14. Sustainability

Question 1

4 sustainability principles

Answer 1

1 Consider the interconnectedness and interdependence of
human-ecological systems

2 Consider the well-being of present and future generations

3 Consider positive effects and reduce adverse effects of the
designated project

4 Apply the precautionary principle and consider uncertainty
and risk of irreversible harm

Question 2

In BC Act

Answer 2

promote sustainability by protecting the environment and fostering a sound
economy and the well-being of British Columbians and their communities by…

(A) carrying out assessments in a thorough, timely, transparent and impartial
way, considering the environmental, economic, social, cultural and health
effects of assessed projects,

(B) facilitating meaningful public participation throughout assessments,

(C) using the best available science, Indigenous knowledge and local
knowledge in decision making under the Act, and

(D) coordinating assessments with other governments, where appropriate,
including Indigenous nations, and with other provincial ministries and
agencies;

Decision on application for environmental assessment certificate
* (i) recommendations respecting whether the project is
consistent with the promotion of sustainability by protecting
the environment and fostering a sound economy and the
well-being of British Columbians and their communities,

Question 3

Federal IAA

Answer 3

one of the factors that
must be considered in impact assessments is “the extent to
which a designated project contributes to sustainability

Sustainability means the ability to protect the environment,
contribute to the social and economic well-being of the
people of Canada and preserve their health in a manner that
benefits present and future generations. (durabilité)

Question 4

Conducting impact assessments calls for the examination of
potential changes to the ….of a designated project on valued
components (VCs) and the consideration of mitigation
measures.

Answer 4

environment and to health, social
and economic effects

Question 5

This framework therefore proposes a …
for the assessment of a project’s contribution to
sustainability

Answer 5

VC-centered approach

Question 6

In EIA, * Sustainability is a lens to assess potential impacts of
a designated project:

Answer 6

• Applying a sustainability lens to the assessment of
  environmental, health, social and economic effects allows
  practitioners to gather information that wouldn’t (maybe)
  otherwise be analyzed.
• This includes the consideration of long-term effects on future
  generations, the interaction of effects and additional
  mitigation measures.
• Analysis of a project’s contribution to sustainability occurs
  after practitioners have conducted their assessment of
  effects…
• But information and data requirements for sustainability
  would need to be considered from the outset of an impact
  assessment.

Question 7

definitions of sustainability

Answer 7

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
(WCED)

• Development which ensures that the utilization of resources
  and the environment today does not damage prospects for
  their use by future generations.
  (NRTEE)
• Each generation is entitled to the interest on natural capital,
  but the principle should be handed on unimpaired.
  Canada’s Commission of Conservation (1915)

Question 8

sust in planning phase

Answer 8

early engagement with Indigenous peoples and the public to identify key values and
issues that will inform the assessment of a project’s contribution to sustainability -scoping

identifies valued components that should be carried forward into the sustainability assessment.

develops the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines that outline the information and analysis
required for the sustainability assessment in the proponent’s Impact Statement.

Question 9

sust in impact statement phase

Answer 9

Impact Statement based on the project-specific Tailored Impact Statement
Guidelines (analysis of the extent to which the project contributes to sustainability)

guidance to proponents on the expert knowledge
(including Indigenous knowledge), information and analysis required in the sustainability assessment.

 The Agency ensures that the proponent’s Impact Statement provides all of the required expert knowledge
(including Indigenous knowledge), information and analysis in relation to sustainability, as set out in the
Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines for the project.

Question 10

sust in impact assessment phase

Answer 10

considers, evaluates and analyzes the sustainability information in the
proponent’s Impact Statement, in conjunction with all information available, including Indigenous knowledge
provided by Indigenous peoples, and information from the public, federal authorities and other knowledge
holders.

The Impact Assessment Report, sets out the extent to which the
project contributes to sustainability.
–>informs the decision-making phase.

Question 11

sust in decision-making phase

Answer 11

public
interest determination.

based on the Impact Assessment Report and the five public interest factors set
out in the Act.7 This includes a consideration of the extent to which the project contributes to sustainability.

Question 12

sust in post-decision phase

Answer 12

Decision Statement.
include
conditions, the period in which the proponent must substantially begin the designated project, a description of
the project, and reasons for the determination.

Conditions may include mitigation measures that address adverse environmental,
health, social or economic effects, or a follow-up program to monitor these effects over time.

Complementary measures:
-federal action to address adverse residual effects; or
-measures to address impacts to the rights of Indigenous peoples that are outside the care and control of
the proponent.