What does the Scoping stage entail?
At the development stage of any new environmental sustainability measure or review of any existing measure, it’s important to assess its potential impact—especially on marginalised communities. This is where the Scoping assessment comes in. Scoping is an early-stage review that helps organisations understand the possible positive or negative effects of a proposed environmental measure or change. It’s especially useful when multiple possibilities for measures have been identified and a decision needs to be made about which to pursue.
Wherever possible, Scoping should be a joint effort between the organisation and the Lived Experience Lead. It may draw on existing knowledge and evidence—often gathered during the earlier Explore stage—to evaluate the potential impact of a proposed measure.
The depth of the Scoping process should match the scale and importance of the proposed environmental sustainability measure. Whether it’s a quick check or a more detailed review, the goal is to ensure decisions are objective and evidence based.
During Scoping, the following questions help guide the assessment:
- What is the purpose of the proposed environmental sustainability measure?
- How will it achieve that purpose?
- Who stands to benefit—and how?
- Could anyone be negatively affected, and why?
- Are there any related goals that might impact specific groups?
These questions can be captured in the Environmental Justice Template, which helps structure the assessment.
- If Scoping reveals a potential impact—positive or negative—on any community group, the process moves to the next stage of Information Gathering.
- If no impact is identified, a clear justification should be recorded explaining why a further full assessment isn’t needed but the measure should be kept under review for any unexpected impacts which may arise.
The Lived Experience Lead plays a central role in ensuring that marginalised community voices are included throughout this Framework. Their responsibilities during the Scoping stage of the Framework include:
- Collaborating with the organisation to assess potential positive or negative impacts of proposed environmental measures on marginalised communities.
- Bringing first-hand insights to ensure the assessment reflects real-world experiences.
- Helping gather and interpret existing evidence, especially from the earlier Explore stage.
- Assisting in clearly defining the purpose of the proposed measure and identifying who benefits or may be harmed.
- Ensuring the assessment is proportionate to the scale of the measure but remains objective and evidence-based.
- Supporting decision-making on whether a full assessment is needed and helping document justifications.
- Contributing to completing the Environmental Justice Template, ensuring inclusive and thoughtful responses.
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.
Scoping Checklist
- What is the purpose of the proposed environmental sustainability measure?
- How is the measure intended to achieve this purpose?
- Who is expected to benefit from this measure/change, and in what ways?
- Could any individuals or groups be negatively affected? If so, who and why?
- Are there any marginalised or protected groups that might be impacted (positively or negatively)?
- Are there any associated aims or side effects that could impact specific communities?
- Does the measure align with existing environmental or social goals?
- What existing evidence or knowledge supports this assessment?
- Is the level of assessment proportionate to the scale and importance of the proposed change?
- Is there enough evidence of potential impact to proceed to a full assessment and next stage of Information Gathering?
- If not, is there a clear justification for not continuing further?
- Has the Environmental Justice Template been completed?
Scenario Example: The Green Streets Initiative
This scenario shows how the Scoping 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 Scoping stage to the ‘Green Streets’ Initiative
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce air pollution
- Encourage active travel (walking, cycling)
- Improve public health
- Enhance urban green space and community cohesion
- Converting car-dominated streets into pedestrian-friendly green corridors
- Adding trees, seating, bike lanes, and community gardens
- Reducing vehicle traffic and emissions in targeted areas
- General public: Cleaner air, safer streets, improved mental and physical health
- Children and families: Safer play and travel routes
- Cyclists and pedestrians: Improved infrastructure
- Local businesses: Potential increase in foot traffic
- Community groups: Opportunities for gardening and social interaction
- Elderly and disabled residents: Risk of reduced car access or parking near homes
- Low-income residents: Potential concerns about gentrification or displacement
- Ethnic minority communities: If not engaged, may feel excluded from planning or benefits
- Drivers: Reduced road access or increased congestion elsewhere
- Climate action goals: Positive environmental impact
- Urban regeneration: Could lead to rising property values, affecting affordability
- Community engagement: If done inclusively, can empower marginalised voices
- Collaboration: The Lived Experience Lead and the council should co-assess impacts, especially with input from elderly, disabled, and ethnic minority residents.
- Evidence Gathering: Use data from the Explore stage (e.g., traffic studies, air quality data, community feedback).
- Proportionality: Given the scale and potential impact, a detailed Scoping assessment is warranted.
- Objective Assessment: Clearly define the goals and expected outcomes to assess both benefits and risks.
Since there is evidence of both potential positive and negative impacts on marginalised groups, the process must proceed to the next stage of Information Gathering and a full impact assessment.
Additionally, the Environmental Justice Template should be completed to document:
- Purpose and methods
- Stakeholder engagement
- Anticipated impacts
- Justifications for decisions
