Renewable Energy Services

Biophysical Support for Clean Energy Projects

At Ethos Enviro, we offer science-based renewable energy assessments that help clients evaluate site suitability, understand environmental constraints, and prepare defensible plans for clean energy development. Our assessments are tailored to support wind, solar, and hybrid renewable energy projects across Alberta and Western Canada. From wetland screening and GIS mapping to farm planning (agrivoltaics), we help clients navigate the early phases of project development with accuracy and foresight.

Wind turbines in a field with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

What Are Renewable Energy Assessments?

Our renewable energy services focus on the early-phase environmental, spatial, and technical evaluations used to determine if the physical environment and local wildlife poses risks for siting renewable energy developments. These assessments help identify potential constraints such as wetlands and wildlife corridors, optimize routing, and support the AUC environmental approvals.

At Ethos Enviro, our renewable energy assessments focus on:

  • Environmental scoping for wetlands, wildlife, and vegetation

  • Construction monitoring and post construction avian mortality monitoring 

  • GIS-based constraint mapping and buffer analysis

  • Agrivoltaic plans or farm plans for solar operations

  • Early-phase and hearing support for Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rule 007 submissions

  • We begin each project with a strategic review of your proposed development area to determine its the environmental constraints of the location:

    • Evaluating setback requirements from wetlands and other significant natural features

    • Conducting desktop-level terrain analysis, slope mapping, and land-use compatibility review

    • Screening for natural features which restrict project footprint based on the Wildlife Directive for Wind and Solar 

    • Delivering a comprehensive feasibility summary to inform investment decisions and early-stage planning

    This foundational step helps you avoid costly site conflicts and supports faster alignment with design and regulatory needs.

  • Understanding environmental limitations is key to site selection and layout planning, especially within Alberta’s evolving clean energy framework. We assist by:

    • Identifying wetlands, ephemeral drainages, riparian buffers, wildlife surveys and rare plant zones

    • Mapping setbacks, municipal land-use restrictions, and habitat corridors

    • Reviewing relevant compliance layers (e.g., Water Act, Wildlife Act, and municipal bylaws)

    • Preparing environmental reporting including: Biophysical Impact Assessments (BIA), Reclamation Plans, Environmental Evaluations (EE), Agrivoltaic Plans

    This stage ensures your project is positioned for smoother permitting and reduced redesign risk.

  • We translate site data into clear, decision-ready visuals that support every phase of planning and communication:

    • Constraint overlays highlighting environmental setbacks and buffer zones

    • Preliminary solar array layouts optimized for farm plan efficiency 

    • Regional context maps for project portfolios, site scouting, or investor materials

    All maps are professionally prepared using GIS and are ready for submission to consultants, regulators, or stakeholders.

  • Our team provides regulatory support to help clients meet provincial and municipal requirements for clean energy development. We offer:

    • Input for Environmental Protection Plans (EPP) or Environmental Evaluations (EE)

    • Documentation aligned with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rule 007 or municipal applications

    • Integration of environmental findings into project layout and engineering workflows

    • Collaboration with permitting consultants, engineers, and legal teams

    This support helps projects avoid costly delays and demonstrates environmental due diligence from the outset.

  • Renewable energy assessments are most valuable when used throughout a project’s lifecycle. We support long-term success by:

    • Advising on on-site monitoring protocols to track reclamation and conducting construction monitoring

    • Gathering environmental baseline data to support adaptive management or post-construction reporting

    • Performing post mortality avian monitoring 

    • Supporting integration with environmental audits, third-party inspections, or investor reporting

    Our role extends beyond planning, ensuring your renewable energy site remains resilient, compliant, and environmentally sound.

Our Renewable Energy Assessment Services

Past projects

  • Solar panels installed on a grassy field with rocks and a clear sky.

    Agricultural Land Evaluation Report For Energy Projects

    Author of Agricultural Land Evaluation Report For Energy Projects, Expert Witness - Pause on Renewable Energy Projects Inquiry A, Alberta Utilities Commission (2024)

  • Open field with green grass, yellow wildflowers, and a narrow waterway under a partly cloudy sky.

    Wetland Assessment and Water Act Approval, ENEL Green Power

    Wetland Assessment and Water Act Approval, ENEL Green Power, Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Project (2019)

  • A landscape with multiple wind turbines on a green and yellow field under a partly cloudy sky.

    Environmental Evaluation, EDP Renewables

    Environmental Evaluation, EDP Renewables, Sharp Hills Wind Farm (2021)

Rolling green hills at sunset with numerous wind turbines across the landscape.

Who We Work With

Our services are designed for a wide range of industries and organizations that require environmental remediation consulting:

  • Real estate and land development projects requiring due diligence

  • Oil, gas, and renewable energy projects requiring ESAs, restoration, or regulatory filings

  • Transportation and infrastructure development needing compliance support

  • Municipalities and government agencies planning or approving development

  • Agricultural and rural landowners addressing site impacts or preparing for land sales

We adapt our approach to each project, ensuring solutions fit both regulatory requirements and ecological conditions.

Our Approach to Renewable Energy Assessments

Site-Specific Resource Analysis

We evaluate your location’s terrain, land use, and natural features to guide early-phase feasibility and project design decisions.

Environmental Integration

Our assessments incorporate ecological sensitivity, including wetlands, wildlife zones, and habitat considerations, to support responsible planning and compliance.

Regulatory-Aware Documentation

From AUC guidelines to municipal permitting needs, we deliver clear, defensible data packages that align with environmental and land-use requirements.

Data-Driven, Decision-Ready Outputs

Our visual maps, datasets, and reports are structured for use in regulatory submissions, internal planning, and investor due diligence.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Renewable Energy Assessments

  • A renewable energy assessment evaluates a site’s potential for solar, wind, or other clean energy projects. It includes resource availability, environmental constraints, land-use considerations, and regulatory alignment.

  • Assessments help identify opportunities and limitations early in the project lifecycle. They reduce risks, support permitting, and inform layout decisions, saving time and cost down the line.

  • We primarily assess potential for solar and wind energy development, supporting both utility-scale and community-level clean energy projects.

  • Yes. We assist in preparing documentation for agencies like the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Water Act applications, and other permitting bodies.

  • Absolutely. Our assessments include GIS-based environmental overlays identifying key site features such as wetlands, habitat buffers, and setback zones.

  • Yes. We combine desktop analysis with on-site fieldwork as needed. While we use high-resolution datasets and GIS tools for early planning, we also conduct field surveys using drones, trail cameras, audio recorders, and other tools. These site visits help us collect accurate data for wildlife assessments, wetland classification, and ecological evaluations.

  • We support developers, municipalities, landowners, engineering firms, and investors involved in clean energy planning, permitting, and due diligence.

  • Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll review your project goals and deliver a tailored assessment proposal based on your site, jurisdiction, and timeline.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly.

Sun shining over a valley with green trees covering the hills and mountains in the distance.