Environmental issues may present themselves as temporary or permanent changes to the atmosphere, water, and land due to human activities, which can result in impacts that may be either reversible or irreversible. Social issues may emerge in the workplace of a client’s/investee’s operations and may also impact surrounding communities. A client’s/investee’s performance in the areas listed below can represent environmental and social risks to the operation:
- Air emissions and air quality
- Energy use and conservation
- Wastewater and water quality
- Water use and conservation
- Hazardous materials use
- Wastes
- Land contamination
- Biodiversity and natural resources
- Labor and working conditions
- Occupational health and safety
- Community health, safety, and security
- Land acquisition and resettlement
- Indigenous peoples
- Cultural heritage
The extent of environmental and social impacts potentially associated with a client’s/investee’s operations depends on the industry sector and is usually categorized into low, medium or high risk.
