Approaches to minimizing environmental risks in the implementation of large infrastructure projects
Abstract. The article discusses contemporary approaches to minimizing environmental risks arising from the implementation of large infrastructure projects in the Russian Federation. The relevance of the study is due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the environment, tightening environmental standards and the need for complying with the principles of sustainable development. The authors analyze key environmental risk management practices, including ESG strategies, application of Best Available Technologies (BAT), Project Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and integration of environmental measures at all stages of design and construction. Particular attention is given to regulatory and legal regulation issues, in particular the lack of a clear definition and classification of environmental risks in the Russian legislation, which complicates their systemic management. The adapted international practices such as the IRIIS system, which combines global sustain-ability standards with national specifics, are being investigated. The technological innovations are being considered, including digitalization of environmental controls and implementation of negative emission solutions (DAC, BECCS). Development prospects are linked to further integration of green technologies, improving life cycle assessment methods and strengthening international cooperation on the basis of the new geopolitical reality. The findings of the study can be used to develop effective mechanisms to reduce the negative impact of infrastructure projects on the environment.
Keywords: environmental risks, infrastructure projects, impact minimization, sustainable development, ESG, green technologies, life cycle assessment, environmental legislation.
Hightlightts:
- Russian legislation does not contain a clear definition and classification of environmental risks, regulation is mainly limited to compensation payments;
- adaptation of international practices to Russian conditions combines the principles of sustainable development with national specifics, which helps to reduce environmental damage during the implementation of infrastructure projects;
- promising directions for the development of environmental risk management are associated with the introduction of digital technologies, as well as innovative solutions;
- successful infrastructure projects achieve a balance between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability by integrating environmental measures at all stages of the project life cycle.
Olga Yu. Smyslova, Elena V. Trutenko - Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia