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Screening categories and rationale for classification
Urban property redevelopment such as this project has specific environmental
impacts which, however, can be readily identified and prevented through
adequate measures and application of good international practice. For the
above reasons, the EBRD has classified the project B/1, requiring an
Environmental Analysis and Audit of the proposed site and associated
facilities.
Information reviewed during the environmental appraisal
Reviews of the completed Environmental Questionnaire and relevant
documentation have been carried out and site assessments of the four
sub-projects in Tbilisi are currently underway.
Environmental impacts and mitigation measures
Potential environmental issues associated with property redevelopment and
operation, which can be readily identified, and mitigated include the
following: soil and water contamination at the site; the status of official
environmental approvals; cultural and historical heritage; environmental,
health and worker safety issues (including potential labour issues) during the
construction; traffic impact issues, safety of construction materials; and
environmental, life and fire safety aspects during the operation of the
sub-projects.
Environmental due diligence to date has confirmed that the sub-projects are
unlikely to be associated with significant past environmental liabilities as
well as health and safety documentation is being prepared for each
sub-project. Further environmental due diligence including the site
assessments will examine the remaining issues. An Environmental Action Plan
(EAP) might be required if any significant shortcomings are identified during
the further due diligence. The Sponsor will be required to ensure that each
sub-project complies with national and EU environmental, health and safety
standards and requirements. To achieve that, the Sponsor will incorporate all
necessary preventive and mitigation measures into the project design as well
as commit itself to good international practice.
Environmental opportunities
The project may allow for urban regeneration through the redevelopment of the
existing buildings. In addition, the environmental due diligence will examine
energy efficiency opportunities.
Monitoring
The Bank will evaluate the project’s compliance with the applicable
environmental and social requirements during the lifetime of the project by
reviewing annual environmental reports (AER) prepared for the project
covering: (1) on-going performance of project-specific environmental, health
and safety programmes if applicable, and (ii) the status of implementation of
environmental mitigation measures as well as EAP if required.
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