Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2023

G U I DA N C E F O R C L I E N T S PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY | A GUIDE FOR CLIENTS 2023 11 REALISING ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC BENEFITS THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGY In the UK and elsewhere the emphasis of planning policy is on sustainable development that benefits economy, society and the environment. It requires, among other things, the protection and enhancement of the historic environment. For projects in the developing world, banks and development agencies increasingly require cultural assets to be looked after and to be incorporated into new development. Proper understanding and enlisting of historic environment resources carries benefits across all three areas of sustainability – economy, society and environment. It is the responsibility of archaeologists to help you understand how to realise this potential. Early engagement with archaeologists reduces the carbon footprint of construction by eliminating unnecessary processes. ©Wessex Archaeology ARCHAEOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT An archaeologist can help you understand the significance and value of the historic environment and the benefits it can offer alongside the natural environment. Environmental benefit can be secured through retaining and enhancing the historic landscape and protecting our most valued monuments and traditional villages, towns and cities. The appearance of a new development can sometimes be improved by the conservation and reuse of buildings and spaces. This can make a place more desirable to live in and can also have valuable knock-on benefits for other aspects of the environment, such as energy efficiency. Early engagement with archaeologists brings many benefits, including the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of construction by eliminating unnecessary processes. Enhancement of the historic environment often takes place hand in hand with ecological and landscape conservation, providing more green space and biodiversity, both desirable for sustainable development.