusted advisor, Rufus has directed environmental projects for major organisations such as the World Bank, The Crown Estate, Natural Resources Wales, the EBRD, Statkraft, Orsted, National Grid, and the Environment Agency. Rufus lives in Kent with his wife and three daughters and enjoys walking in nature, cooking, music, kayaking and archery.