CIfA 2021 A Guide for Clients

GUIDANCE FOR CL IENTS PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY | A GUIDE FOR CLIENTS 2021 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 and 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. There is growing evidence that 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. 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. 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. © TJC Heritage Ltd