What is the purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in project planning?

• A. It assesses the potential environmental effects of proposed projects.
• B. It designs project schedules and budgets.
• C. It assesses supplier capabilities for procurement.
• D. It certifies building safety compliance.

Answer: (A)

Environmental Impact Assessment in project planning is about identifying, predicting, and evaluating the potential environmental effects of a proposed project before decisions are made, so those effects can be avoided, minimized, or mitigated through design changes and measures. It guides the planning process by examining how the project could impact air quality, water, soil, biodiversity, noise, traffic, and cultural resources, and it drives decisions on mitigation, monitoring, and reporting. This helps ensure compliance with environmental laws and promotes more sustainable planning.

The other aspects mentioned—designing schedules and budgets, assessing supplier capabilities for procurement, and certifying safety compliance—pertain to time, cost, procurement, and safety processes, not to evaluating environmental consequences within the planning stage.