Man in a blue shirt examining a plant in the grass

Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

An Environmental impact assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a project. The goal is to ensure that environmental aspects are considered early in the planning process.

Contact

Projects in harmony with nature

The Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a legally mandated and central tool for assessing the potential environmental impacts of renewable energy projects. It identifies and evaluates ecological risks to minimize or completely avoid negative effects on nature. The environmental impacts studied include potential impairments to the following protected assets:

  • Humans, especially human health,

  • Animals, plants, and biological diversity,

  • Land, soil, water, air, climate, and landscape,

  • cultural heritage and other material assets as well as

  • the interaction between these factors.

The result is a comprehensive assessment that not only minimizes ecological risks but also creates transparency and strengthens public trust.

The objectives of the environmental impact assessment

Plan and implement in accordance with the law

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ensures that all legal requirements and regulations are met. The EIA verifies whether a project is in compliance with existing environmental laws, which forms the basis for approval.

Develop with consideration for the environment

A key objective of the EIA is to assess the potential environmental impacts of a project and to minimize or entirely prevent negative effects on nature. This helps ensure projects are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Create transparency, gain acceptance

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promotes transparency and builds trust in the project by disclosing the environmental impacts and ensuring that public concerns are addressed. This is crucial for the acceptance and long-term success of the project.

Environmental impact assessment process

Protection and assessment in the EIA process

Whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required depends on various parameters, including the type and size of the project and the specifics of the location. These factors are assessed in close consultation with recognized experts from our partner network to make an informed assessment. The EIA then examines the potential impacts of the project on various environmental assets such as soil, water, air, and biodiversity. The process begins with scoping, followed by the creation of the EIA report, public participation, and review by the regulatory authority. Finally, a decision on the project's approval and monitoring of the environmental impacts during implementation is made. A diagram detailing the entire process is available for download here.

Download PDF

Advantages at a glance

Collaborative approach and involvement of authorities

EEF works early and proactively with authorities and public interest bodies (TöB). Through comprehensive assessments, maximum transparency and trust are created for the project.

Transparent collaboration with local communities

EEF promotes open communication with communities. All relevant environmental aspects are communicated transparently to the community from the beginning.

Early integration of environmental and species protection

EEF integrates environmental impacts from the feasibility and potential analysis stages. Both hard factors like the requirements from the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) and soft factors such as the landscape are considered from the beginning.

  • Collaborative approach and involvement of authorities

    EEF works early and proactively with authorities and public interest bodies (TöB). Through comprehensive assessments, maximum transparency and trust are created for the project.

  • Transparent collaboration with local communities

    EEF promotes open communication with communities. All relevant environmental aspects are communicated transparently to the community from the beginning.

  • Early integration of environmental and species protection

    EEF integrates environmental impacts from the feasibility and potential analysis stages. Both hard factors like the requirements from the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) and soft factors such as the landscape are considered from the beginning.

Two people performing a 'finger hook' greeting outdoors by interlocking their index fingers
Partnership approach

Become an EEF partner and shape the future together.

EEF has an extensive regional and nationwide network in Germany. Through close collaboration with our partners, we pool expertise and resources to implement sustainable projects that meet today's and tomorrow's energy needs.

Learn More
Portrait of a bearded man wearing a blue shirt against a gray background

Do you have questions? We have the answers.

Ole Klingenburg

Regional Manager North

+49 (0) 40 25305491 - 00

ole.klingenburg@eef.de