Environmental and Social Due Diligence of the Tbilisi Metro Project and Bus Network Expansion
Client:
The EBRD was considering financing the purchase of about 40 modern metro cars and the reconstruction of Bus Depot No. 1 in Tbilisi to replace outdated rolling stock and improve the reliability, safety, and efficiency of public transport. The investment was aligned with the city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution through the use of electric transport, largely powered by renewable energy sources in Georgia.
Analyze the client’s performance in the fields of environmental protection, road safety, occupational health and safety, human resources, and public engagement policies, as well as management systems and procedures, and assess their compliance.
Review all existing ESDD-related reports and action plans concerning environmental and social issues of existing operations and facilities.
Conduct an environmental and social audit of existing operations and facilities and analyze the environmental, health, and safety performance and management procedures applied at the operational level.
Identify existing and project-related environmental and social impacts and risks.
Determine the project’s GET (Green Economy Transition) potential.
Describe and characterize the relevant environmental and social context and risks related to the current site activities and the project.
Develop an Environmental and Social Assessment Report in line with EBRD requirements, as defined in the ESP.
Prepare an impact assessment with consideration of gender equality and inclusion, as well as identify the project’s potential for economic inclusion (with a focus on women, persons with disabilities, and youth).
Determine the need for further additional studies to provide more detailed coverage of other aspects (e.g., biodiversity, resettlement, workforce reduction, etc.).
The outcome of the work was a comprehensive assessment and documentation of the client’s policies, management systems, and operational procedures, including the identification of environmental and social risks, compliance with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Performance Requirements, and a thorough analysis of existing and project-related environmental and social impacts.