Exploratory study, plan development, Environmental Impact Assessment and ESIA

Our ambition in exploratory studies and planning development (together planning studies) is to arrive at sustainable and feasible spatial decisions. These are decisions that do not focus on solving a single task, but that are area-specific. The reason for this is that area-specific solutions offer sustainable added value for the area and can often count on broad support among stakeholders.

To achieve this, we at Witteveen+Bos integrate our technical and intrinsic knowledge of design and environmental and other effects, with knowledge of the procedures to be followed, MIRT rules, as well as process and engagement and stakeholder management. We do this in the exploratory phase, for instance where a preferred alternative is developed. Or in the plan development phase, where it is expanded into a Route Decisionor a zoning or integration plan.

SCBA and EIA

In both our exploratory studies and in plan developments, we use the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, where appropriate, a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) with added value for decision-making.

Our aim is a careful and well-motivated alternative development, focusing on science-based and distinctive effects, and: involve stakeholders in the research and development process.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the SCBA offer excellent opportunities for developing initiatives at both policy and project levels, including the social and environmental interests, to test for compatibility, to capitalise on environmental and other opportunities and to develop stakeholder support.

In this process, we constantly strive to understand the effects so that our clients can weigh up the alternatives in terms of expertise (social and administrative), participation, effects and legal feasibility.

Witteveen+Bos has had exhaustive experience in EIA procedures and drafting environmental impact assessments since the late 1980s. This includes more than 300 environmental impact reports (approved by the EIA Committee).

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)

We also use knowledge of describing environmental and social impacts of projects and programmes internationally. We have conducted successful ESIA assignments in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia, where we have advised credit bureaus (including Atradius), financial institutions (including FMO and IFC), development banks and private developers on environmental and social issues and projects.

Our environmental, social, technical and economic analysis experts work according to the IFC Performance Standards, the OECD guidelines, the Equator Principles as well as the inclusive infrastructure development manual drawn up by ourselves.