What does it do?

In essence, the SEA is a systematic process of strategic analysis and consultation designed to mitigate the environmental pressures and cumulative impacts of programmes, plans and, in the case of Scotland, policies.

The first part of the process entails establishing a baseline of environmental data that will act as the cornerstone for an environmental report (an overview of the environmental impacts and its 'reasonable alternatives'). The report’s scope and environmental impact is then analysed ahead of a series of ameliorative consultation exercises.

A rigorous post-plan/programme/policy monitoring programme ensures the accuracy of any predictions made at the assessment stage and allows the SEA to continually evolve through incorporating up-to-date information.

Who needs it?

To date, influence of the SEA has been most keenly felt in the public sector (as the current law necessarily demands – click here for an indicative list of plans and programmes subject to the requirements of the SEA Directive). However, the Directive crosses over into a ‘grey area’ by capturing within its remit private sector organisations whose plans “set a framework for future development consent” in strategic works such as water, energy and transport. Guidelines defining what projects fall into this ambiguous category have done little to lessen the confusion, though in general terms, the decision as to whether such plans or programmes require an SEA can be made at the discretion of the organisation.

What is so good about it and why should I consider it if the law says I don’t have to?

At its utilitarian best, the SEA acts as a sustainable roadmap for planners, puts the environment on a par with economic and social considerations, and functions as a forum for the concerns of stakeholders. Canny developers are increasingly converting to the idea that the SEA is not just another bureaucratic hoop to jump through. Aligning business with sustainability principles is an increasingly pervasive stakeholder demand, and an SEA can be influential evidence to this effect. At its core, it is a participatory process and those that address environmental issues at the outset are most likely to assuage the concerns of those who can potentially stand in the way of a development. With local authorities increasingly reaping the benefits of the all-encompassing project oversight that the SEA offers, they are beginning to ask questions influenced by the Directive when sat at the negotiating table – even if the project does not legally require an SEA.

Our services

RSK’s SEA experts collaborate with the Group’s Environmental Impact Assessment team to offer bespoke, integrated solutions to help you meet your SEA commitments and ensure future planning decisions are undertaken in an informed and transparent manner.

Our team can:

• Undertake the entire assessment on behalf of your organisation
• Undertake the scoping stage of the assessment
• Undertake the full post-scoping assessment
• Offer bespoke training packages that enable your own staff to carry out the SEA
• Provide trained personnel to assist your existing SEA team for the lifetime of the project or whatever the project demands
• Provide an advisory service and assess your SEA reports prior to formal consultation to ensure that it conforms to legislative requirements
• Provide a combination of any of the above

TABLE 1: Indicative list of plans and programmes requiring SEA