konsekvensutredning

Konsekvensutredning is a structured assessment of the anticipated consequences of a plan, policy, or project. The purpose is to provide decision-makers with a comprehensive view of expected effects on the environment, society, economy, and viability, and to identify measures to avoid, reduce, or compensate for negative impacts.

The scope typically includes direct and indirect effects, short- and long-term, cumulative effects, and distributional consequences among groups. It also assesses alternatives, including a no-action option, and outlines mitigation strategies, monitoring plans, and follow-up arrangements.

Typically the process involves scoping the assessment, gathering data, describing baseline conditions, evaluating potential effects, soliciting stakeholder input, and presenting findings in a formal report to the competent authority. Public consultation is commonly required.

In practice, konsekvensutredning is used in infrastructure, urban planning, energy, and other sectors where large projects may affect the environment or society. It is often carried out in parallel with or as part of environmental impact assessment or strategic environmental assessment. It differs from risk assessment in that it focuses on expected consequences rather than the probability of events, and from cost-benefit analysis by emphasizing distributional and qualitative aspects, not just monetized values.

The exact requirements and scope vary by jurisdiction and project, governed by national planning law and sector regulations. The term is widely used in Norway and other Nordic countries.