Environmental impact
The term ‘environmental impact’ refers to the possible effects a particular action may have on the natural environment. These effects can be either negative or positive.
According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the construction sector uses more than 400 million tons of material each year, much of which has a negative environmental impact. In particular, the products that are used during the construction process can be damaging due to intensive extraction of raw materials, transporting to manufacturing plant and site, energy consumption in manufacture and in use, waste generation and so on.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted the ‘significant change in the surface of a land’ due to construction activity which involves clearing vegetation, excavation, disrupting habitats, changes to drainage patterns and the water table, noise pollution, light pollution, dust, vibration and so on.
The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 sets out a requirement to carry out an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as part of the planning application process for certain projects (generally large or environmentally complex projects).
The purpose of an EIA is to ensure that the environmental effects of a proposed development are properly considered. An EIA provides the local planning authority with better information about certain types of project enabling them to make a more informed decision about whether permission should be granted and to allow imposition of more appropriate conditions and obligations to mitigate possible negative impacts.
Ecological Impact Assessments are a key part of EIAs. These identify, quantify and evaluate the potential impacts of on ecosystems or their components.
For more information see: Environmental impact assessment.
A construction environmental management plan may be developed, outlining how a construction project will avoid, minimise or mitigate impact on the environment and surrounding area.
For more information see: Construction environmental management plan.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Construction environmental management plan.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Environmental impact of biomaterials and biomass (FB 67).
- Environmental modelling.
- Environmental policy.
- Environmental statement.
- Feasibility studies for construction projects.
- Greenhouse gases.
- In-combination effects.
- Natural environment.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.