Identify environmental risks before they become project risks.

Environmental due diligence is an essential step in project acquisition, development planning and site assessment. Understanding the environmental risks, regulatory obligations and potential liabilities associated with a project early in the process supports informed decision-making and reduces the likelihood of costly surprises during development or operation.

Without adequate environmental due diligence, organisations risk inheriting contaminated land, unresolved compliance obligations or approval requirements that significantly affect project viability and cost.

How we can help

Applied Environment & Safety conducts environmental due diligence assessments to identify environmental risks, regulatory obligations and approval requirements associated with a proposed project or acquisition. Our assessments provide the information your team needs to make informed decisions about project viability, risk allocation and planning strategy.

We work with project proponents, legal advisors and financial stakeholders to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into the broader due diligence process.

Featured Project

Environment & Land Access for Transmission Line Construction

Whyalla to Port Lincoln, South Australia

Applied Environment & Safety provided environmental planning support during the early contractor involvement (ECI) stage of ElectraNet’s Eyre Peninsula transmission line upgrade project. Our support involved input into design, site scoping and development of management measures.

We were then engaged to provide ongoing environmental management and land access support for this $290 million project during construction of the 270 km transmission line from Whyalla to Port Lincoln. This included development of the Construction Environmental Management Plan and issue specific sub-plans. Then onsite implementation and compliance through all phases of construction to rehabilitation.

Our knowledge of transmission line construction phases and potential associated environmental risks allowed us to develop and implement effective controls.

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What’s involved

Environmental due diligence assessments are tailored to the nature of the project and the stage of development or acquisition. The scope may range from a high-level desktop review through to detailed site investigations, depending on the level of environmental risk and the information available.

Our environmental due diligence services include:

  • Desktop environmental risk screening and review
  • Review of existing environmental reports and documentation
  • Site inspections and environmental condition assessments
  • Contaminated land assessments and preliminary site investigations
  • Identification of environmental approval and permitting requirements
  • Regulatory compliance gap assessments
  • Environmental risk and liability reporting for acquisition due diligence

Our approach

We structure environmental due diligence around the decisions your team needs to make. Whether you are assessing a site for acquisition, evaluating a project for investment or confirming environmental obligations before development, we tailor the scope of work to deliver the specific information you need, without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Our assessments are clear, commercially focused and structured to support decision-making by project managers, legal teams and financial stakeholders. We identify the environmental risks that matter, quantify the implications and present our findings in a format that supports your next steps.

Industries We Support

Environmental due diligence is relevant across any industry where environmental risk, compliance obligations or contaminated land may affect a project. We regularly support due diligence for projects in the following sectors.

Why Work With Applied Environment & Safety

We understand that environmental due diligence is a commercial exercise, not just an environmental one. Our assessments are structured to answer the questions your decision-makers are asking, about risk, cost, timing and regulatory exposure.

Our team combines environmental consulting expertise with an understanding of how due diligence information feeds into broader project planning and acquisition processes.

Discuss Your Environmental Due Diligence Requirements

Tell us about your project or acquisition. Our team will come back to you within one business day to discuss how AES can support your environmental due diligence needs.

Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.

Other Environmental Planning & Approval Services

Environmental Constraints Assessment & Feasibility

Environmental constraints and feasibility assessments help determine whether a proposed project is viable from an environmental perspective. These early-stage studies identify environmental sensitivities, regulatory risks and potential approval requirements that may influence project planning and design. Applied Environment & Safety supports projects by assessing environmental constraints, identifying approval pathways and providing early guidance on environmental risks that may affect project feasibility.
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Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental impact assessments evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposed developments and provide the technical documentation required to support environmental approvals. Applied Environment & Safety prepares environmental impact assessments and coordinates technical studies to support planning approvals and regulatory submissions. Our team works with the project to identify environmental risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies that support project approvals.
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EPBC Approvals & Planning

Projects that may impact Matters of National Environmental Significance require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 (EPBC). Applied Environment & Safety prepares EPBC referrals, supporting environmental assessments and navigating the Federal environmental approval pathways. Our team provides strategic guidance to ensure the project meets Federal environmental requirements and progresses efficiently through the EPBC approval process.
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State Level Environmental Approvals & Planning

Many developments require environmental approvals under state planning frameworks. These approvals vary depending on the location, scale and nature of the project. Applied Environment & Safety supports organisations navigating environmental approval processes in Queensland , assisting with the preparation of submission documentation and engagement with State regulatory bodies. Our team helps projects understand State environmental planning requirements and develop approval strategies aligned with project timelines.
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Environmental Approval Process & Regulator Liaison

Successfully navigating environmental approvals requires a clear strategy and effective communication with regulatory authorities. Applied Environment & Safety works with project teams and government regulators to guide projects through environmental approval processes, ensuring documentation, timelines and regulatory requirements are managed effectively. Our team supports engagement with regulatory agencies and assists organisations in coordinating environmental approvals across multiple jurisdictions.
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Resources & Insights

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    Corporate Climate Change & Decarbonisation Planning

    Turning climate commitments into practical action requires more than setting emissions targets. Organisations need a clear understanding of their emissions profile, realistic reduction opportunities and a plan for putting those opportunities into practice.  Applied Environment & Safety recently supported a major infrastructure and utilities business in developing its 2027–2032 Climate Change and Decarbonisation Plan, building…

  • Environmental Tender Support for a Major Transmission Project

    Environmental Tender Support for a Major Transmission Project

    Applied Environment & Safety supported a design and construct contractor through the tender phase of a major transmission infrastructure project in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

  • What is the Rehabilitation Hierarchy? A Guide to Land Rehabilitation and Environmental Management

    What is the Rehabilitation Hierarchy? A Guide to Land Rehabilitation and Environmental Management

    Rehabilitation is often viewed as the final stage of a project, something that occurs once construction or operations have ceased and equipment has been removed. In reality, effective rehabilitation begins long before the first disturbance occurs. The most successful rehabilitation programs are guided by a rehabilitation hierarchy, a structured framework that prioritises avoiding impacts wherever…

FAQ’s

Common questions from project teams about Environmental Due Diligence.

What is environmental due diligence?

Environmental due diligence is the process of identifying and assessing environmental risks, liabilities and regulatory obligations associated with a project, site or acquisition. It helps organisations make informed decisions before committing to a development or transaction.

When is environmental due diligence required?

Environmental due diligence is most commonly required during property or project acquisitions, before major development approvals, during site selection for new projects, and when assessing compliance with environmental regulations for existing operations.

What does an environmental due diligence assessment include? 

The scope varies depending on the project, but typically includes a desktop review of environmental data, site inspections, contaminated land screening, identification of regulatory obligations and a summary of environmental risks and recommendations.

How does environmental due diligence differ from an environmental impact assessment? 

Environmental due diligence focuses on identifying existing environmental risks and liabilities, often during acquisition or early planning. An environmental impact assessment evaluates the potential future impacts of a proposed development and is typically required as part of a regulatory approval process.

Can environmental due diligence identify contaminated land? 

Yes. Environmental due diligence commonly includes contaminated land screening through desktop review, historical land use analysis and, where required, preliminary site investigations to assess soil and groundwater conditions.

Who needs environmental due diligence? 

Any organisation acquiring land, developing a project or investing in an asset where environmental risk may affect value, compliance or project feasibility. This includes developers, investors, infrastructure proponents and government agencies.

Get in Touch

Contact Applied Environment & Safety today to see how we can help you.