Project environmental categories

EBRD projects are structured to meet national and EU environmental standards. Where EU standards do not exist, national and World Bank standards apply. If these standards cannot be met at the time of Board approval, projects include a programme to achieve compliance. In addition, the Bank makes recommendations and encourages project sponsors to bring their existing operations at the project site into compliance with good international standards.

Projects are screened at an early stage for potential environmental impact. The EBRD determines what environmental investigation and public consultation is needed before Concept Review or Structure Review.

Environmental categories

A — The future environmental impacts of the project are potentially significant and cannot be readily identified, assessed or mitigated: The project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

B — The future environmental impacts of the project are potentially significant but, because of their nature, size and location, can be readily identified, assessed and mitigated: The project requires an Environmental Analysis (EA).

C — The project is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts: The project does not require an environmental investigation.

IEE — An Initial Environmental Examimation (IEE) is required when there is insufficient information available at the time of screening to determine the appropriate category.

FI — The project is classified as FI if it involves the EBRD investment through Financial Intermediaries such as banks, equity funds, insurance and leasing companies. The EBRD requires the Financial Intermediary to assess potential environmental impacts, risks and opportunities associated with EBRD-supported operations. This is to ensure that environmental investigations and public consultations are conducted when needed and that requirements are satisfied.

Environmental audit requirement

An environmental audit is undertaken when project sponsors have existing operations at the project site.

0 — No environmental audit is required. The Bank is satisfied that there are no potential environmental and health and safety risks and liabilities associated with the EBRD's financing.

1 — The operation requires an environmental audit.

 

For further details, please refer to the EBRD's Environmental Procedures.