Strategic environmental assessment 

According to the SEA Directive (2001/42/EC), certain public plans and programmes which may have a significant impact on the environment have to undergo strategic environmental assessment.

Extensive experience

COWI has extensive experience in facilitating and carrying out SEAs for national authorities and for the EU Commission. Our experience covers development plans and programmes at cross-border, national , regional and local levels as well as specific sector plans.

Tailor-made approach

In the SEA of a specific plan or programme it is necessary to consider and make adjustments in the design, approach and methodology applied to match the character, content and the structure of the plan or programme to be assessed. COWI has developed a number of tools which enable us to select the SEA approach and methodology which is most appropriate in each individual case.

Selected examples

COWI has carried out SEA projects within the following fields:

• Regional development programmes
• Cross-border cooperation programmes
• National development programmes
• Local area development plans
• Sector plans.