SEA toolkit

Tools, techniques and approaches that can be applied to SEA.

We have prepared a SEA Toolkit outlining tools / techniques which may be useful for plan makers when undertaking SEA. The section is intended to promote consideration by plan makers of a range of tools and techniques for aspects of SEA. The choice of appropriate tools / techniques should be based on a particular plan and its potential effects.

This section sets out our current understanding in this area but we recognise the need to build on this as experience grows. Please contact us with your views and experience of tools and techniques application so we can improve this section.

Expert judgement

Providing evidence based expert judgement on particular environmental issues.
Assessing cumulative effects on the environment

Identifying and addressing cumulative effects as part of the SEA process.
Best Available Technique (BAT) and Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)

How plan makers undertaking SEA may need to consider BAT or BPEO during assessment of environmental effects or the implementation of the plan.
Constraints and opportunities mapping

How GIS techniques can provide a spatial understanding of SEA constraints (and opportunities).
Consultation and participation

Tools that can be used to involve stakeholders and the public in SEA.
Cost benefit analysis techniques

How CBA techniques could be used to compare technical, environmental and social impacts for SEA.
Ecological footprinting

A technique for expressing the impact of proposals as a bioproductive area equivalent or ‘footprint’
Horizon scanning

Using horizon scanning in SEA to ensure that plans consider a long-term perspective.
Sustainability Appraisal and Integrated Appraisal

Bringing together environmental, social and economic considerations in the assessment process.
Modelling

How conceptual models and modelling can be used to better predict impacts.
Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA)

How MCA can inform decision making.
Network (Casual Chain) analysis

Used to ascertain probable impacts and benefits on sustainability identifying outcomes via a chain of causation. Also used to identify actions that may achieve desired objectives.
Quality of life capital

Based on deciding what matters and why, quality of life capital aims to identify priorities for guiding land-use planning and management decisions.
Risk assessment

Using risk assessment to inform management decisions and support sustainability studies.
Scenario testing

Scenario testing as a method of forecasting.
Sustainability Threshold Assessment (STA)

A pragmatic approach used in land use planning that facilitates bringing together impacts across different media within a sustainability context.

SEA toolkit

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