Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Part 1: Navigating the future of environmental studies – the progress so far and what comes next?
09:40 to
10:55
Delivering Environmental Outcomes Reports by 2027 – implementing the roadmap and key steps for transitioning to a new system
09:40 to
10:05
- The latest updates on the timelines for EORs
- A focus on phase 1: setting outcomes and developing the guidance to meet these
- How can practitioners effectively prepare for upcoming changes and move their projects forward?
Panel discussion: Making Environmental Outcomes Reports a reality – what needs to happen and where are we now?
10:05 to
10:55
- 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?
Morning networking and refreshments
10:55 to
11:25
Part 2: Practical guidance on carrying out environmental studies
11:25 to
12:40
What counts as development for environmental studies? Recent case law and emerging risks to consider
11:25 to
11:50
- 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?
Best approaches to assessing cumulative impacts – from identifying potential effects to mitigation
11:50 to
12:15
- 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
12:15 to
12:40
- 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
Networking Lunch
12:40 to
13:40
Part 3: Nature-led environmental assessments: EDPs, Biodiversity Net Gain, and carbon considerations
13:40 to
14:55
The latest updates on Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund - what are the future implications for environmental assessments?
13:40 to
14:05
- 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?
Delivering biodiversity net gain - how to embed the new requirements into early project planning
14:05 to
14:30
- What does the introduction of BNG for NSIP mean? Applying the guidance going forward
- Using BNG requirements to influence site design from the outset and inform decisions within the EIA process
- What are the early lessons that are emerging?
Evaluating a development's carbon footprint within environmental assessments - what works best?
14:30 to
14:55
- 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?
Afternoon networking and refreshments
14:55 to
15:25
Part 4: New techniques and digital tools that are enhancing environmental assessments
15:25 to
16:45
Using AI to streamline the EIA process – improving efficiency while managing potential limitations
15:25 to
15:50
- 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
Panel discussion: Exploring innovative approaches for effective environmental studies – what best practice is emerging across sectors and shaping future projects
15:50 to
16:35
- 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?
Chair’s closing remarks
16:35 to
16:45
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:45 to
17:45