Environmental Expertise and Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Expertise and Environmental Impact Assessment

We offer experts in the marine environment and environmental impact assessment (EIA).

NIRAS has international experience in EIA and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EISA) manage­ment. Our team of in-house experts has extensive experience in the biological and physical marine environment. Our technical experts also provide specialist input into EIA managed in-house by clients or by others. We have an exceptional track record of success and have led or contributed to the assessment of some of the largest offshore wind projects yet brought forward.

NIRAS’ team of in-house experts has extensive experience in all environmental aspects associated with the development of offshore wind farms. We use our technical expertise in the physical, biological and human environment to obtain, analyse and interpret relevant environmental information to inform the design, consenting and operating licence conditions of offshore wind farms.

Our services include the design, implementation and management of survey campaigns; environmental studies and appraisal, including risk assessments such as collision risk modelling and  critical habitats assessment; ecological impact assessment; environmental management and monitoring.

Where appropriate we make use of innovative technologies (radar, LiDAR, remote sensing) to efficiently acquire relevant environmental data.

Environmental impact assessment

NIRAS has international experience in conducting EIAs. Our technical experts also provide specialist input into EIAs managed in-house by clients or by others. We have an exceptional track record of success and have led or contributed to the assessment of some of the largest projects yet brought forward.

We have experience of both strategic, plan-level and project-level assessment.

Emerging markets and ESG

Increasingly investors and lenders require assurance that projects have identified, considered and managed environmental and social impacts, particularly those being delivered in new and emerging markets.  NIRAS is experienced in environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) required to satisfy international standards such as IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles. We assist developers to ensure that ESIAs meet those standards. We provide technical due diligence and advice to investors and lenders looking to ensure that ESG requirements have been met.

Suitable mitigation and monitoring plans

We work closely with clients to ensure that any mitigation proposed is relevant, proportionate and that it is technically and commercially feasible. Once the application is approved, we assist our clients to develop and implement detailed mitigation and monitoring plans effectively and efficiently.

Gicon Windpark 05 Farm Ny

Grand innovation partnership develops future designs for floating offshore wind

On the 30th of January 2024, the project Integrated Designs for Future Floating Offshore Wind Farm Technology (INF4INiTY) kicked-off. The INF4INiTY project is about developing integrated designs for future floating offshore wind farm, providing major technology innovations involving nature inclusive design as part of the floating foundation for the offshore wind turbine.
Karolina Reducha Andersen

The impact of offshore wind farms on marine biodiversity

The Ph.D. project aims to investigate how the massive expansion of offshore wind turbines will impact the marine benthic biodiversity, which is already under pressure, and aims to contribute to filling an important research knowledge gap.
Istock Vindmøller Offshore

Environmental assessments for Hesselø Offshore Wind Farm

Prior to the construction of offshore wind farms, an assessment of the effects on the environment must always be carried out. Over the next year, through a series of preliminary investigations at sea and on land, NIRAS’s experts will help assess the potential environmental impact, that an offshore wind farm near the Danish isle Hesselø may have.
Small Crop Aflandshage Nordre Flint Offshore Wind Farm

Environmental impact assessments for Aflandshage and Nordre Flint Offshore Wind Farms near Copenhagen

NIRAS’ environmental impact assessments (EIA) for the two offshore wind farms Aflandshage and Nordre Flint includes the wind farm areas, marine cable corridors, landfall, substations and cable corridors onshore for grid connection.
Seals

NIRAS conduct environmental impact assessment for Thor - Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm to date

A multidisciplinary team of NIRAS experts are conducting the environmental impact assessment for the offshore facilities of the 1,080 MW Thor Offshore Wind Farm. Once built, Thor will deliver renewable energy to the equivalent of more than one million households, making it the largest offshore wind farm in Denmark.

Developing sustainable offshore wind solutions

Get in touch

Tim Norman

Tim Norman

Vice President, Environment International

Ascot, United Kingdom

Lisbeth Errboe Svendsen

Lisbeth Errboe Svendsen

Vice President

Aarhus, Denmark

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