The environment is a key subject of research in many top institutions. This is not surprising given the kind of impact that development has made on our ecology. The last three decades or so has witnessed perhaps the most rapid phase of economic and industrial growth in its history. However, this progress has not come without its consequences. As we read in reports, there has been damage done to the environment in many places due to projects. These days’ project developers need to submit assessment reports for getting approval in Australia, just like many other countries. However, the terms involved are best understood by an environmental professional. For example, Vegetation Management Plan or Flora & Fauna report are best left to these professionals. With so many consultancies available, how do you choose one? Here are some simple tips that will help you do so with ease.
1. Whether it was hundreds of years ago or yesterday, the best way to choose a professional remains the same. There is nothing to beat referrals. You can get in touch with someone in a similar business. There could be someone in your own family who may be knowing a couple of consultancies. Find out from them about their levels of expertise.
2. Before you begin calling up environmental consultancies for the interview, it is preferable that you get to know the basics of the assessments that need to be done. For example, it helps if you know the steps involved in Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report (BSSAR). Similarly, if is an industrial site, then it helps if you know the basics of the SEPP 55 Contamination Assessment and Effluent Disposal Report. It would be even better if you know someone who already knows these things. They can explain things step by step to you. All this information will help you during the interviews, as well as during the assessments.
3. Make sure that you fix your budget first. This will help give a sense of direction to your search. You will be easily able to narrow down your choice of consultants to a few, for interviewing. It is also better that you discuss the payment terms with the consultants during the first sitting. Find out about the payment terms. See to it that there are no hidden charges involved. Get to know about the number of installments you can take to pay the charges.
4. While there is no compulsion that you should choose an environmental consultancy from your city. Environmental rules are known to differ from one city to another. Therefore, it is always better to choose someone from your city.
5. Check out the required licenses and certificates of the consultancies. They are a good indication of the number of years the consultancy has been in business.
6. Experience is another factor that you should give priority to. Never make the mistake of choosing a consultancy just because of the price. The first priority should always be their experience. You can get an idea about their experience through their qualification and standing in the market.
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