Miljøhensyn

Miljøhensyn is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to describe the integration of environmental considerations into decision-making across public and private sectors. It denotes the principle that environmental impacts should be weighed alongside economic and social objectives to promote sustainable development. The concept covers factors such as biodiversity, climate change, air and water quality, resource use, waste management, noise, and ecosystem services, and it emphasizes reducing negative effects and enhancing environmental gains throughout a project’s lifecycle.

In practice, miljøhensyn appears in planning, procurement, construction, energy, transportation, and industry. Tools to operationalize it include environmental impact assessments (EIA), strategic environmental assessments (SEA), life cycle thinking, and sustainability criteria in procurement and permitting. The aim is to influence design choices, siting, materials, energy efficiency, and operational practices to minimize harm to the environment and protect health and resilience.

Policy and governance: The concept is embedded in national planning laws, environmental regulations, and official guidelines in Denmark and Norway. At the European level, it aligns with policies on environmental protection, the circular economy, and climate action, promoting precautionary and preventive approaches in public and private decision-making.

Challenges and criticism: While widely endorsed, effective application of miljöhensyn requires clear targets, verifiable metrics, and enforcement. Ambiguity, inconsistent implementation, and potential trade-offs with cost or convenience can limit impact, and there is a risk of greenwashing without robust indicators.