HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND

Transcription

1 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND DRAFT CORPORATE PLAN Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report 31 August 2018

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3 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.2 Consultation 1.3 Content of our draft plan 1.4 Key inputs 1.5 The SEA process 1.6 Screening & scoping of our assessment 2. ENVIROMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND KEY DRIVERS 2.1 Other plans, programmes and environmental objectives 2.2 Scoping the environmental topics to be included in our assessment 3. ENVIROMENTAL BASELINE, PROBLEMS AND EVOLUTION 3.1 Environmental baseline 3.2 Environmental issues 3.3 Evolution of the environment without our plan 4. ASSESSMENT APProACH AND METHOD 4.1 Scoping the level of detail of our assessment 4.2 How was our draft plan assessed? 4.3 Alternatives 4.4 Gaps and Assumptions 5. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 5.1 Effects of our strategic outcomes 5.2 Effects of our strategic outcomes summary 5.3 Cumulative effects 6. MITIGATION AND MONITORING 6.1 Mitigation and Recommendations 6.2 Monitoring 7. Next steps Annex 1: Review of plans, programmes and environmental objectives Annex 2: Scoping comments from SNH & SEPA Annex 3: Detailed assessment of the priority actions that underpin our strategic outcomes Annex 4: Summary Assessment of 'How We Will Work'

4 1. Introduction 1.1 Background Historic Environment Scotland were established by The Historic Environment Scotland Act Our general function as set out in the Act is to investigate, care for and promote Scotland s historic environment. Our first Corporate Plan ( ) looked at our priorities for the whole of Scotland. As the first Corporate Plan for a new body it focused on setting up the framework for the new body going forward, introducing the 5 Strategic Themes that will inform all of our work. These 5 themes continue to be the core expression of what Historic Environment Scotland does and informs everything we do. This is our second Corporate Plan and as well as continuing the 5 strategic themes of Lead, Understand, Protect, Value and Perform we are setting our vision for the plan period and the 5 strategic outcomes we want to achieve. All of these play their part on delivering on Our Place in Time: The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland which is the high level framework that sets out the 10 year vision for Scotland s historic environment. The Scottish Government recently launched a revised National Performance Framework which sets out the Government s Purpose and Values and 11 National Outcomes. This refresh of the National Performance Framework puts wellbeing at the heart of sustainable economic growth and this has informed our thinking in both how we prepared this plan and what its aim should be.

5 1.2 Consultation This Environmental Report accompanies our draft plan for a 9 week public consultation between 31 August 2018 and 2 November Any comments that you would like to make on either document are welcomed. A number of questions are listed in the Response Form which you are encouraged to use to help structure your response to our draft plan and this Environmental Report. With regards to the Environmental Report the main question to consider is: Do you agree with the results of our environmental assessment and have the key issues associated with the environmental implications of our plan been identified? 1.3 Content of our draft plan Our Corporate Plan has been prepared to set out our vision and desired outcomes over the coming three years. It forms the top tier of our performance management framework and will be underpinned by annual operating plans which will set out the details on how we deliver to these outcomes as well as a suite of implementation strategies. 1.4 The SEA Process The purpose of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans, programmes, policies and strategies with a view to promoting sustainable development. It achieves this by ensuring that information on the environmental effects of a plan, programme, policy or strategy is gathered and made available to plan makers and decision takers as it is prepared and implemented. In doing so, SEA provides a systematic method which seeks to: integrate environmental factors into plan preparation and decision-making improve plans and enhance environmental protection increase public participation in decision making facilitate openness and transparency

6 The key stages of SEA involve: Stage Screening Scoping Activity Determining whether the plan is likely to have significant environmental effects and whether an SEA is required. Deciding on the scope and level of detail for the assessment and the consultation period. This is done in liaison with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Assessment, mitigation & Testing the contents of the plan as it is developed, identifying mitigation enhancement measures and looking at ways to enhance positive effects. Environmental Report Publishing an Environmental Report on the findings of the assessment and consulting on that report and the plan. Adoption & monitoring Providing information on the adopted plan, how consultation comments have been taken into account and methods for monitoring the significant environmental effects arising from its implementation. 1.5 Screening & scoping of our environmental assessment Under The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, plans, programmes and strategies with the potential to have significant environmental effects are to be subject to environmental assessment prior to adoption. As we considered that our Corporate Plan has the potential to result in significant environmental effects we submitted Screening and Scoping Reports to the Scottish Government s SEA Gateway on 3 April 2018 to seek the views of the Consultation Authorities (SNH and SEPA). Helpful comments were received from both organisations who were generally supportive of our approach. Annex 2 summarises the comments provided by SNH and SEPA and shows how these have been taken into account in progressing the SEA. In particular, we have acted upon SEPA s advice regarding the relationship between Material Assets and Climatic Factors in relation to resource use and waste reduction. Accordingly we have included a question to test our plan in this area under climatic factors. As a result of the screening/scoping consultation we determined that an SEA would be undertaken. The determination notice was published on 31 August 2018 and can be viewed on our webpage: Following on from the scoping stage, an environmental assessment was carried out during the preparation of our plan. This Environmental Report presents the results of that assessment, sets out the measures proposed to mitigate the potentially adverse effects, enhance positive effects and suggests monitoring indicators.

7 2. Environmental objectives and key drivers 2.1 Other plans, programmes and environmental objectives It is important that there is an understanding of where our corporate plan sits within our own planning hierarchy as well as its relationship to other relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives. This helps to identify both where decisions are being made within our own hierarchy and where our work is influenced by other plans and strategies. Figure 1 below shows where our Corporate Plan sites within our and the wider plan hierarchy.

8 Figure 1 - Our Corporate Plan within the plan hierarchy

9 Annex 1 sets out the review of the current legislation, policies, plans and strategies that are considered to be most directly relevant to our Corporate Plan. It has been assumed that the key environmental objectives for each of the environmental parameters identified in Schedule 3 of the Act are translated into national policy and strategy. The environmental protection framework provided by European legislation has not been reviewed in detail. Instead, our focus has been to review the key areas of legislation relevant to our Corporate Plan and its assessment. To summarise, the key environmental objectives identified from our review of legislation, policies, plans and strategies are: To protect and, where appropriate, enhance the historic environment To increase the role of communities in shaping and making local decisions To halt the loss of biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses through targeted action for species and habitats (and to protect and enhance species and habitats) To increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the natural and historic environment To protect and enhance the water environment (with a requirement to ensure that the status of all waters are protected from deterioration) To promote and encourage opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy access to wildlife and the countryside To manage access appropriately to avoid damage to archaeological sites or habitats, and disturbance to wildlife, especially breeding birds, by heavy public use of sensitive areas To protect, enhance and, where appropriate, restore landscape character, local distinctiveness and scenic value To protect soil resources and promote soil function To reduce the exposure of sensitive receptors to poor air quality To promote sustainable development To reduce waste and help deliver the targets outlined in the Zero Waste Plan (70 per cent target recycle and maximum five per cent sent to landfill, both by 2025) To tackle flooding issues (including properties within HES properties in care estate) To reduce our contribution to climate change and be positioned to respond to the predicted effects of climate change

10 2.2 Scoping the environmental topics to be included in our assessment A key part of the SEA process is identifying the environmental topics (from Schedule 3 of the Act) that are likely to be affected by the plan. This can lead to some environmental topics being scoped out of the assessment and helps to focus the SEA on the key environmental issues. A Scoping Report was submitted in April 2018 which set out the proposed scope and level of detail of our assessment and comments were sought from SNH and SEPA. Based on the environmental protection objectives above, the scoping report identified the environmental parameters that we considered to be affected by our Corporate Plan. Annex 2 summarises the comments SNH and SEPA provided on the scope of our assessment and how we have taken these into account. Table 1 below sets out the scope of our assessment with reference to the environmental topics included in Schedule 3 of the Act. Justification is provided for those environmental topics that are scoped out of the assessment. Table 1 Scoping In/Out Environmental topic Scoped in/out Potential issues arising from our corporate plan and justification for scoping in/out Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Out Although there may be some indirect effects for biodiversity, flora and fauna as a result of our priorities set out in our Corporate Plan we do not consider these will be strategically significant. Our plan itself will focus on our role in investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland s historic environment. Strategic priorities in our Corporate Plan will not relate to the natural environment. Project level detail in support of strategic priorities and outcomes will be set out in lower level business plans. Consequently we propose to scope this topic out of our assessment. Landscape In We recognise that landscapes form an important element of the historic environment. The strategic priorities in our Corporate Plan will focus on the new body s role in investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland s historic environment. The linkages between cultural and natural landscapes are recognised and the potential for significant effects on the baseline condition of Scotland s natural landscape character and scenic value will be explored. Geodiversity has also played a strong role in the character of our landscapes and in the creation of the historic environment that often reflects locally available materials. In light of this landscape has been scoped into our assessment.

11 Cultural Heritage In Our core function is to investigate, care for and promote Scotland s historic environment. For this reason it is considered that our Corporate Plan will have significantly positive effects for all aspects of the historic environment. Population and Human Health In Our Corporate Plan is likely to have significant positive effects for population and human health through outcomes and targets which will lead to continued access to cultural sites in the care of Scottish Ministers and activities relating to further interpretation and understanding of Scotland s historic environment and the role it can play in creating better communities and places. Soil Out Although there may be some indirect effects for soil as a result of our priorities set out in our Corporate Plan, we do not consider these will be strategically significant. The plan itself will focus on our role in investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland s historic environment. Strategic priorities in our Corporate Plan will not relate to soil function or capacity. Project level detail in support of strategic priorities and outcomes will be set out in lower level business plans. Consequently we propose to scope this topic out of our assessment. Water Out We do not consider that the strategic priorities and targets in our Corporate Plan will significantly affect water quality, flow, flooding or pollution. Consequently we propose to scope this topic out of our assessment. Air Out We do not consider that the strategic priorities and targets in our Corporate Plan will significantly improve air quality or lead to higher levels of pollution. Consequently we propose to scope this topic out of our assessment. Climatic Factors In It is considered that our Corporate Plan could make a significant contribution to reducing the causes of climate change by setting targets for reduced emissions/efficiency. The predicted effects of climate change are also likely to have implications for the historic environment at a strategic level particularly through coastal erosion and increased incidence of extreme weather. Our Corporate Plan may also therefore have a role in contributing to effective adaptation particularly in terms of traditional buildings.

12 Material Assets Out While we do not consider that the strategic priorities and targets in our Corporate Plan will significantly affect natural resources, existing infrastructure or forestry we accept SEPAs comments regarding the link between resource use, waste reduction and climatic factors. We have therefore included a question to this effect under climatic factors to test our plan in this area.

13 3. Environmental baseline, problems and evolution 3.1 Environmental baseline In order to establish the environmental effects of our Corporate Plan it is necessary to understand the environmental baseline of the area that is likely to be affected. Schedule 3 of the Act lists the environmental topics that should be considered in SEA. To focus the SEA, baseline information has been gathered on the environmental issues that are likely to be affected by our plan. Given that our Corporate Plan covers our priorities for both our own estate and Scotland as a whole, a national baseline has been reviewed. A summary of the key baseline information for each relevant environmental topic is set out below. Cultural Heritage The historic environment is a legacy of our long history, from the eco homes at Skara Brae, to the post-war homes and churches built by Scotland s leading architects, and with a great deal in between. Scotland s historic environment is a unique asset, attracting millions of visitors each year and generating income and jobs across Scotland. As such, the historic environment makes a valuable contribution to the Scottish Government s strategic objectives and the purpose, values and national outcomes stated in the National Performance Framework. In terms of specific sites and buildings Scotland has six World Heritage Sites, over 47,000 listed buildings and more than 600 conservation areas. Nearly 400 sites are currently identified in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, and 40 sites are on the Inventory of Battlefields. The actual extent of archaeological remains in Scotland is unknown with just over 8,000 Scheduled Monuments representing only a small proportion of the archaeological sites for which HES holds records and the many more unrecorded sites and unknown resources throughout the country. Landscapes are a key part of our cultural heritage; they have huge economic potential and are a vital part of our sense of place and general well-being. The key information relating to the context for our Corporate Plan, and what we have based our assessment upon, can be found in the 2016 Heritage Audit and in the Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland Our Place in Time. Population and Human Health The environment provides a variety of services that are beneficial to human health including opportunities for education and recreation. Access to historic environment sites, forests, woodlands and nature conservation sites as well as the wider environment can help to promote healthier lifestyles, having positive effects on both physical and mental health. The quality of the environment in which we live can also impact on our quality of life. High quality urban environments, including natural landscapes can create a sense of place and improve well-being. For these values to be retained the historic environment needs to be managed in a sustainable way to ensure that the positive and distinctive contribution it can make to our well-being, landscape, and sense of history, identity and place can be realised.

14 Community Planning is an increasingly important area in which the connection between people and place and the associated impacts (for example; health, wellbeing and social inclusion) can be seen as a driver towards better outcomes in these areas. Climatic Factors Our archaeology and coastal landscapes are vulnerable to coastal erosion, rises in sea level, flooding and storminess. Some of Scotland s unique and special sites such as Skara Brae in Orkney are most at risk. Built heritage can also suffer adverse effects from storms, subsidence and increased wetting and weathering. More rainfall will mean that traditional buildings will be wetter for longer periods of time resulting in increased weathering of stone, algal and fungal growth, corrosion of metals and timber decay. The spread of pests and disease as a result of a warmer climate and milder wetter winters can also have effects upon various materials and furnishings. Measures to improve energy efficiency in traditional buildings need to be considered carefully with thought given to the carbon footprint, embodied energy, longevity and sustainability of existing and replacement materials. For example, reducing air leakage in traditional buildings to prevent heat loss might result in condensation and mould growth, with damaging effects on the building fabric and the health of those living there. Careful consideration also needs to be given to the renewable energy projects (such as micro renewables) which may have a detrimental effect on the character or setting of historic environment features, landscapes and townscapes. We also need to be mindful of the relationship between resource use and work in the area of waste reduction and their link with climatic factors. During we emitted a total of 6,216 tc02e GHG emissions in comparison to our 6,525 tco2e annual budget for , meaning that we have made an additional reduction of 309 tco2e. This means that we have made a total reduction in GHG emissions of 5.3% in comparison to our annual target of 2.3% for , which is an additional reduction of 3% beyond target. Overall (from to ) we have emitted 19,397 tc02e and made a saving of 14.5% so far. This consists of a 7.5% reduction in energy emissions against the previous year, a 27.7% increase in waste emissions, a 2.7% increase in business travel emissions and a 6.5% increase in water emissions. Energy consumption (kwh) from Gas and Electricity has increased against the previous year. However, carbon reductions from both utilities have improved because their associated Conversion Factors have reduced due to the National Grid becoming cleaner from the integration of more renewable technologies as power sources. During we emitted a total of 6,216 tc02e GHG emissions in comparison to our 6,525 tco2e annual budget for , meaning that we have made an additional reduction of 309 tco2e. This means that we have made a total reduction in GHG emissions of 5.3% in comparison to our annual target of 2.3% for , which is an additional reduction of 3% beyond target.

15 Overall (from to ) we have emitted 19,397 tc02e and made a saving of 14.5% so far. This consists of a 7.5% reduction in energy emissions against the previous year, a 27.7% increase in waste emissions, a 2.7% increase in business travel emissions and a 6.5% increase in water emissions. Energy consumption (kwh) from Gas and Electricity has increased against the previous year. However, carbon reductions from both utilities have improved because their associated Conversion Factors have reduced due to the National Grid becoming cleaner from the integration of more renewable technologies as power sources. HES carbon footprint 1.1% 3.0% 13.2% Energy Waste Business travel 82.7% Water Further information on this will be published in our forthcoming Sustainability Report Landscape Scotland's diverse and distinctive landscapes are a significant part of the country's natural and cultural heritage, making an important and positive contribution to the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of the nation. The European Landscape Convention aims are to promote protection, management and planning of all landscapes, not just protected areas. Landscape is a component of a number of environmental designations and there is an intricate relationship between landscape, conservation, other environmental objectives, community identity and wellbeing and economic development. It is a key part of our cultural heritage which has huge economic potential and is a vital part of our sense of place and general well-being. This relationship between the perception of natural and historic landscape means that the sustainable management of the historic environment can impact on landscape as a whole. Scottish Natural Heritage have, in partnership with others, produced a series of 30 regional Landscape Character Assessment studies that identify and map the landscape character of all of Scotland. These are currently being reviewed with the aim of producing a single national dataset. The Landscape Character Assessments are used heavily in policy making, development planning and management and form an important tool in the appropriate consideration of landscape-scale change. Work in the area of Coastal Character Assessment is also being brought forward by Scottish Natural Heritage with a Guidance Note on the topic published in Coastal Character Assessment identifies, describes and maps Scotland's coasts and these will underpin marine plans, development plans and specific development proposals. Coastal Character Types have been identified at a national level and a Coastal Character Assessment for Orkney and Caithness in 2016.

16 3.2 Environmental Issues In summary, the environmental issues emerging from our review of the baseline data include: The impacts of climate change on the historic environment and the role of the historic environment in contributing to adaptation and mitigation. The condition of the historic environment. Pressure on Scotland s landscapes from development Understanding of the value of the historic environment to communities and the placemaking agenda. Access to the historic environment for everyone. 3.3 Evolution of the environment without our plan The SEA process also asks us to consider what would happen to the environment if we did not prepare the plan. We believe that if a Corporate Plan were not to be developed for Historic Environment Scotland there would be no clear outline of the priorities which will guide our work and activities. This could result in inefficiencies in terms of strategic and operational planning which may reduce the positive effects of our work for the historic environment. It is unlikely that there would be significantly negative effects for other environmental topics but we would be less equipped to deliver to Scottish Government strategic priorities and outcomes. Assessment approach and methods

17 4. Assessment approach and method 4.1 Scoping the level of detail of our assessment As a result of this approach it will be noted that the reported assessment findings record a level of uncertainty which reflects the more aspirational tone of the document. The focus of our Corporate Plan is on outcomes and is a response to the high level of engagement that has been carried out in its preparation. In light of this one of the key recommendations flowing from this assessment is that more detailed assessment will be required at the lower level. It is at that level we will lay out the specific actions, activities and strategy production that will take us on the journey to the desired outcomes of the overarching Corporate Plan. Where possible, this environmental assessment has considered the aspects of the plan that are likely to result in significant effects. In other instances we have highlighted areas where further assessment will be necessary but taken the opportunity that this high level assessment affords to consider mitigation and enhancement at an early stage, influencing the creation of actions and activities from the outset. 4.2 How was our draft Corporate Plan assessed? At the scoping stage an assessment framework was developed to provide a consistent way of assessing our plan. Environmental objectives were developed for each of the environmental topics scoped in to our assessment. These were supported by more detailed assessment criteria. The environmental objectives and criteria are set out in Table 2. They are based on an initial analysis of the environmental topics relevant to our plan. The objectives and criteria have been further refined into 6 questions which have formed the foundations for carrying out the assessment. They are: Historic Environment: Will the priority help to safeguard or improve the condition of the historic environment? Population and Human Health: Will the priority promote access to the historic environment for recreation, understanding or enjoyment? Climatic Factors: Will the priority help to reduce the causes of climate change? Climatic Factors: Will the priority help to deliver adaptation to the effects of climate Landscape: Will the priority help protect and enhance landscape character, local distinctiveness and scenic value Using these questions we have examined our plan thematically under each of the SEA environmental topic areas. The findings of our assessment are reported below in a narrative format with a discussion of the likely effects arising from our plan s strategic outcomes and priority actions. The 5 strategic outcomes (big things we want to do) in our plan are supported by our priority actions in the relevant areas. It is on these priorities that we have focused our assessment. However, as our plan is an expression of our desired outcomes the detail on how we will achieve these aims is to sit at the operational level of our plan hierarchy. As a result the findings of our assessment will be at a high level and should be considered provisional with further assessment at the lower level as required.

18 Table 2 Environmental Objectives and Questions SEA Topic Environmental Objective How will our Corporate Plan affect? Historic Environment Population and Human Health Climatic Factors Safeguard and where appropriate enhance the historic environment Promote access to the historic environment for recreation, understanding or enjoyment Reduce the causes of climate change and help to deliver adaptation to the effects of climate change the safeguarding of designated and undesignated features of the historic environment elements of the historic environment which have been identified as at risk access to the historic environment understanding of the value of the historic environment celebration of the historic environment CO 2 and greenhouse gas emissions effective adaptation to the effects of climate change the use of resources and waste reduction Landscape Protect and enhance landscape character, local distinctiveness and scenic value the protection of landscape character, local distinctiveness and scenic value 4.3 Alternatives The commitment to prepare a Corporate Plan is established in the Historic Environment Scotland Act Strategic alternatives to the preparation of our Corporate Plan are therefore relatively constrained and the do nothing approach is not considered to be reasonable in this case. Alternatives considered during the preparation of our plan have included carrying forward commitments from our existing Corporate Plan or different approaches to the structure and level of detail. Not all of the priority actions identified in our plan will lead to significant environment effects on the ground. This is because some relate to the way in which we do business and the values that our staff uphold. Other effects may arise, not as specific tangible impacts, but as a result of the influence our plan is likely to have across the heritage sector and beyond. For completeness, all of the priority actions have been assessed against the assessment questions and where there are no effects or no clear link this has been noted.

19 The strategic outcomes included in our draft plan are: 1. The historic environment makes a real difference to more people s lives 2. The historic environment is looked after, protected and managed for the generations to come 3. The historic environment makes a broader contribution to the economy of Scotland and its people 4. The historic environment encourages approaches that are more inclusive and diverse and inspire creativity 5. The historic environment to be cared for and championed by a high-performing organisation The priority actions that underpin these outcomes provide a degree of flexibility that allow alternative approaches to delivery. It is with this in mind that our assessment of our priority actions is in itself a consideration of alternatives for the lower level deliverables. 4.4 Gaps and Assumptions Our new plan is set at a higher level than in previous iterations, offering greater flexibility that allows us to focus on the journey to achieving the aspirations that we have set ourselves. As a result much of the detail on deliverable actions will be moved down a level to our Operating Plan these are prepared on an annual basis throughout the lifetime of our overarching Corporate Plan. This means our assessment has had to focus upon higher level priority actions, as opposed to more detailed delivery commitments. Therefore, in carrying out our assessment a number of assumptions have been made in terms of how our day to day actions supplement the delivery of our Corporate Plan outcomes, detail which will not be found in this plan. However, our assessment findings represent the high level effects likely to occur throughout our journey to these outcomes and the findings will be taken on and acted upon in the formulation of specific detailed actions in our Operating Plans during their inception, preparation and delivery.

20 5. Assessment findings 5.1 Effects of our strategic outcomes Table 3 summarises our assessment findings of the priority actions to give an overview of the environment effects of our 5 strategic outcomes Annex 3 contains the detailed assessment of 5 strategic outcomes and their associated priority actions. Table 3 Summary of Effects of our 5 Strategic Outcomes The historic environment makes a real difference to more people s lives The historic environment is looked after, protected and managed for the generations to come The historic environment makes a broader contribution to the economy of Scotland and its people The historic environment encourages approaches that are more inclusive and diverse and inspire creativity The historic environment is cared for and championed by a high-performing organisation The social context running through the priority actions that support this outcome performs well across a number of environmental considerations. This is particularly evident in our assessment findings against the promotion of access to the historic environment for recreation, understanding and enjoyment. The commitments to an inclusive approach to our work and the broadening of the understanding of the impact of the historic environment on people s lives has the potential to foster the connection between people and their historic environment. This in turn should help in the protection and valuing of the historic environment for all. This focus should also aid in delivering wider benefits through supporting objectives in other areas such as community planning and local outcomes. As would be expected of an outcome that is focused on the protection of the historic environment it scores well in relation to the environment objectives around assets and place. This is particularly true in relation to the protection of the historic environment under our care. Much of the detail on how these priority actions will be delivered will be laid out in the Annual Operating plans so it is expected that the findings will influence the preparation of these plans. This may impact on the level of significance that can be attributed to the priority actions at this level with greater significance of positive effects becoming apparent at that level. Our assessment is also positive in terms of adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change. However, it is worth noting that the focus of the actions is particularly towards managing and mitigating and could be more explicit in such areas as embodied energy of existing building stock, renewable energy technologies and sustainability in its widest sense. Our assessment scores the priority actions positively across the environmental objectives. This is largely down to the focus on investment in the historic environment, encouraging innovative technology in its protection and promotion and creating demand for skills in this area. While our plan talks of sustainable tourism in an economic and equality sense it will be important that this is balanced by mindfulness of the impact of growth in such sectors on historic environment resource. Significant positive effects are predicted particularly in the areas of science and technology and the potential of this area to provide the evidence and tools to address issues across a number of areas including climate change adaptation and mitigation and the appropriate methods of protection, maintenance and conservation of the historic environment. Where environmental effects have been identified the priority actions that support this outcome have scored positively. In particular, in the area of education and learning there are opportunities for positive effects through the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage as a resource for engagement and community participation and a wider sense of cultural wellbeing. Positive effects are also predicted from the opportunity to put emphasis on the sustainability agenda and its connection with the management of the historic environment resource. This strategic outcome has been assessed as having few environmental effects as its focus is on organisational and procedural matters. However, potential positive effects have been identified in relation to the sustainable use of resources. How we act in terms of responsible resource use and work in areas of waste reduction is likely to have a positive effect towards reducing our carbon footprint.

21 5.2 Effects of our strategic outcomes - Summary Overall our assessment shows that the strategic outcomes and the priority actions that underpin them will generally have positive effects across those environmental topics that have been scoped into our assessment, many of which are likely to be significant. We have not identified any potentially negative effects at this level but we need to be mindful of balancing competing interests on the historic environment to ensure a sustainable future for the resource. The outputs of our assessment will inform the detailed delivery actions at the operating plan level stage. 5.3 Cumulative Effects In considering the cumulative effects of the priority actions these are considered to be significantly positive for the historic environment. The high level aspirations set out for the plan period are focused on outcomes that aim to widen the understanding of the historic environment resource and the multiple benefits that it can bring across a number of areas. In this regard the cumulative effects of the benefits identified are predicted to have positive effects beyond the historic environment itself but rather the contribution it can make under environmental consideration such as Population, Human Health and Climatic Factors. We do not expect other environmental topics (those scoped out of our assessment) to be affected because our plan does not affect or interact with these in any significant way.

22 6. Mitigation and Monitoring 6.1 Mitigation No negative environmental effects have been identified through our assessment. However, there are areas where consideration should be given to approaches that would enhance positive effects and where care should be taken in delivery in order to ensure that a balance is found with competing asks of the historic environment. The openness of the priority actions are such that it is challenging to offer specific mitigation at this level. Instead, the focus should be on the outputs of this assessment influencing the delivery mechanisms that will underpin the strategic outcomes and their priority actions through the annual operating plans and relevant strategies. Our assessment scores well in terms of climatic factors with content on adaptation and mitigation performing well. However, more could be said in relation to reducing our contribution to the causes of climate change through such measures as waste reduction, support for renewable technologies and clearer definition of sustainability. It is recommended that the production of the Annual Operating Plans takes cognisance of the findings identified with this assessment and seeks to address areas where environmental effects can be enhanced through the detailed actions in those plans. 6.2 Monitoring While no specific negative effects have been predicted through our assessment it will still be important to understand how our plan is affecting the environment once it is being implemented. This will help to identify any effects arising which were not predicted through the assessment and allow appropriate mitigation to be sought. Monitoring of our plan will likely rely on the Key Performance Indicators (under development) and a series of indicators developed to measure both this plan and the Annual Operating Plan performance. We will ensure that environmental indicators and the issues identified in this assessment are factored into this process. 7. Next Steps The public consultation period on our draft Corporate Plan and accompanying Environmental Report (ER) ends on 2 November A final version of our plan will be prepared following the consultation period to take into account comments made. All changes will be screened to consider if they raise significant environmental issues that have not already been considered in the environmental assessment. If the potential for significant environmental effects is identified, an assessment will be undertaken of their impact, and reported in the SEA Post Adoption Statement. This will be published along with the finalised plan. The SEA Post Adoption Statement, which will be published along with the final version of our plan, will demonstrate how the ER (and all the comments expressed on it) has been taken into account in the adopted Corporate Plan The SEA Post Adoption Statement will also include a final version of any monitoring indicators to take into account comments made on this report.

23 Annex 1 Policy Context for our Corporate Plan SEA topic Climatic factors Policies focus on the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions. National targets are for an 80% reduction by 2050 making a contribution to climate change abatement targets set at the UK, EU and international levels. Energy policy highlights the importance of energy efficiency, and the need to achieve a shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. There is also a need for adequate, planned adaptation to future climates in order to increase the resilience of communities, and natural and economic systems. UK Climate Change Act 2008 Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Climate Change Delivery Plan (2009) Climate Change Adaptation Framework (2009) UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (2009) Conserve and Save: Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2010) Population and Human Health Policies outlines the need to seek to improve health and quality of life. There is now a growing recognition of an additional need to shape places which are nurturing of positive health, wellbeing and resilience. Community Planning Partnerships, which involve a number of public bodies, including HES, have a duty to make plans for local areas which meet the needs and ambitions of local people. Community planning priorities stress the important role played by communities in shaping and making local decisions. The Islands Bill is emerging legislation (currently before Parliament) with provision to island-proof decision-making across the public sector will ensure the interests of islanders are reflected in future legislation and policy from the very outset. Improving Health in Scotland the Challenge (2003) Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) 2015 The Islands (Scotland) Bill (emerging legislation) Creating Places - A policy statement on architecture and place for Scotland Homes fit for the 21st century the Scottish Government s Strategy for Housing Good Places Better Health (2008) Equally Well: Implementation Plan (2008) and 2010 Review Recommendations Scotland s Economic Strategy Landscape Landscape policies aim to not only safeguard protected areas, but to recognise and conserve wider landscapes. These may not be formally designated but make an important contribution to the quality of environment. The Strategic Historic Environment Forum s vision is for the historic dimension of landscape to be fully acknowledged and valued. It is at the core of a shared and unifying approach to managing change in our landscape in ways which maximise public benefit for present and future generations. Natural Heritage Futures policies aim to guide the sustainable management and use of Scotland's nature and landscapes. Council of Europe, European Landscape Convention (2000) SNH Natural Heritage Futures SNH National Scenic Areas Programme (2009) Scotland s Landscape Charter Landscape and the Historic Environment A Common Statement (Strategic Historic Environment Forum) Scottish Natural Heritage s Landscape Policy Framework: Policy Statement No. 05/01 Landscape Character Assessments and associated Guidance Guidance Note on Coastal Character Assessment and emerging assessments (2018) Cultural Heritage Historic environment policies aim to identify and protect historic buildings and sites from inappropriate development and damage. Policies extend beyond specific designated sites to reflect the value of undesignated / unknown sites, wider townscapes, the setting of monuments and historic buildings, and wider cultural landscapes. The Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement 2016 will be undergoing review during the preparation of our Corporate Plan. As a result attention will be paid to the emerging outcomes of the review and its environmental assessment. Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement 2016 and its review Historic Environmental Scotland Corporate Plan Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (2014) SG Culture Strategy (Emerging) PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology Managing Change in the Historic Environment Guidance Notes Our Place in Time: The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland (2014) Other Historic Environment Scotland guidance documents

24 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Soil Biodiversity policies from international to local levels aim in particular to conserve habitats, species and ecosystems. Halting the decline of key species is important, and where possible remedial action and enhancement should be implemented in degraded areas. Policies also note the importance of an ecosystem approach a holistic, landscape-scale approach to biodiversity conservation that goes beyond the traditional emphasis on protecting individual sites. Policies on soil seek to protect resources from a range of impacts, including soil sealing by development, increased susceptibility to erosion and soil pollution. The Birds Directive 2009/147/EC The Habitats Directive 1992/43/EEC Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Conservation (Natural habitats &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2007 UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework Scotland s Biodiversity It s In Your Hands (2004)2020 Challenge for Scotland s Biodiversity (2013) Scottish Soil Framework (2009) Water Water related policies aim to protect water resources, and achieve an improvement in their ecological condition where appropriate. River Basin Management Plans, which were prepared under the Water Framework Directive and WEWS Act set specific objectives for the protection and improvement of water resources within each river basin. The Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS) Act Scotland River Basin Management Plan (2009) Water Environment (River Basin Management Planning: Further Provision) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 Cross-Border River Basin Districts (Scotland) Directions 2014 One Planet Prosperity (2016) Air Material Assets Air quality targets have been set at the European and UK levels. The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sets objectives for Particulate Matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) amongst others. Good progress is being made towards meeting them. Agricultural and forestry policies promote sustainable land use, environmental protection and stewardship, and emphasise the importance of delivering public goods out with market mechanisms. Policy sets a target of increasing forest cover to 25% of land cover. The planning system highlights the need to allow the development of high quality, well designed, energy efficient housing. Efficient design will contribute to climate change abatement targets, as will transport emission reductions. Redevelopment of urban and rural brownfield sites is preferred to development on greenfield sites Place is an agent of change. Good buildings and places can enrich our lives as individuals and as a society in many different ways. The Town Centre First Principle asks that government, local authorities, the wider public sector, businesses and communities put the health of town centres at the heart of proportionate and best-value decision making. The Scottish Government s Strategy for Housing states a need for new housing supply, and also that bringing empty homes back into active use would represent an important contribution to effective new supply. Tourism is a key economic driver and the historic environment is one of the main motivators for tourism activity in Scotland. 2008/50/EC Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (2007) The Air Quality Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2010 The Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations 2000 The Air Quality (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016 Scottish Forestry Strategy National Transport Strategy The Strategic Transport Review Project (STPR) (2008) Local Housing Strategies Scottish Planning Policy National Planning Framework 3 A Vision for Scottish Agriculture Town Centre First Principle Creating Places - A policy statement on architecture and place for Scotland Homes fit for the 21 st century the Scottish Government s Strategy for Housing The Future for Scottish Agriculture (2015) The Future for Scottish Agriculture and Summary of the National Discussion (2016) Tourism Scotland 2020 People make Heritage 2020

25 Annex 2 Scoping Comments Scottish Natural Heritage Comment Our Response Subject to the specific comments set out below, SNH is content with the scope and level of detail proposed for the environmental report Noted and welcomed. Table 2: SEA Topic Landscape. We recommend that this should refer to Landscape Character Assessment. As noted in the environmental summary objectives, landscape policies are not just for protected areas. Table 2: SEA Topic Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna. This could include reference to geodiversity. For the environmental report, it would be clearer the phrase landscape-scale approach was used instead of landscape approach Accepted. The environmental background has been updated to reflect the comments here and will be considered in our assessment. Noted. The environmental background section has been updated to reflect the comments here. Table 4: Environmental Topic Landscape. The Baseline Data column should include Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), and Coastal Character Assessment. The national coverage of terrestrial LCA is currently being reviewed, with HES s input, and is due for publication later in In the meantime, the Sources column should use the following link to SNH s website: Landscape Character Assessment ( > professional advice > landscape change / landscape character assessment - and also coastal character assessment. Further information on National Scenic Areas including Special Qualities is also available via the SNH website (professional advice > protected areas > National Scenic Areas). Wild land details can also be found via the website Accepted. The environmental background has been updated to reflect the comments here and will be considered in our assessment. SNH notes that a period of eight weeks is proposed for consultation on the Environmental Report and is content with this proposed period. Noted and welcomed. The intention is to consult on our draft plan and ER for a 9 week period. Scottish Environment Protection Agency SEPA are generally content with the proposed scope and level of detail to be included in the Environmental Report (ER). Table 3 we note the relationship between the Corporate Plan and the Review of the Historic Environment Policy (RHEP) and that the topic of material assets has been scoped out of the corporate plan assessment as it will be considered in the RHEP assessment. We are content with this approach but would highlight the close link between material assets and climatic factors which you may wish to identify at a strategic level in the Corporate Plan assessment. A more efficient approach to resource use and the subsequent reduction in waste can have positive effects on climatic factors and contribute to HES s ambitions for sustainable management. Consideration of material assets in this way could encompass not only waste materials from management and maintenance activities, but also waste heat and energy, or indeed the optimum use of buildings and infrastructure capacity. Table 4 if you do decide to include reference to resource use, either under the topic of climatic factors or material assets then we would suggest that the inclusion of baseline data on energy and resource use, infrastructure capacity and waste management would be beneficial to include in the baseline data underpinning the assessment. Table this has been replaced by a suite of topic guidance notes (air, soil, water, human health, material assets and climatic factors) which can be found on SEPA s website: These guidance notes all include links to sources of baseline data which you may find useful when undertaking the assessment. We would recommend that as well as mitigation of negative affects you should also consider the potential for enhancement of positive effects identified during the assessment. Such positive effects may be incorporated into the Corporate Plan itself or set out as recommendations for other plans or policies in the HES hierarchy to pursue. SEPA are content with the proposed minimum of 8 weeks for the ER consultation. Our Response Noted and welcomed Accepted. A relevant assessment question has been included under climatic factors. Accepted. The environmental background has been updated to reflect the comments here and will be considered in our assessment. Noted Noted Noted and welcomed. The intention is to consult on our draft plan and ER for a 9 week period.