Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing
EIA Scientist, EIA Consultant, Environmental Assessor, Environmental Planner, Environmental Manager, Environmental Consultant
The Sector
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process by which the impacts of a proposed development are assessed and reduction measures identified. EIAs are usually undertaken by commercial consultancies employing specialists in areas such as ecology, air and noise pollution, traffic and water quality. In the UK, the demand for EIA services is driven by legislation but in developing countries the demands of donor agencies are the main drivers. Major infrastructure developments routinely require an EIA as part of the conditions upon which funds are released.
Environmental auditing is driven by the need for companies to achieve compliance with environmental management system (EMS) standards. EMS specialists and auditors can work for companies operating an EMS, consultancies offering advice on EMS implementation or certification bodies that verify whether a company’s EMS meets the recognised standards. Increasingly, EMS specialists work in other related areas such as health and safety, corporate reporting and expanding EMSs.
Auditors are often required as part of ‘due diligence’ exercises during major mergers and acquisitions. The rewards in this sector can be substantial, as environmental managers often work with multinational corporations who expect the very highest standard of expertise.
Sector Profile
Commercial consultancies form the largest recruiting sector, accounting for half of those involved in EIA. It is anticipated that there will be a continued demand for professionals in these areas.
Issues and Trends
As a process, EIA has been undertaken in the UK for about 20 years and provides a varied and interesting career.
Auditing went through a career boom in the 1990s, linked to the adoption of formalised EMS approaches by many major UK businesses. This trend has not continued at quite the same level in recent years but it remains a strong growth area as small and medium sized businesses adopt EMSs. More significant employment growth is likely to come from the emergence of new specialisms relating to sustainability, climate change and carbon trading.
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