Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector Term Paper

Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector - Term Paper Example EIA also refers to the study of the impacts of a proposed projects, plans or programs on the environment. It assesses the possible positive and negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment. It consists of the natural, social and economic aspects. The purpose of EIA is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts when deciding whether to proceed with a project (ecolink.co.ke). The USA first introduced EAI under the Environmental Policy Act (1969). Since then it has evolved and a variety of offshoot assessment techniques have emerged acting as a broader impact assessment toolkit (International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The main focus is on social, environmental health, biodiversity and cumulative effects and risks. This initiative by the USA motivated many countries to initiate formal EAI systems with legislations and regulations. The EAI systems served as a guide as to when an environmental assessment was requisite, and for what kind of projects. EAI plays major roles as far as environmental sustainability is concerned. It serves as a deterrent measure to adverse projects and at the same time a development tool for beneficial projects. The major roles of EAI are environmental sustainability, policy development, planning, investment, monitoring and assessment as discussed below. Environmental sustainability refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). EAI guarantees protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources including human health aspects against uncontrolled development. This is meant to ensure a sustainable economic development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to sustain themselves (Guidelines of Principles and