Environmental Pre-Feasibility Study | Ideas Medioambientales | Environmental Consultancy

What an environmental pre-feasibility study is

An environmental pre-feasibility study is a preliminary analysis that assesses the ecological and environmental sensitivity of a site before starting the formal environmental impact assessment procedure, in order to identify the main environmental constraints or risks that could condition the project's processing or viability. It has no legal effect of its own, but it is an indispensable risk-management tool for renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

Unlike urban planning pre-feasibility, which focuses on land classification and administrative easements, environmental pre-feasibility analyses the natural values, habitats, species and impacts on protected areas that may determine a favourable or unfavourable Environmental Impact Statement, or the imposition of conditions that are difficult to meet.

What it analyses

Presence of and proximity to Natura 2000 network sites (SPAs, SCIs/SACs) and other protected areas.
Habitat Types of Community Interest under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive within the project area.
Potential presence of threatened species according to the official cartography available (in Spain, the LESRPE and CEEA protection listings).
Bird and bat migration routes relevant to wind and solar projects.
Landscape sensitivity and project visibility from sensitive receptors.
Impacts on the livestock trail network and the public water domain (Spanish public land and water regimes).
Precedents of environmental assessments in the surrounding area and outcomes of previous Environmental Impact Statements for similar projects.

Why carry it out before the Environmental Impact Study

Identifying a critical environmental constraint early (for example, the presence of a breeding colony of a listed raptor, an extensive priority habitat, or a bird migration route of high abundance in the immediate surroundings) can avoid investing in a full Environmental Impact Study for a project with little chance of obtaining a favourable statement. With this information, the developer can decide to relocate the project or size it differently before committing to larger investments.

Why choose Ideas Medioambientales

We carry out environmental pre-feasibility studies with in-house biologists and environmental scientists who know the territory, the official habitat and species cartography, and the precedents of environmental processing across the main Spanish regions where we operate. We deliver a clear report with an environmental risk map of the site and a recommendation on the project's viability.

Tell us the site coordinates and the type of project, and we'll advise you on the initial environmental constraints we identify and the timeframe for delivering the analysis.

Book a 30-minute meeting and tell us about your projects.

You can also contact us today to talk about your project.

What can we cover in 30 minutes?

It's more than enough time to have an overview of your needs and recommend the best route forward. Here there is a summary of the steps we will follow.

1. Let's get to know your project

We want you to walk us through your project's main goals and concerns; and based on that, we’ll set an approach to make the most of the meeting.

2. Quick assessment: identifying challenges and opportunities

We will analyze the key aspects of your project, such as its location, applicable regulations, deadlines and potential environmental impacts, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities.

3. Tailored solutions: how can we help you

We will suggest you the services that best suit your needs, explaining how we work to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability, while answering any questions that you may have.

4. Action Plan: let's keep moving forward together

We will wrap up with a summary of the key points, suggesting clear next steps such as a quote or a follow-up meeting. We will remain at your disposal to accompany you as your project moves forward.