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Environmental and Social Standards Readiness Assessment (WB, ADB, EBRD, AfDB, EIB)
Lenders have renewed their environmental and social rules: ADB's new Environmental and Social Framework has applied since 1 January 2026, EBRD's 2024 Environmental and Social Policy introduced Environmental and Social Requirements (ESR 1 to 10), AfDB's updated Integrated Safeguards System took effect on 31 May 2024, and the World Bank ESF and EIB Environmental and Social Standards remain in force. This assessment checks the areas these frameworks share, so one team can be ready for several lenders. This is a real readiness tool: each question is drawn from the current official texts listed under "Based on", and Risalat's guideline monitor re-checks those sources every two weeks so the questions follow new editions.
- Assessment
- 15 min
- Free
- Saved in your browser
Who it is for
- Project implementation units and E&S specialists
- Ministries and agencies preparing MDB-financed projects
- Contractors and supervision consultants with E&S obligations
- Private clients of EBRD, EIB, IFC or ADB
- Consultants preparing ESIAs, ESMPs, RAPs and SEPs
What you get
- A readiness score across six shared E&S areas
- A gap list matched to the standards lenders will check
- The instruments you are likely to need (ESCP, ESMP, SEP, RAP, LMP)
- Practical steps for each weak area
- Programmes that build the missing skills
Programmes that build these skills
Upcoming Risalat programmes matched to the areas this tool measures. Your results show which ones fit your weakest areas.
Questions
What is new in ADB's Environmental and Social Framework?
ADB replaced its 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement with an Environmental and Social Framework approved on 22 November 2024. It applies from 1 January 2026 and sets ten Environmental and Social Standards, closer in structure to the World Bank ESF.
What changed in EBRD's 2024 policy?
The Environmental and Social Policy 2024 replaced the 2019 policy, and the Performance Requirements are now called Environmental and Social Requirements, numbered ESR 1 to ESR 10.
Can one set of documents satisfy several lenders?
Often yes for co-financed projects, if the documents meet the stricter requirement on each issue. Lenders usually agree a common approach, but check with each one.
Which standard covers sexual exploitation and abuse?
SEA/SH is addressed mainly through the labour and community health and safety standards and, for the World Bank, through procurement documents and contract requirements.
Based on
- World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS1 to ESS10) World Bank ESF, applied to new investment projects since 1 October 2018.
- ADB Environmental and Social Framework Approved 22 November 2024, effective 1 January 2026; ten Environmental and Social Standards.
- EBRD Environmental and Social Policy 2024 Replaces the 2019 policy; Performance Requirements renamed Environmental and Social Requirements (ESR 1 to 10).
- AfDB updated Integrated Safeguards System becomes effective AfDB press release (via AllAfrica): approved 12 April 2023, effective 31 May 2024.
- EIB Environmental and Social Standards European Investment Bank, 2022.
This is a self-assessment and training tool covering requirements common to the main lenders. It does not replace the lender's own review; always apply the framework and version named in your financing agreement.