What does the Assessing Impact stage entail?
After gathering relevant information and engaging in conversations, the next step is to assess the impact of the proposed environmental sustainability measure. This involves a collaborative evaluation—typically between any Lived Experience Lead and the organisation—to determine whether the measure will have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on marginalised communities.
Together, any Lived Experience Lead and the organisation will reflect on whether the proposed environmental sustainability measure could have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on marginalised communities. This step is about asking:
- Could this change help or harm certain groups?
- Does this match what we found earlier in the initial Scoping assessment?
- Is there a better way to move forward that reduces harm or increases benefits?
This is also a chance to pause and reflect, and to start to think creatively about how the environmental sustainability measure could be improved to enhance positive impacts and reduce negative impacts.
Some changes may have a mix of impacts—some good, some bad, and some neutral—especially if the proposed environmental sustainability measure includes multiple parts. That’s okay. The goal is to understand the full picture.
If the environmental sustainability measure is complex, it might be necessary to dig deeper to understand its specific effects on different communities. This could mean:
- Gathering more information
- Having more conversations
- Considering if the change might affect other areas/groups not previously considered
- Checking if it might clash with other existing measures
Not every possible outcome needs to be explored in detail—but consideration needs to be thoughtful. Equally, just because a group is affected differently doesn’t mean the impact is negative. All findings should be clearly recorded in the Environmental Justice Template.
The Lived Experience Lead plays a key role in the impact assessment of environmental sustainability measures. Their responsibilities include:
- Co-assessing impacts: Collaborating with the organisation to evaluate whether the proposed environmental sustainability measure will have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on marginalised communities.
- Reflective analysis: Engaging in a thoughtful process to explore whether the measure could be adjusted to reduce harm or enhance benefits for these communities.
- Ensuring alignment: Checking whether the findings are consistent with earlier Scoping assessments.
- Identifying further needs: Helping determine if more information gathering or community conversations are needed, especially if unanticipated impacts or conflicts with other measures arise.
- Documenting findings: Contributing to the recording of insights and decisions in the Environmental Justice Template.
Tool: Environmental Justice Template
The Environmental Justice Template is the tool through which to record the different stages of the Environmental Justice Framework.
Within the template, there is space to record each stage. These notes and reflections can then be returned to and reviewed at the end of the process.
Impact Assessment Checklist
This checklist is designed to help decision-makers consider the following questions:
- What are the expected outcomes of this environmental sustainability measure?
- Who is most likely to be affected by this measure?
- Have we considered the views and experiences of marginalised communities?
- Does the potential impacts of the measure align with what we found in the Scoping assessment?
- Could this measure have a positive impact on any marginalised group?
- Could it have a negative impact on any marginalised group?
- Are there any neutral or mixed impacts to consider?
- Are there possible unintended consequences we haven’t yet explored?
- Is there a way to reduce any negative impacts identified?
- Could the measure be adapted to increase positive outcomes?
- Are there alternative approaches that might work better for everyone involved?
- Is the environmental sustainability measure significant/complex enough to require a more detailed impact analysis?
- Do we need to gather more information or hold more conversations?
- Could this measure affect other areas or policies we haven’t considered?
- Might this measure conflict with other existing or planned initiatives?
- Have we clearly documented all potential impacts of the environmental sustainability measure in the Environmental Justice Template?
- Have we noted any differences in impact between groups, even if they’re not negative?
- Are we confident that the process has been fair, inclusive, and proportionate?
Scenario Example: The Green Streets Initiative
This scenario shows how the Impact Assessment stage of the framework might be applied.
Description of the proposed measure: The local council of a mid-sized town is planning to implement a ‘Green Streets’ initiative. The project involves converting several car-dominated streets into pedestrian-friendly green corridors with trees, seating, bike lanes, and community gardens. The goal is to reduce air pollution, encourage active travel, and improve public health. The proposed streets run through a diverse, low-income neighbourhood with a high proportion of elderly residents, disabled individuals, and ethnic minority communities.
Applying the Assessing Impact stage to the ‘Green Streets’ Initiative
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The council may have collected data on:
- Air pollution levels
- Traffic patterns
- Demographics of the neighbourhood (low-income, elderly, disabled, ethnic minorities)
- Public health indicators
- Community feedback through consultations
This foundational information sets the stage for assessing the impact of the proposed changes.
The Lived Experience Lead and the Council now collaboratively assess the potential effects of the Green Streets initiative on marginalised communities:
Positive Impacts
- Improved air quality: Beneficial for elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions.
- Safer streets: Reduced traffic accidents, especially helpful for disabled and elderly residents.
- Community gardens: Can foster social cohesion and provide access to fresh produce.
- Encouragement of active travel: Promotes physical health.
Negative Impacts
- Reduced car access: May disproportionately affect disabled and elderly residents who rely on vehicles.
- Potential displacement: Beautification may lead to gentrification and rising rents.
- Cultural disconnect: If design elements don’t reflect the community’s identity or needs.
Neutral Impacts
- Some residents may not use the new infrastructure (e.g., bike lanes) due to physical limitations or cultural preferences.
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This stage provides an opportunity to start to rethink the Green Streets initiative to:
- Include accessible transport alternatives (e.g., shuttle services, drop-off zones).
- Ensure community gardens and seating areas are designed with input from ethnic minority groups and disabled residents.
- Implement anti-displacement policies (e.g., rent control, local business support).
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Given the complexity, a more detailed analysis may be needed for example:
- Mobility studies for disabled and elderly residents.
- Economic impact assessments on housing and local businesses.
- Cultural relevance audits to ensure inclusivity in design.
If gaps in information on impacts of the Green Streets initiative remain:
- Conduct additional community conversations.
- Revisit traffic and accessibility data.
- Explore conflicts with other urban policies (e.g., parking regulations, housing plans).
All findings should be documented in the Environmental Justice Template, including:
- Summary of gathered information
- Identified impacts (positive, negative, neutral)
- Reflections and proposed adjustments
- Any further actions or consultations planned
