Climate proofing of water and wastewater projects

The EIB Advisory JASPERS has developed an Excel tool with the aim to support beneficiaries of small water & wastewater projects to complete a climate resilience assessment that is proportionate to the size of the projects. The Excel tool has been designed for the climate resilience assessment of small projects that need to comply with the climate proofing requirement of the Common Provisions Regulation Art. 73 point 2 (j).

The JASPERS checklist tool is intended for use as a support tool for stakeholders involved in project development and relevant environmental decision-making. It outlines a stepwise process for assessing and demonstrating project compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (WFD) protects and seeks to improve the biological, physico-chemical, hydromorphological and chemical status of surface water bodies, and the chemical and quantitative status of ground water bodies. It has a strict no deterioration requirement, including in relation to water-dependent objectives in EU protected areas. The WFD also promotes sustainable water use based on the long-term protection of available water resources.

This guidance document,- drafted by JASPERS, the EIB's largest advisory programme, - aims to provide advice on the implementation of the European Commission Notice "Technical guidance on the climate proofing of infrastructure in the period 2021-2027", and its integration in the environmental impact assessment process at project level. The document will utilize methodologies outlined in the EC Climate Proofing Technical guidance, and use examples related to flood and disaster risk management. It summarizes the key drivers and reasons for undertaking a climate proofing assessment for projects, presents key concepts and their application in project development, and provides step-by-step guidance on climate mitigation and resilience processes.