Environmental Specialist Construction Supervision (UBÜ), or more generally Environmental Construction Supervision (UBB), is a function appointed by the client to provide advice and supervision on all environmentally relevant matters and environmental legal requirements associated with construction projects.
Since the introduction of the Environmental Damage Act (USchadG) in 2007, an accompanying and advisory environmental specialist in the form of Environmental Construction Supervision has increasingly been required as part of various approval notices, construction permits, environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environmental assessments (SEA). Although UBB/UBÜ has a supervisory function, it is not intended to act as the construction site’s “watchdog” or to monitor the client itself. Rather, the role is that of a problem solver, coordinator, advisor and facilitator. Acting on behalf of the client, the UBB/UBÜ ensures the monitoring and safeguarding of all environmental and nature conservation requirements.
The tasks of Environmental Construction Supervision are diverse. They range from the classification and coordination of environmentally relevant measures before, during and after the construction phase to public relations activities. The core scope of services includes:
- Advisory support throughout all construction phases (including detailed planning, approval procedures, permit and authorization notices, inspections, etc.)
- Communication and coordination between all parties involved (client / principal, construction supervision, contractors, specialist authorities, nature conservation authorities and the local population)
- Implementation of landscape management and nature conservation requirements (excluding services pursuant to HOAI)
- Preservation of evidence and documentation
- Prevention of environmental damage, minimization of impacts, and implementation of recultivation and compensation measures
- Communication and time management
- Public relations and stakeholder communication (supporting role)
- Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented measures
