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What is environmental footprint assessment?
Environmental footprint assessment is the determination of the amount of natural resources necessary to maintain a given pattern or model of functioning. It applies to individuals, entire societies or countries, as well as infrastructure or ideas. One of the natural resources is fauna and flora, collectively known as biodiversity. You can find more information on this topic on our blog
Who needs an environmental footprint assessment – examples of types of business activities
Industrial plant
Regardless of the nature of their activity and specificity of production, industrial plants may be adjacent to green areas or valuable natural habitats. Just due to their vicinity, they can significantly affect the surrounding ecosystems and protected species of plants and animals.
Heat and power generating plant
In addition to extensive infrastructure that significantly decomposes the landscape, investment projects of this type require an enormous amount of resources. An example of this would be water that is needed for heat production. Heat and power generating plants are also a source of gas emissions that have a significant impact on climate change.
Power plant
The operation of power plants is associated with the exploitation of significant amounts of natural resources and raw materials such as fossil fuels or water. The activities of power plants emit greenhouse gases, affect the landscape and can also adversely affect the surrounding natural habitats and ecosystems.
Mine
They include investment projects that can significantly affect each element of the environment. Apart from the exploitation of the deposit itself, they have a significant impact on the landscape, disturbing its harmony. Besides, they directly influence biocenotic elements and biotic environments.
Sewage treatment plant
Regardless of the type of treatment plant (municipal or industrial), they are the source of a significant amount of biological nutrient removal. Uncontrolled emission or leakage of such substances to the environment may significantly disturb the circulation of elements or lead to eutrophication of a given area.
Trust our experienced experts. AvesNature has been working for many years on carefully prepared documentation that allows investors to go through all the official processes without a prolonged wait for the possibility of realising the investment. Over the years, we have acquired a solid dose of knowledge that we want to share. A large number of reports we have prepared make us proud and encourages further development. Please contact us and our specialists will help you deal with any problem.
What does the environmental footprint assessment consist of?
The assessment of the ecological footprint and impact on biodiversity consists of several modules. The first and fundamental element is to draw up a wildlife inventory of the area. The wildlife inventory is the initial instrument for completing the subsequent assessment steps. These are the natural valorisation, the impact assessment (negative and positive) and the minimising and compensating recommendations, i.e. the so-called directional plan for biodiversity.
Wildlife inventory
This is a module covering the description of the natural elements found within the boundaries of the area and its vicinity. Contains general information on the location of the development in the context of national and local biodiversity, obtained from available sources. It then moves on to the core inventory, i.e. a description of fauna and flora based on direct observation in the field.
Natural valorisation
It consists in assessing the nature conservation value of the inventoried area. Each identified wildlife element, e.g. species or habitat, has a specific natural quality (value). Some of the most valuable species are thosse protected or endangered and included in the Annexes of the European Union Directives – on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. A list of the most valuable plant and animal species and habitats is created based on the scores awarded.
Assessment of negative and positive effects on biodiversity
Thanks to the information obtained at the previous stages and the characterisation of habitats and species, the state of the natural environment within the boundaries of the plant and its vicinity is determined. A number of parameters are assessed, such as overall impact on biodiversity, impact on species, degree of habitat fragmentation or presence of invasive species. Beneficial impacts related to current company policy are also assessed. These include managing green areas, reducing over-exploitation of resources, reducing pollution or invasive species control..
Directional plan for biodiversity
The final and target element of the study is a directional plan for biodiversity. It identifies objectives and areas for the protection of natural resources on and adjacent to your plant. It contains recommendations for minimising possible negative impacts of the plant on biodiversity and indicates directions for improving the ecological status. The strategic areas of the plan are the appropriate management of green areas which supports native fauna and flora, as well as the responsible management of resources.
How to reduce ecological footprint – examples of actions
Management of green areas
The implementation of extensive green areas management results in a rapid improvement in habitat condition and an increase in local biodiversity. The selection of appropriate tree, shrub and perennial species has a positive impact on the landscape and creates attractive habitats for many animal species. It is also important to implement a dedicated schedule and frequency of appropriate conservation treatments to maintain high biodiversity.
Creation of microhabitats attractive to small animal species
Microhabitats, i.e. small fragments of the landscape offering suitable habitat, such as shelter or breeding conditions, for living organisms. There is a range of effective methods for creating attractive microhabitats. One of the commonly used solutions is to create forage or flower meadows dedicated to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Special shelters, so-called “insect hotels”, are also built for insects, so that they can build nests or stay through the winter. Another example of an increase in microhabitats in the investment project area can be the hanging of bird and bat boxes.
Reducing over-exploitation of resources
It is recommended that resources be used in a sustainable or regenerative manner, ensuring their natural recovery. It is important to have a detailed sourcing plan and to regularly analyse the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.
Counteracting climate change
Implementation of measures and mechanisms to reduce adverse impacts on the climate, e.g. use of renewable energy sources and more rational water management. The use of Best Available Technologies (BAT) reduces pollution and increases production efficiency.
Reduction of pollution
Reducing pollution is the most obvious and relatively easy to implement measure for improving local biodiversity. The elimination of pollutants can be achieved, for example, by modifying the technological process, applying a circular economy, using appropriate filters or building a treatment plant.
Invasive species control.
Invasive species control is often a long-term effort and requires regularity. There is a range of methods, such as mechanical, natural and chemical. Dozens of alien and highly invasive plant species have been identified within national habitats. Each species requires a specific, individual approach and the selection of appropriate control methods
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AvesNature’s team of professionals will be happy to draw up a project information sheet for your chosen investment. We include key information about the planned project in order to obtain an environmental decision quickly and efficiently.
How much does an ecological footprint assessment cost?
An ecological footprint assessment is a service that we price on an individual basis, after having familiarised ourselves with your business area. The cost of the service depends on the type and extent of your business activity and requires more or less work to determine your ecological footprint. Only after you have determined your ecological footprint does your documentation follow, in which we describe, among others, the ways to minimise the ecological footprint of your company or organisation.
