Guides / EIAR & Planning Services
Wave Dynamics GuidesEIAR Climate Chapters Explained
How climate is assessed in an EIAR: greenhouse gas emissions against carbon budgets, climate change vulnerability, significance and mitigation.
In Short
The climate chapter of an EIAR assesses two things: the greenhouse gas emissions a project will cause over its life, and how vulnerable the project is to the effects of climate change such as flooding, heat and storms. Emissions are judged in the context of Ireland’s legally binding carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings.
- Greenhouse gas assessment covers construction, operation and, where relevant, end of life.
- Significance is judged against national climate targets and recognised guidance.
- Climate vulnerability looks at risks from future climate to the project itself.
- Mitigation focuses on reducing emissions and building in resilience.
Why Climate Is in the EIAR
The 2014 amendments to the EIA Directive made climate a specific topic, covering both a project’s contribution to climate change and its vulnerability to it. Irish climate legislation sets carbon budgets that all sectors must work within, which shapes how significance is judged.
Greenhouse Gas Assessment
Emissions are calculated for embodied carbon in materials, construction activity and transport, operational energy use, traffic and any process emissions. They are compared with the relevant sectoral ceilings and national budgets. Guidance such as the IEMA guide on assessing greenhouse gas emissions and TII guidance for road schemes is widely used.
Climate Change Vulnerability
The chapter also considers how the project could be affected by climate change over its lifetime: more intense rainfall and flooding, higher temperatures and overheating, drought, storms and sea level rise. Risks are reviewed with the design team and resilience measures identified.
Mitigation
Typical measures include low-carbon materials, efficient building services, renewable energy, sustainable transport measures and design for climate resilience. The chapter should show how these reduce residual effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every increase in emissions significant?
Not necessarily. Current guidance focuses on whether a project is consistent with the trajectory to net zero, rather than treating any emissions as significant.
How does this relate to a Climate Action Energy Statement?
A Climate Action Energy Statement supports a planning application on energy and climate policy. The EIAR climate chapter is a formal assessment of likely significant effects. Larger projects may need both.
This guide gives general information and is not a substitute for project-specific advice. Requirements change, so always check the current regulations, guidance and your planning conditions. Ask our team about your project.
Jon Maguire (BSc Hons MIOA) brings over 8 years of expertise in acoustic consultancy, specialising in environmental acoustics with a focus on 3D modelling, assessments, and detailed design for industrial, commercial, and energy projects. He has lead noise assessments for key clients while thriving in multidisciplinary environments. Jon’s diplomatic communication skills are ideal for stakeholder consultation.
Jack is a Field Engineer at Wave Dynamics, supporting the delivery of environmental monitoring and acoustic consultancy services through detailed on-site fieldwork. He has hands-on experience in noise monitoring, vibration monitoring, and dust monitoring across a variety of infrastructure, construction, and environmental projects. Jack is involved in the setup, operation, and maintenance of monitoring equipment, ensuring accurate data collection in line with relevant standards and project requirements. He works closely with consultants and project teams, providing reliable field support that underpins high-quality assessments and reporting.
Aidan is the Director for all U.K Operations and has worked in multiple industries including for clients in the UK and internationally operating in the residential, industry, healthcare, education, and construction sectors.
