Thinking Proactively about Options and Alternatives

What is an Alternative?

Alternatives are the elements of the solution space of a problem

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Alternative consideration in EIA

EIA is a decision making process. Without decision on alternatives, there is nothing to decide about. In light of prevention is better than cure, alternatives consideration can be one of the best preventive measures.

Options and alternatives are especially important when adverse environmental impacts are expected.

Making Positive Influence on Decision Making at the Earliest Possible Opportunity and Thinking Proactively about Options and Alternatives

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It is often better to pre-empt adverse impacts at the early stage.

Examples of alternatives that could be considered throughout a project life cycle include:

• different strategies of implementation e.g. to improve existing facilities/infrastructure to meet the demand rather than develop a new one;
• different sites or routes for all or part of the project e.g. the sites or routes should be designed to avoid and minimise possible environmental impacts;
• different technologies/working methods e.g. construction of a gas-fired power plant rather than a coal fired power station; and
• alternative layouts or designs e.g. locating noisy activities away from sensitive receivers.