Environmental Due Diligence: technical analysis of environmental risks with expert assurance
In technical audit processes, Environmental Due Diligence assesses the environmental status of an asset or company to identify potential liabilities, such as soil contamination or regulatory non-compliance, and measure their economic and legal impact. It includes documentary review, on-site inspections and, where necessary, physical-chemical analysis, with the aim of providing investors, financiers or buyers with a clear view of the risks and the necessary mitigation measures prior to an operation.
We are a leading company with more than 30 years of experience in advising companies in the areas of Consultancy and ValuationOur team of expert consultants in sustainability has the main international certifications and verifications, providing a specialised approach to sustainable business consultancy. Having the backing of an independent consultancy firm such as Gesvalt to carry out environmental due diligence provides technical solvency, impartiality in analysis and confidence in decision making,the company's risk management system ensures early detection of risks, regulatory compliance and investment protection in any corporate or real estate transaction.
What is Environmental Due Diligence and when is it needed?
Definition and objectives: to identify environmental liabilities and assess compliance
Environmental Due Diligence, an audit tool that verifies the environmental status of an asset, land or company in accordance with current legislation. It is integrated within the overall technical-financial analysis and its main purpose is to detecting environmental liabilities (such as soil contamination) to assessing compliance.
When: sale and purchase of assets, mergers, financing, change of use
Sale and purchase of assets
Mergers and acquisitions
Funding
Changes of use, among other scenarios linked to investment or disinvestment
Types of assets where it is applied: industrial, logistics, commercial and residential land.
Environmental Due Diligence is often performed on real estate assets such as:
Industrial flooring
Logistical spaces
Commercial assets
Land or real estate for residential use
Gesvalt's Environmental Due Diligence Services
We offer Environmental Due Diligence, to analyse in detail the environmental factors and risks that may affect real estate assets in investment or divestment operations of our clients. With special attention to the detection of soil contamination, our service guarantees an agile and reliable process, providing technical expertise and transactional security to reduce risks and compliance with the deadlines of each operation.
Documentary review: licences, previous reports, waste records
Licences, historical studies and waste reports are examined to verify legal compliance and detect potential environmental contingencies.
On-site inspection and physico-chemical analysis of the ground or groundwater
The technical inspection includes detailed sampling and analysis of soil and groundwater to identify contamination, radon and other toxic hazards.
Assessment of compliance with national and European regulations
The reports assess the degree of regulatory compliance against national (such as RD 56/2016 energy audits) and European standards, within the ESG framework.
Identification of environmental liabilities, their economic and legal impact
Potential liabilities such as contamination or technical deficiencies are identified, quantifying their economic and legal implications and the risks associated with the operation.
Recommendations and action plan for risk mitigation
Following the diagnosis, corrective measures and operational plans (including decarbonisation, sustainable certifications or green finance) are proposed, adapted to the transactional and regulatory context.
Why trust Gesvalt for your Environmental Due Diligence?
Proven experience in environmental analysis in corporate operations
We have extensive experience accompanying our clients in environmental analysis, through services such as environmental due diligence, sustainability certifications or advice on decarbonisation and the application of sustainable criteria in their corporate operations.
Valid reports for funders, investors and administrations.
Our environmental reports provide transactional solvency, recognised and trusted by financial institutions, administrations and other key third parties.
Coordination with client's legal, financial and technical teams
In each operation, we adapt the deadlines and methodologies to the client's needs, taking into account the rest of the company's teams (financial, technical or legal) if necessary.
Consultants specialising in regulated and environmentally sensitive environments
Our team of sustainability experts holds the main specific certifications, as well as extensive experience advising our clients on environmental analysis and regulations.
Methodology and phases of Environmental Due Diligence
Evaluation Phase I: desk review and preliminary analysis
Available information, licences and historical data are collected and reviewed, and a visual inspection is carried out to identify potential risks.
Phase II assessment: detailed environmental analysis
Includes sampling and physico-chemical analysis to confirm or rule out contamination and quantify the extent of contamination.
Deliverables and final reports: interpretation of risks and scenarios
A clear report is provided with risk assessment, impact scenarios and recommendations for decision making.
Practical applications and sectors in which we work
Acquisition of land for real estate development
The environmental quality of the land is checked to prevent liabilities and ensure the viability of the project.Purchase and sale of industrial or logistics assets
The environmental status of facilities is assessed to minimise legal and economic risks in the transaction.Mergers and acquisitions of companies with associated environmental risk
Analysis of environmental liabilities that may affect the value and operation of the company.Financing secured by collateral
Preparation of reports validating the environmental suitability of the asset for financial institutions.Frequently Asked Questions on Environmental Due Diligence
How long does a full environmental due diligence take?
How long does a full environmental due diligence take?
Depending on the complexity of the asset, environmental due diligence usually takes between 2 and 6 weeks, including document review, inspection and laboratory analysis.
What is the difference between a Phase I and a Phase II ?
What is the difference between a Phase I and a Phase II ?
The Phase I assesses environmental risks by documentary review and visual inspection, while the Phase II includes sampling and physico-chemical analysis to confirm or rule out contamination.
Is it compulsory in a sale and purchase?
Is it compulsory in a sale and purchase?
It is not legally binding, but it is highly recommended to avoid acquiring assets with hidden environmental liabilities and to ensure compliance.
What kind of environmental risks are usually detected?
What kind of environmental risks are usually detected?
The most common are soil and groundwater contamination, inadequate waste management, presence of hazardous substances and deficiencies in environmental licensing.
Other services
Energy and economic optimisation of buildings and projects
Environmental Certifications for buildings
Decarbonisation Processes
We define ESG strategies, measure performance and develop decarbonisation plans with energy audits, metrics and roadmaps.