Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:50
- The latest updates on the timelines for EORs - implementing the roadmap
- How can practitioners effectively prepare for upcoming changes and move their projects forward?
Speaker:
Rufus Howard.
Policy Lead Impact Assessment and Sustainable Finance.
ISEP.
Part 1: Navigating the future of environmental studies – the progress so far and what comes next?
09:50 to
11:05
Panel discussion: Making Environmental Outcomes Reports a reality – what needs to happen and where are we now?
09:50 to
10:35
- Supporting the delivery of EORs - how can the sector actively engage and contribute?
- What will a smooth transition look like in practice, and how can key challenges be managed?
- What should be retained from the current system to ensure continuity and effectiveness?
- How can EORs be aligned with wider environmental planning policy to avoid duplication?
Speakers:
Josh Fothergill.
Founder & Director.
Fothergill Training & Consulting.
Rebecca Roffe.
Partner.
CMS.
Joseph Lewis.
Head of Policy.
Institution of Environmental Sciences.
Morning networking and refreshments
10:35 to
11:05
Part 2: Practical guidance on carrying out environmental studies
11:05 to
13:20
What counts as development for environmental studies? Recent case law and emerging risks to consider
11:05 to
11:30
- Defining what constitutes a single project versus multiple developments
- Lessons learned from Raeshaw Farms v Scottish Ministers and what it means for future applications
- What needs to be scoped upfront, and what can be addressed at a later stage?
Speaker:
Robert Garden.
Partner.
CMS.
Best approaches to assessing cumulative impacts – from identifying potential effects to mitigation
11:30 to
11:55
- Understanding cumulative impacts categories and types – what needs to be included in your EIA?
- Overcoming data limitations and uncertainty – accessing reliable information about other schemes in the area
- Examples of effective mitigation measures that can be implemented to address cumulative impacts
Conducting assessments for linear infrastructure projects – practical steps for delivering environmental studies across large geographical areas
11:55 to
12:20
- What are the biggest challenges when carrying out EIA for linear infrastructure?
- How to successfully manage environmental studies across different project locations
- Engaging multiple stakeholders and communities during the EIA process
Speakers:
Steven Edwards.
Senior Environmental Planner.
SP Energy Networks.
Hywel Roberts.
Director of Environmental Planning.
LUC.
Networking Lunch
12:20 to
13:20
Part 3: Nature-led environmental assessments: EDPs, Biodiversity Net Gain, and carbon considerations
13:20 to
15:05
The latest updates on Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund - what are the future implications for environmental assessments?
13:20 to
13:45
- Moving from site specific to landscape studies
- Coordinating assessments with Environmental Delivery Plans – addressing environmental issues at a strategic level
- What does the Natural Restoration Fund mean for EIA requirements?
Speaker:
Alastair Wager.
Deputy Director – Nature Restoration Fund.
Natural England.
Aligning and adapting existing corporate nature frameworks to deliver BNG for NSIPs
13:45 to
14:10
Speaker:
Samir Whitaker.
Biodiversity Lead Specialist.
Ørsted.
Evaluating a development's carbon footprint within environmental assessments - what works best?
14:10 to
14:35
- Identifying key greenhouse gas sources – what emissions should be included and how far should the assessment extend?
- Understanding the significance of GHG emissions and ensuring alignment with net zero policy frameworks
- What mitigation measures are available to reduce carbon impacts?
Speaker:
Louise Walsh.
Senior Carbon Consultant.
Haskoning.
Afternoon networking and refreshments
14:35 to
15:05
Part 4: New techniques and digital tools that are enhancing environmental assessments
15:05 to
16:25
Using AI to streamline the EIA process – improving efficiency while managing potential limitations
15:05 to
15:30
- How can AI be integrated into existing workflows to reduce delays and added costs?
- What tasks within the EIA process can AI realistically simplify?
- Addressing the risks of AI – considering transparency and accuracy
Speaker:
Alistair Walker.
Technical Director - EIA.
Lanpro.
Panel discussion: Exploring innovative approaches for effective environmental studies – what best practice is emerging across sectors and shaping future projects
15:30 to
16:15
- What new methods are being adopted to improve environmental assessments?
- Lessons learned from different types of infrastructure schemes that can be applied to future projects
- How are developers using innovation to optimise the EIA process?
- What barriers are preventing the implementation of new EIA techniques?
Speakers:
Barney Forrest.
Head of Environmental Impact Assessment.
Heathrow.
Georgina Dutton.
Lead Consents Officer – Major Programmes.
National Gas Transmission.
Speaker from.
Transport for London.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:15 to
16:25
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:25 to
16:35