When do the new, revised set of IFCs industry-specific Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines become effective?
The Equator Principles reference the IFC’s industry-specific Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines. These Guidelines have, after widespread consultation, been updated by the IFC. Many Guidelines were published on 30 April 2007, others were published later in 2007 and one on Thermal Power is expected in 2008. The EPFIs recognise that some Social and Environmental Assessments (SEAs) would have commenced while the old Guidelines were in place, but may be finalised after the publication of the new Guidelines. It would be inappropriate to request new due diligence based on the new Guideline in these circumstances. Accordingly, the EPFIs will accept SEAs based on either the old or new Guidelines for a 6-month period immediately following the publication of a new Guideline. Thereafter, the EPFIs expect SEAs to be based on the new Guidelines, although flexibility will be considered where the production of an SEA is particularly long.
