Health Impact Assessments (HIAs)
Sweco Health Impact Assessments provide comprehensive, evidence-based audits to inform decision-making processes which ultimately promote and protect public health – combining our in-house expertise across air quality, acoustics, landscape architecture, environmental planning, water networks, transport infrastructure and buildings performance.
What is a Health Impact Assessment (HIA)?
A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a crucial tool used to evaluate the potential health effects of policies, plans, and projects – and provides a systematic approach to identifying and addressing the potential risks and benefits of proposed developments on the health of communities. A HIA is often required as part of a planning application, and sometimes needed as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment.
From data and consultation findings, actionable recommendations can be made to maximise positive impacts, minimise negative impacts and avoid any unintended consequences.
Carrying out a HIA is a collaborative and participatory process that involves gathering data, engaging with stakeholders, and providing recommendations for improving health and wellbeing. By considering the health impacts of various decisions, HIAs can contribute to creating healthier communities and promoting long-term, society-wide health equity.
As summarised by the World Health Organization, a HIA is based on the four interlinked values of democracy (promoting stakeholder participation), equity (considering the impact on the whole population), sustainable development and the ethical use of evidence.
Sweco’s experts are proud to have worked closely with the IEMA to shape its latest impact assessment guides: ‘Effective Scoping of Human Health in Environmental Impact Assessment’, and ‘Determining Significance for Human Health in Environmental Impact Assessment’.
What are the benefits of a HIA?
- By providing evidence-based recommendations, a HIA ensures that health considerations are integrated into decision-making processes from the outset, leading to better health outcomes.
- A thorough, evidence-based assessment can in turn contribute to cost savings by preventing community objections which could delay the planning application.
- A HIA can also help identify and address health inequalities by specifically highlighting the potential impacts on vulnerable groups or disadvantaged populations.
- HIAs can help create a project that has a significant positive influence on the health and wellbeing of communities, resulting in an exceptional outcome.
- Ultimately, fully interrogating a project through a health lens means a greater likelihood of a successful planning application that has the backing of the local community.
What do HIAs take into consideration?
At the start of a project the Health Impact Assessment we identify the scope so that the assessment is relevant to the nature of the project and the surrounding area. Key areas that are considered during this scoping exercise.
The physical environment
This includes factors such as air quality, water quality, noise pollution, and access to green spaces.
Poor air quality, for example, can have detrimental effects on respiratory health, while limited access to green spaces can impact mental wellbeing.
HIAs evaluate how proposed projects may affect these environmental factors and subsequently impact health.
The social environment
This includes factors such as social cohesion, community engagement, and access to social services and resources.
Strong social connections and community support are known to have positive impacts on health outcomes.
HIAs assess how proposed developments may affect social dynamics within a community and whether they may enhance or hinder social wellbeing.
The economic environment
This includes factors such as employment opportunities, income levels, and access to affordable housing and transportation.
Economic factors greatly influence health, as individuals with low income or unstable employment may face barriers to accessing healthcare or afford healthy food options.
HIAs evaluate how proposed projects may impact economic conditions and subsequently influence health disparities.
Local demographics
This includes factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.
Different population groups may have varying health needs and vulnerabilities.
HIAs assess how proposed projects may impact different demographic groups and whether they may exacerbate existing health inequities.
Built environment
This includes factors such as the design of neighbourhoods, availability of recreational facilities, and access to healthy food options.
The physical layout of communities can impact physical activity levels, food choices, and overall well-being.
HIAs assess how proposed developments may shape the built environment and whether they promote or hinder health-promoting behaviours.
Health services
This includes factors such as the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and health promotion programs.
Access to quality healthcare is crucial for maintaining and improving health outcomes.
HIAs evaluate how proposed projects may affect healthcare access and whether they may lead to disparities in healthcare provision.
Health assessment – as a standalone deliverable or as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment – can make a huge difference. With a growing body of evidence linking people’s surrounding environment to their health and wellbeing, Sweco is in a unique position to assess community impact and use data to design projects that really do create better societies.
Rebecca McClenaghan Technical Manager
Why community-focused assessments are so vital
Carrying out an human-first, socially-driven impact assessment is a systematic process that evaluates the potential health, cultural, and socio-economic effects of a project or development on the surrounding community and stakeholders. It helps identify potential positive and negative impacts and provides recommendations for mitigating any adverse effects. Here are just some of the reasons you might need expert support from our impact assessment consultancy team:
Compliance with regulations
Many governments and regulatory bodies require businesses to conduct assessments as part of their approval processes. Our consultancy will help you identify and meet all necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder engagement
An impact assessment helps identify and engage with all relevant stakeholders. By involving these stakeholders from the early stages of a project, you can build positive relationships and address any concerns or grievances through collaborative, data-driven community engagement. At Sweco, we can support undertaking public consultations which are key to successful HIAs – we also work with the local environmental health officer (EHO) to guide and inform the HIA.
Risk management
Understanding the social impacts of a project is crucial for effective risk management. Our experts help clients identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, minimising the likelihood of negative consequences and project delays.
Reputation and branding
In today’s socially conscious world, businesses that prioritise social impact and sustainability enjoy enhanced reputation and brand loyalty. Our consultancy helps clients align their projects with social values, enabling them to build a positive brand image and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Long-term sustainability
Impact assessments provide insights into the long-term sustainability of a project. By considering social factors, businesses can ensure that their initiatives contribute to the well-being of communities, fostering positive social change and leaving a lasting legacy.
Technical accuracy
Having technical experts involved in the assessment process helps to ensure that the assessment is conducted using the appropriate methodologies, data sources, and analytical techniques which helps to generate robust and evidence-based findings. Once complete, a standalone report HIA Report (with the option of GIS based graphics/interactive map) will be produced to support a proposal such as a project planning application.
If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference and ensure your project has a positive social impact, our health assessment experts are here to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business goals while creating a better future for all.