IEMA’s recently published Roadmap to Digital Environmental Assessment builds on their 2020 “A Primer for Embracing Innovation and Digital Working” and Connected Places Catapult’s “Digitising the EIA Process” (2020), guiding professions in digital tools available within environmental assessment. The focus is on desirable outcomes instead of prescribing specific methodology to allow for innovation within digital environmental assessments. It provides an outline how to reach digital maturity by offering what a non-digital scenario, an interim scenario and an ideal digital scenario can look like.
The IEMA Roadmap discusses the adoption of digital techniques and tools, offering solutions as to how a truly digital environmental solution could look like. It aids authors, teaching them to embrace digital processes to achieve optimal outcomes. It stresses the importance of adopting digital techniques, tools, and processes to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of environmental assessments.
As co-chair of their Digital Impact Assessment Working Group, my five takeaways from the Roadmap are:
1. Digital integration
Data needs to underpin all stages of an environmental assessment. Without proper storage and management of the data within a central database (common data environment), you are unable to progress towards digital maturity within environmental assessment.
2. Implementing an impact assessment database
The impact assessment database should be implemented early within a project and used within all subsequent project stages to store all assessment information in a structured manner. The key information the impact assessment database holds should include receptor specific information, mitigation information and impact related information, such as the significance of effects. The impact assessment database can be adjusted at different project stages depending on the information required.
3. Implementing a data strategy
For all projects, a robust and effective data strategy is required. This should cover all relevant environmental disciplines and consider the requirements of all project stakeholders. The data strategy should implement data management standards and ensure good data management practice is adopted.
4. Improve digital skills
Upskill practitioners to understand and use digital skills within environmental assessments. Use a digital champion to drive innovation and promote digital adoption within the company. Improving digital skills in environmental assessment is crucial to effectively unlock digital tools, enhance data management, and streamline processes. It enables staff to adapt to evolving technologies, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with digital requirements. Enhanced digital skills empower teams to leverage innovative solutions, improve collaboration, and drive successful outcomes.
5. Digital Documentation
Digital documentation in environmental assessment involves creating, storing, and sharing project-related information in digital formats. It aims to improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in data management. Digital documents can include reports such as Environmental Statements, Non-Technical Summaries and Scoping Reports using interactive maps. Digital reporting enhances communication and decision-making processes throughout the assessment lifecycle.
What’s next?
The future of environmental assessments lies in digital transformation, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement. Innovations such as interactive tools, data-driven formats, and standardised digital processes will revolutionise how assessments are conducted, ensuring better environmental protection and sustainable decision-making for the future.
WSP is a founding member of IEMA’s Quality Mark for EIA.
WSP’s expertise in project delivery and environmental assessment stands your project in great stead in taking it on this digital journey. We provide tailored solutions to enhance data management, streamline processes, and improve decision-making. Working with us ensures access to innovative digital tools and strategies for successful environmental assessment outcomes.
