Miljøformål

Miljøformål is a term used in Danish planning and environmental policy to denote environmental objectives or purposes that should guide decisions about land use, development, and regulation. It expresses the intended environmental outcomes of a plan, project, or policy.

In practice, miljøformål are integrated into planning processes, such as municipal master plans and development plans, to steer zoning and permit decisions. They are also used in environmental impact assessments, where a project is assessed for its ability to meet these objectives, and measures are proposed to avoid, minimize, or offset adverse environmental effects.

Common elements of miljøformål include protection of biodiversity and habitats, water and air quality, noise reduction, climate and energy considerations, waste management, and the promotion of sustainable transport and land use. The formulation emphasizes that objectives should be specific, measurable, and achievable.

By codifying environmental aims, miljøformål enable early integration of environmental considerations into decision-making, support accountability in permitting and development processes, and provide a basis for monitoring and evaluating outcomes during and after implementation.