Environmental consultants advise businesses, developers, public bodies and landowners on the environmental effects of their activities or proposed projects. They assess issues such as air and water quality, noise, waste, energy use, habitats and wildlife, and land contamination. Their work may help clients understand environmental risks, meet relevant legal requirements and reduce harm to the natural environment. Services can include environmental impact assessments for planning or development, site investigations, pollution and compliance audits, ecological surveys, carbon or sustainability assessments, and plans for managing waste or environmental risks. Consultants may collect samples, carry out monitoring, review records and prepare technical reports for planning applications, permits or internal decision-making. They can also recommend mitigation measures, oversee remediation work or help organisations develop environmental management systems and ongoing monitoring programmes.