Environmental impact assessment - A tool for sustainable development? A case study of biofuelled energy plants in Sweden

Properly performed, environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a useful tool for promoting sustainable development because it includes many components that can help facilitate intragenerational and intergenerational equity. In a case study, environmental impact statements (EISs) for Swedish biofuelled energy plants are analysed to see whether they include components vital to meet intra- and intergenerational equity, such as assessing local and global impacts, use of resources, public influence on project development, and alternative project design. The analysis shows that the environmental aspects of sustainable development on a local level are only partly met by EIA. However, global effects and effects on the management of natural resources are not assessed, excluding aspects that may affect future generations. Based on this, and since no concerns for sustainable development on a societal level were found, it is concluded that EIA practice in Sweden may not, to a full extent, serve as a tool to promote sustainable development. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.