Staff Profiles

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Assessment and Management

 

Modules taught

U37705 Environmental Sustainability

P38037 Environmental Management Systems

P38303 Principles of Environmental Assessment and Management

Supervision

Supervisor for UG and PGT dissertations

PhD supervisor 

Research interests and consultancy expertise

My research interests are in:
- environmental and social impact assessment and management – their relation, interconnection and the tools, policies and procedures to support the connection;
- the interaction between science and policy, particularly earth sciences and development policy and implementation;
- skills and knowledge development in professionals.

Please contact me if you are also interested in research in these areas.

I also undertake consultancy work in peer reviewing Environmental Statements for local planning authorities.

Research group membership

Member of the IAU research group based in the School of the Built Environment 

Research grants and awards

• 'The Effect of Offshore Wind on the Human Environment' 
• 'Cumulative Effects Assessment Mini Review' funded by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - link to report on NERC website
• 'Accounting for Carbon in Environmental Impact Assessment' funded by Oxford Brookes Central Research Fund and Santander Scholarship
• 'Professional Knowledge Development for Sustainable Communities' funded by Royal Town Planning Institute
• 'Skills Base in the Planning System' funded by  Local Government Authority (LGA)

 

Research projects

 Examples of past research and consultancy projects:

• Audit and Enhancement of Undergraduate Research Based Activities in the School of the Built Environment (Fellowship of the  Reinvention Centre for Undergraduate Research
• Comparison of UK and USA planning skills (with Erik Ferguson, Sharjah University, UAE)
• Skills Base in the Planning System (with John Glasson) for LGA/ODPM
• Planning Skills in Scotland (with Heriot Watt University) for Improvement Agency
• Professional Knowledge Development for Sustainable Communities (with John Glasson, Juliet Carpenter and Georgia Butina Watson) for Royal Town Planning Institute
• Survey of latent accommodation, Hinckley Point C socio-economic impact study (with John Glasson)
• Socio-economic study of Wheatley Campus for Oxford Brookes University (with John Glasson through Oxford Economic Observatory)
• CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Application in Real Environments) Sustainable Remediation Forum member and consultee on development of Sustainable Framework for the Remediation of Contaminated Land
• Peer review of research reports in Waste and Resources programme for DEFRA
• End-state public consultation of JET (Joint European Torus) site at Culham, Oxfordshire for UKAEA (with John Glasson and Tom Elsworth)
• Thames Gateway Evidence Review for ODPM (with Georgia Butina Watson, Juliet Carpenter, Alan Reeve, Sue Brownill)
• Linking Teaching with Research and Consultancy in Planning, Land and Property Management and Building (with Roger Zetter and Alan Jenkins at Oxford Brookes, Nick Bailey at Westminster University, Ron Griffiths at University of West of England and Pat Turrell at Sheffield Hallam University) for HEFCE

 

Further information

IAU Oxford Brookes website

LinkedIn profile - Bridget Durning

Research Gate profile - Bridget Durning

Books

• Perdicoulis A, Durning B, Palframan L, Furthering environmental impact assessment: towards a seamless connection between EIA and EMS, Edward Elgar Publishing (2012)
  ISBN: 9780857933270
  Abstract

  The environmental impact of development projects is currently studied and mitigated from two distinct perspectives: before and after project implementation, with environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management systems (EMS) being the main instruments on the respective sides. This double perspective creates a discontinuity in the way environmental impacts are analysed, an issue that has been noted by both academics and practitioners. This book gathers and presents both theoretical and actual examples to link EIA with EMS and explores ways to overcome difficulties and provide innovative solutions. Academic researchers, advanced students, EIA practitioners and EMS practitioners will find the book essential for the theoretical explorations of how the link might occur and practical examples in which to explore and critique these theories.

  Website 

Journal articles

• Glasson J, Durning B, Broderick M, Welch K, 'Monitoring and auditing the local socio-economic and environmental impacts of the early stage construction of Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, UK'
  Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal x (2020)
  ISSN: 1461-5517 eISSN: 1471-5465
  Abstract

  Major projects, in sectors such as transport, energy, minerals and water, have long life cycles and can have significant local and regional environmental and socio-economic impacts. The impacts of the construction stage can be particularly damaging, if not managed well. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seeks to anticipate such impacts, mitigate adverse and enhance positive impacts through design innovations and associated conditions. However, the approach is only as good as the implementation of such innovations and conditions. The issue of monitoring and auditing of actual, as against predicted, impacts is an Achilles heel in the planning and assessment process. Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear power station in the UK is currently one of the largest construction projects in Europe. A recent study of the live project provides a unique insight into the actual local impacts of the early construction years, and appropriate methods of assessment. It identifies KPIs, examines monitoring data, and audits findings against the predictions. The results show varying performance across key impact sectors. Explanations of differences are set out, together with recommendations for improving monitoring and auditing practice.
  

  Website 
• Durning B, Broderick M, 'Development of cumulative impact assessment guidelines for offshore wind farms and evaluation of use in project making'
  Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 37 (2) (2018) pp.124-138
  ISSN: 1461-5517 eISSN: 1471-5465
  Abstract The offshore wind energy sector in the UK has grown rapidly since the first turbine generators were installed in 2000: by 2016 there were over 1400 installed turbines with combined capacity of 5.1GW.  The sector is considered by UK Government as essential to the development of a low carbon economy and to meeting binding targets on carbon reduction and renewable energy generation.  The Crown Estate, responsible for licensing development on the sea bed around the UK, has held 3 rounds of licensing since 2000 for wind developments. Some of the projects in the first two rounds suffered long delays due to uncertainty of project level impacts, particularly cumulative impacts.  A number of key stakeholders identified a need for cumulative impact assessment methodology to be developed that was definitive and endorsed by regulators and industry to aid unblocking barriers to delivery.  This paper explores the background to the development of such guidelines and how they were ‘co-created’ with industry and regulators.  We evaluate to what extent they have been used to shape and develop practice. Website 
• Durning B, 'Benefits of coupling environmental assessment and environmental management to aid disaster risk reduction and management'
  Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management 16 (3) (2014)
  ISSN: 1464-3332 eISSN: 1757-5605
  Abstract

  The tsunami which devastated Japan in 2011 highlighted the consequences of natural disasters on an area considered to be ‘best prepared’ for such an event.  Learning from the direct environmental, social and economic impacts and temporally and spatially displaced indirect global impacts, is important.  When seeking to identify and mitigate the impact of proposed developments the process is carried out from two distinct perspectives:’ before’ and ’after’ implementation with environmental impact assessment and environmental management the main ‘instruments’ on either side.  Drawing on examples from financial institutions and disaster response agencies, this paper explores the theory that coupling the two ‘instruments’ can aid disaster risk reduction and management.  It concludes that there is no simple answer and that further research is needed to inform practice.

  Website 
• Watkins J, Durning B, 'Carbon definitions and typologies in environmental impact assessment: greenhouse gas confusion?'
  Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 30 (4) (2012) pp.296-301
  ISSN: 1461-5517 eISSN: 1471-5465
  Abstract

  Estimation of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) is becoming an established part of assessing sustainability within environmental impact assessment (EIA). However, a comparative study of 25 environmental impact statements (EISs) to analyse the practice of accounting for emissions during the EIA process suggests that consideration of the effects of development on emissions of GHG is poorly understood. The extent to which assessment is actually carried out is also inconsistent and sporadically implemented. A key indicator appears to be the varying and sometimes contradictory use of technical terminology, particularly of the term"carbon" and its similar phraseology. This paper provides a critical evaluation of the differing terminology that is applied to GHG assessments undertaken as part of EIA process and explores the effect that misuse of these terms could have on an impact EIS.

  Website 
• Durning B, Carpenter J, Glasson J, Butina Watson G, 'The spiral of knowledge development: professional knowledge development in planning'
  Planning Practice and Research 25 (4) (2010) pp.497-516
  ISSN: 0269-7459 eISSN: 1360-0583
  Abstract

  This paper explores knowledge development in professional planners in England, in both the public and private sectors. Through an exploration of how they engage and interact with a rapidly expanding knowledge base, the paper identifies how knowledge and expertise are developed that thereby inform their professional practice. It identifies the role, position in the career and level of expertise of the planner as influential to the drivers for knowledge development and the tools and techniques employed. It proposes that the level of expertise in professional planners should be seen as a spiral rather than a linear transition, and that the planning professional will move in and out of this spiral during their career in response to the changing demands of their professional practice. This paper adds to the body of academic work on the subject of practical knowledge development in planners, which is so far limited in the peer-reviewed literature.

  Website 
• Perdicoulis A, Durning B, 'An alternating-sequence conceptual framework for EIA and EMS integration'
  Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management 09 (385) (2007)
  ISSN: 1464-3332
  Abstract The integration of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) has been approached several times in recent years. This article reviews existing conceptual frameworks and specific issues regarding the EIA-EMS integration, and recommends a new conceptual framework which is based on an alternating sequence of EMS and EIA. It also proposes adaptations in key documents of both processes. The recommendations are adaptable to the varied practice of EIA across the globe, and conform to the ISO14001-compliant EMS protocol.
   
   
  Website 
• Durning B, 'Challenges in the recruitment and retention of professional planners in English planning authorities'
  Planning Practice and Research 22 (1) (2007) pp.95-110
  ISSN: 0269-7459
  Website 
• Durning B, Glasson J, 'Delivering the planning system in England: skills' capacity constraints'
  Town Planning Review 77 (4) (2007) pp.457-484
  ISSN: 0041-0020
  Abstract The planning system in England has recently undergone revision. At the same time local planning authorities are being required to implement new government initiatives, reviews and recently enacted EU legislation. All these changes are bringing in new ways of working for local authorities and sending the English planning system into a period of fl ux. Drawing on recent research the authors consider whether there is the capacity in terms of skills within local planning authorities in England for them to deliver the outcomes required by these changes.Website 
• Durning B, Jenkins A, 'Teaching/research relations in departments and disciplines: the perspectives of built environment academics in four UK institutions'
  Studies in Higher Education (2005)
  ISSN: 0307-5079 eISSN: 1470-174X
  
• Durning B, Jenkins A, 'Teaching/research Relations in Departments: the Perspectives of Built Environment Academics'
  Studies in Higher Education 30 (2005) pp.407-426
  ISSN: 0307-5079 eISSN: 1470-174X
  Abstract

  This article presents an analysis of the perceptions of built environment academics in four post‐1992 universities in the UK on teaching/research relations. Whilst set in particular departments, institutions and disciplines, it addresses issues that are of central concern worldwide. This study indicates that securing effective teaching/research links is potentially vital for ensuring that students learn of the complexity of knowledge and develop high order academic and ‘professional’ skills. However, it also demonstrates how issues of department organisation and culture—in particular the effective policy separation between teaching and research—result in failures to support staff to achieve potential synergies between these activities. Evidence is also provided that, in built environment disciplines there are distinctive features of teaching/research relations that need to be considered in department policies (and national funding). This study questions the policies of those governments and institutions that in effect seek to separate teaching from research. However, it leaves uncertain the extent to which all staff need to be involved in high‐level research, or whether ‘scholarship’ is adequate to effectively underpin student learning in these disciplines.

  Website 
• Durning B, 'Planning academics and planning practitioners - two tribes or a community of practice'
  Planning Practice and Research (2004)
  ISSN: 0269-7459
  Website 
• Temple M, Durning B, 'Learning from LINK'
  Brookes eJournal of Learning and Teaching 1 (1) (2004)
  ISSN: 1744-7747
  Abstract The paper provides an overview of the FDTL funded LINK project ('linking teaching and research in selected Built Environment disciplines') run by Oxford Brookes between 2000 and 2004. The learning process inherent in the project; what was learned about the LINK; its generic applicability beyond the Built Environment disciplines; and the importance of institutional support in embedding the LINK in the student experience are considered. The paper also explains how a shift in project focus from educational development to pedagogic research occurred as the extent of the gaps in understanding what it means to link teaching and research became clear.

Book chapters

• Olagunju A, Appiah D, Cavalcanti P M P S, Durning B, Gonzalez JCT, MacLean J, Morgan R, Nelson R, 'Chapter 3: Cumulative effects assessment requirements in selected developed and developing countries' in Blakley J, Franks D (ed.), Handbook of Cumulative Impact Assessment, Edward Elgar (2021)
  ISBN: 9781783474011 eISBN: 9781783474028
  Abstract

  Research in cumulative effects assessment (CEA) is advancing in many ways; however, gaps between normative expectations and regulatory approaches remain in many jurisdictions. This chapter profiles CEA requirements and practice in eight countries – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria and the United Kingdom – and discusses implications for practice effectiveness internationally. Overall, national governments are largely responsible for setting legal frameworks; however, each country differs in terms of requirements, scope, approach and capacity. Experience in developed countries is more advanced when it comes to sector-based innovations, industry-led guidance, and peer review and evaluation. Though capacity is reportedly limited, there has been a shift toward explicit legal provisions for higher-order environmental assessments such as strategic environmental assessment and regional environmental assessment for better CEA outcomes in some developing countries. A systems perspective to CEA legislation, consistent interpretation of provisions by courts and strong political leadership are required to facilitate better practice.
  

  Website 
• Broderick M, Durning B, Sánchez L, 'Cumulative effects assessment' in Therivel R, Wood G (ed.), Methods of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (4th ed.), Routledge (2017)
  ISBN: 9781138647640 eISBN: 9781317236528
  Abstract The environmental effects of development are mitigated from two distinct perspectives – ex ante (before), through ESIA, and ex post (after), through environmental management systems (EMS). The need to ensure that the outcomes of environmental assessment are carried through into environmental management, and that management practices are adaptive, was first recognised in the 1970s (e.g. Holling 1978). The use of management plans, particularly Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), to ensure that mitigation measures identified during ESIA are implemented and monitoring is carried out, has been a steadily evolving area of ESIA practice since the 1990s. A study by the Institute for Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) into the state of EIA practice in the UK reported that 80 per cent of its survey respondents would welcome inclusion of the requirement to develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) 1 as mandatory in EIA legislation (IEMA 2011). Bennett et al. (2016) observed that 95 per cent of the practitioners interviewed for their UK based study dealt with EMPs ‘either all the time or fairly regularly’. Interest in and use of ESMPs is increasing globally with impetus coming from International Financial Institutions (e.g. the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)), which include the requirement for management plans within their policies and performance requirements when providing project finance.Website 
• Durning B, Broderick M, 'Environmental and Social Management Plans' in Therivel R, Wood G (ed.), Methods of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (4th ed.), Routledge (2017)
  ISBN: 9781138647640 eISBN: 9781317236528
  Abstract The environmental effects of development are mitigated from two distinct perspectives – ex ante (before), through ESIA, and ex post (after), through environmental management systems (EMS). The need to ensure that the outcomes of environmental assessment are carried through into environmental management, and that management practices are adaptive, was first recognised in the 1970s (e.g. Holling 1978). The use of management plans, particularly Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), to ensure that mitigation measures identified during ESIA are implemented and monitoring is carried out, has been a steadily evolving area of ESIA practice since the 1990s. A study by the Institute for Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) into the state of EIA practice in the UK reported that 80 per cent of its survey respondents would welcome inclusion of the requirement to develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) 1 as mandatory in EIA legislation (IEMA 2011). Bennett et al. (2016) observed that 95 per cent of the practitioners interviewed for their UK based study dealt with EMPs ‘either all the time or fairly regularly’. Interest in and use of ESMPs is increasing globally with impetus coming from International Financial Institutions (e.g. the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)), which include the requirement for management plans within their policies and performance requirements when providing project finance.Website 
• Durning B, Broderick M, 'Environmental and social management plans' in Therivel R, Wood G (ed.), Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment (4th Ed), Routledge (2016)
  
• Durning B, 'Environmental management plans - origin, usage and development' in Perdicoulis A, Durning B, Palframan L (ed.), Furthering environmental impact assessment - towards a seamless connection between EIA and EMS, Edward Elgar (2012)
  ISBN: 978 0 85793 327 0
  Website 
• Perdicoulis A, Durning B, 'Framework for EIA and EMS integration' in Sheate W (ed.), Tools, techniques and approaches for sustainability, World Scientific (2007)
  
• Broderick M, Durning B, 'Environmental impact assessment and environmental management plans - an example of an integrated process from the UK' in Martin-Duque J, Brebbia J, Emmanouloudis D, Mander U (ed.), Geo-environment and landscape evolution II WIT transactions Ecology and the Environment, WITPress (2006)
  ISBN: 978-1-84564-168-9 eISBN: 978-1-84564-233-4
  Abstract Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a mature process implemented around the globe to identify significant impacts from development and provide mitigation measures to reduce these impacts. Increasingly in the UK the process is being supplemented through the integration of an environmental management plan (EMP) into the resulting environmental statement. The EMP specifically aims to manage the impacts during the construction phase of the development. This paper presents an example of practice from the UK in this integrated process for the installation of a high pressure natural gas pipeline through open countryside. It demonstrates the added benefit that the integrated process provides in managing and reducing environmental impacts from the development. Keywords: environmental assessment, environmental management, construction, pipeline. 1 Introduction The environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is a well established method used around the globe in the identification and mitigation of the impact of developments on the environment. It consists of a series of studies and discussions which are designed to: • identify which legislation is relevant to the proposals (screening) • assess the scope of the project (scoping+consultations)Website 

Other publications

• Glasson J, Durning B, Olorundami T, Welch K, 'Guidance on assessing the socio-economic impacts of offshore wind farms (OWFs) '
  (2020) Website 
• Glasson J, Durning B, Olorundami T, Welch K, 'Technical Report 4: European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) (Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm): Socio-Economic Impacts Monitoring Study '
  (2020) Abstract

  Executive Summary.

  Aims: This study is one element of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) Environmental Research and Monitoring Programme supported by Vattenfall. The focus of this element of the whole programme is on the socio-economic impacts of Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) projects on the human environment. The EOWDC study provides the most detailed element of the socio-economics impacts research programme. Through detailed monitoring of the EOWDC over its lifecycle to date, the research seeks to provide a more robust evidence base of actual socio-economic impacts - particularly at the local and regional level - and so help to reduce uncertainties in future assessment/practices. The research compares these, as far as is possible, with the predicted impacts in the Environmental Statement (ES) for the project. The EOWDC is a relatively small OWF with 11 turbines/c 93.2MW, and with total expenditure (Totex) of about £280m. It is located 2.4km offshore. It is also an innovative project in terms of technology. It has offshore and onshore elements; the latter includes a sub-station at Blackdog, and a 7.5 km cable connection to SSE’s Dyce sub-station. Construction was completed in the Summer of 2018, and the first power flowed into the grid in September of that year.
  

  Approach: the research approach included regular meetings/telecoms with Vattenfall project staff; workshops with representatives of local authorities/agencies and with the local Belhelvie Community Council to explore evolving project impacts and responses; and various surveys through the lifecycle of the project to identify actual socio-economic impacts. The ES (DTZ, 2011) uses Inner (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire), Wider (Scotland), and UK study areas. The focus here is on the Inner and Wider spatial areas. There was good data for the research from Vattenfall contracts spending; onshore tier 1 contractor contracts data, and sub-station workforce survey; community responses to proposed Community Benefits Fund; various community surveys; and press coverage of the project over its lifecycle. However, data was much thinner for the offshore construction stage activities of the two main tier 1 contractors.
  

  Structure of the Report: the report has five parts. Part A provides an Introduction and Overview of the study. Part B analyses the findings gained on the actual economic impacts over the lifecycle to date of the EOWDC. It also seeks to compare the actual impacts with those forecast in the ES. The approach is largely quantitative, focusing on employment and wider economic effects. Part C concentrates on the social impacts, including analyses of various perception studies undertaken by the project and by Vattenfall (re Community Benefits Fund). The data on the social impacts is generally more qualitative in nature. A further section, Part D, very briefly reviews socio-economic impacts on the two floating OWF developments off the Aberdeenshire coast -- Hywind and Kincardine. A final section, Part E , draws out some conclusions on the actual socio-economic impacts and compares these, as far as is possible, with the predicted impacts in the ES for the project. It also summarises cumulative effects of the EOWDC with the adjacent floating OWF projects.
  

  Summary of Economic Impacts Findings: the EOWDC project performed well against economic impact predictions for the onshore construction and for the early O&M stages of the project life cycle -- stages that tend to be underplayed in EIAs and in the ES documentation, but which are especially important for local economic benefits. The O&M stage is particularly significant in terms of the high local percentage of the total economic impacts, over a 20-25 year life. In contrast, for this project, the local and Scotland wide economic benefits from offshore construction appear to be very limited, and much less than predicted. There are some caveats, relating to the relatively small size of the EOWDC project, and data gaps from two key tier 1 contractors, but even so, the actual impacts are estimated as being low and well below those predicted in the original ES documents. The nearby Hywind floating wind farm project appears to have even larger construction stage leakages, and indeed, there may be even less local economic benefit from the O&M stage than anticipated in the low impact scenario for that project. This leakage of the offshore construction stage benefits is a major concern to local, regional and national authorities, as noted by the Scottish Energy Minister at an offshore wind summit in Edinburgh in early 2020 – ‘Scotland is the ideal location for offshore wind, but recent projects have not delivered the significant economic opportunities we want to see for Scottish businesses’. Summary of Social Impacts Findings: there was very little coverage of social impacts in the ES documentation, and there was no evidence of any significant actual impacts on social infrastructure, such as housing and local services. However, from the various surveys, there were some community concerns, although these lessened over the life cycle. Community views of the project during the consenting and pre-construction stage comprised elements of ‘resistance’ due to uncertainty over the number, size and location of the turbines. Parts of the community felt ‘blighted’ due to decades of historic legacy of unwanted development and made vocal objection to the development. Yet others expressed that they did not mind the proposed development and sought to ‘get on board’ with the project. These differing views (possibly somewhat exaggerated by the media) did result in some loss of social cohesion within the communities during the pre-construction and construction stage, but this was less of an issue into the early O&M stage. Concerning visual impacts during construction of the onshore and offshore elements, most respondents (over 50% in each case) felt that the impacts were as expected. These dropped slightly in a later survey of community views during the O&M stage, when ‘as experienced’ or ‘not experienced’ was the dominant response. Many responses used the word ‘surprise’ in relation to the wind turbines – how big they are and how close to the shore. The biggest ‘feeling’ in relation to the windfarm was that it was ‘good to see clean energy being generated’ (80%). However, a number of qualitative comments indicate some conflicted viewpoints e.g. ‘not great for the seascape but the renewable energy is necessary’. Of importance for management of both social and economic impacts is the engagement strategy of the developer.There is evidence of much good practice in the Vattenfall approach, well managed by the project’s Local Community Liaison Officer, throughout the life cycle from pre-construction through to early O&M. The introduction of the EOWDC Community Benefits Fund (CBF), known as the Unlock our Future Fund, is another very important feature of long-term community engagement.

  Website 
• Glasson J, Durning B, Broderick M, Welch K, 'Study on the impacts of the early stage construction of the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear Power Station'
  

  This report presents the outcome of a monitoring and auditing study on the impacts of the early stages of construction of the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear Power Station.  The aim of the study was to learn about the scale, nature and extent of the likely impacts of nuclear new builds, and to gather both quantitative and qualitative evidence of the impact in practice. This study will help local government and other stakeholders to work with the developers to plan for and implement their projects in a way that benefits are maximised and negative impacts are minimised, to the advantage of all parties.

  (2020) Website 
• Glasson J, Durning B, Welch K, Olorundami T, Carnie J,, 'Socio-economic impacts of Offshore Wind Farm (OWF)'
  (2019)
• Durning B, 'Shedding light on the dark side'
  The Environmentalist (2016) Website 
• Durning B, 'Assessing cumulative impacts at project level: a review of practice for offshore windfarms'
  (2015)
• Durning B, 'EIA and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS)'
  (2015)
• Durning B, Broderick MA, 'Mini review of current practice in the assessment of cumulative environmental effects of UK Offshore Renewable Energy Developments when carried out to aid decision making in a regulatory context'
  (2015) Website 
• Allen J, Durning B, 'EIA and nationally significant infrastructure'
  (2015)
• Durning B, 'Development of normative values for assessing cumulative environmental impacts of marine renewable energy projects currently within the planning system'
  (2014)
• Durning B, 'Climate change and EIA'
  (2013)
• Durning B, 'Furthering environmental assessment through continuing assessment into management as an aid to integrating disaster risk reduction measures into development'
  (2012)
• Durning B, 'Carbon counting and EIA process'
  (2012)
• Durning B, Broderick M, 'Reflection on appreciate inquiry as a possible tool for effective public participation in environmental and social impact assessment'
  (2012)
• Durning B, 'The spiral of knowledge development: professional knowledge development in planning'
  (2011)
• Broderick M, Durning B, Ferguson D, 'Equator principles and the minerals industry'
  (2010)
• Durning B, Broderick M, 'Follow-up in ESIA as an aid to greening economies'
  (2010)
• Durning B, 'Developing undergraduate research opportunities to deliver responsible global citizens'
  (2009)
• Durning B, Ferguson E, 'UK and US planning skills - a comparative study'
  (2009)
• Durning B, et al, 'Memorandum to Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Committee on Planning Skills. Publishded in Starkey, P. Planning matters - labour shortages and skills gaps. Eleventh report of session 2007-2008, HC 517-11'
  (2008)
• Durning B, Broderick M, Ferguson D, Evans S, 'Impact of the Equator Principles on EIA practice - implications for improving practice in UK and Ireland'
  (2008)
• Durning B, 'Strategic EMS - a future governance and legislative tool?'
  (2008)
• Glassson J, Durning B, Elsworth T, 'JET site (Culham, Oxfordshire) - end-state consultation and recommendations to the JET site stakeholders group, UKAEA'
  (2007)
• Durning B, Glasson J, Carpenter J, Butina Watson G, 'Professional knowledge development for sustainable communities'
  (2007)
• Glasson J, Chadwick A, Durning B, Lawton-Smith H, 'A local socio-economic impact assessment of the Wheatley campus of Oxford Brookes University'
  (2007)
• Higgins M, Brown C, Prior A, McCarthy J, Hachman V, Durning B, 'Scottish planning authorities skills assessment'
  (2007)
• Durning B, 'Making spaces in a flux: do planners in English planning authorities have the skills and knowledge capacity to do it?'
  (2007)
• Butina Watson G, Carpenter J, Brownill S, Durning B, Reeve A, 'Thames Gateway Evidence Review'
  (2006) Website 
• Durning B, Glasson J, 'Skills base in the planning system: a literature review'
  (2004)
• Durning B, Glasson J, 'Skills base in the planning system: survey results'
  (2004)
• Durning B, 'The role of the professional in planning education'
  (2003)

Membership of professional bodies

Chartered Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society of London

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Member of the International Association for Impact Assessment (Treasurer of the Ireland/Uk Branch)

Member of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA)

 

Conferences

Convenor and Session Chair - 

IAIA Special Symposium (2016)  Water and Impact Assessment: Investment, Infrastructure, Legacy
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) ǀ Lincoln, England, United Kingdom 1 - 2 September 2016

Conference papers

Durning B (2017) Cumulative effects assessment of offshore windfarms - an exploration of UK practice Paper presented to the Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), Montreal, Canada, April

Durning B and Broderick M (2017) fostering collaboration in EIA to deliver stakeholder consensus – UK perspective. Paper presented to the Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), Montreal, Canada, April

Allen J and Durning B (2015) EIA and Nationally Significant Infrastructure.  Presentation to the IEMA EIA & ESIA Masterclass, 3^rd November, London (invited speaker – joint presentation with Jon Allen of RoyalHaskoningDHV)

Durning B (2015) EIA and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).  Presentation to RTPI West Midlands Event ‘EIA: A changing environment’.  Birmingham, UK, 24^th June.

Durning B (2014) ‘Development of normative values for assessing cumulative environmental impacts of marine renewable energy projects currently within the planning system’. Annual UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference, Oxford, UK, 9-11^th September.

Durning B (2013) Climate Change and EIA. ‘Celebrating 25years of EIA in the UK’ Annual Conference of Ireland/UK Branch of International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), University of Liverpool, 10th June

Durning B (2012) Furthering environmental assessment through continuing assessment into management as an aid to integrating disaster risk reduction measures into development Japan-UK Joint Workshop: ‘Policy Integration between Environmental Assessment and Disaster Management’ Chiba University of Commerce, Ichikawa, Japan, 30th November – 3rd December

Durning B and Broderick M (2012) Reflection on Appreciative Inquiry as a Possible Tool for Effective Public Participation in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)Development Studies Association Annual Conference, 3rd November 2012, London

Durning B (2012) 'Carbon counting and EIA process'. Paper presented at 32nd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Energy Future: The Role of Impact Assessment Porto, Portugal, 27 May – 1st June

Broderick, M. Durning, B. and Ferguson, D. (2010) 'Equator principles and the minerals industry'. Paper presented at 30th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) The role of impact assessment in transitioning to the green economy Geneva, Switzerland, 6-11th April

Durning, B. and Broderick, M. (2010) 'Follow-up in ESIA as an aid to greening economies'. Paper presented at 30th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) The role of impact assessment in transitioning to the green economy Geneva, Switzerland, 6-11th April

Durning, B. (2009) 'Developing undergraduate research opportunities to deliver responsible global citizens'. Paper presented at the 15th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Conference – Taking up the Global Challenge Utrecht University, Netherlands, 5-8th July

Broderick, M., Durning, B. and Glasson, J. (2007) 'Environmental Impact Assessment for Decommissioning Regulations 1999 (EIADR99): A review of the implementation of the Regulations in Great Britain'. UK Decommissioning and Waste Management Conference Penrith, Cumbria, September

Non-refereed conference/seminar papers

Durning, B. (2011) 'The Spiral of Knowledge Development' Future of the Planning Discipline Conference, Oxford, May

Durning, B. (2009) 'Researching research-based learning'. School of the Built Environment,Oxford Brookes University Breakfast Research Seminar Series

Durning, B. and Ferguson, E. (2009) 'UK and US planning Skills – a comparative study'. UK and Ireland Planning Research Conference, 1-3rd April, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Durning, B. Broderick, M. Ferguson, D. and Evans, S. (2008) 'Impact of the Equator Principles on EIA practice – implications for improving practice in UK and Ireland'. IAIA Ireland-UK Branch Event, 4th December, Oxford

Durning, B. (2007) 'Skills and knowledge development in planning professionals'. School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University Breakfast Research Seminar Series

Durning, B. (2007) 'Strategic EMS – a future governance and legislative tool?' IEMA EMS National Forum, London, November

Durning, B. (2007) 'Making spaces in a flux: do planners in English planning authorities have the skills and knowledge capacity to do it?' Planning Research Conference, Heriot Watt University, April

Durning, B. (2003) 'The Teaching/Research Interface – Lessons from Project LINK' LTSN Subject Centre for Education (ESCALATE) Heads of Department Forum

Durning, B. (2003) 'The role of the professional in planning education' Planning Research Conference, Oxford

Other experience

Founding Director (2013) of CSAT (Cheney School Academy Trust renamed Community Schools Alliance Trust in 2017).  Involved in school governance in Oxford since 2001. 

Prior to joining Oxford Brookes in 2000 I spent ten years working in environmental consultancy and local government

Further information

Twitter - @eam_oxfbrookes