Definition 1
Mitigation Hierarchy means the strategy developed by [the Company] to reduce its Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions by doing all of the following:
(a) using [all [OR reasonable efforts] to prevent, avoid and reduce emissions [from within its value chain OR the Development OR the Project];
(b) offsetting emissions only after making all [achievable OR reasonable] reductions in (a) above; and
(c) revising its strategy over time as more emissions are capable of being reduced.
Definition 2
Mitigation Hierarchy means the strategy developed by [the Company] to reduce its environmental and social impact by doing all of the following:
(a) identifying all the [environmental and social] risks and impacts of [a Project OR the Development OR the business of the Company];
(b) avoiding preventable risks and impacts;
(c) where avoidance is not [commercially OR practically] possible, minimising risks and impacts as much as [commercially or practically] possible;
(d) where risks and impacts have been minimised, taking steps to mitigate their effect;
(e) where significant risks and impacts remain, offsetting them if feasible; and
(f) revising its approach over time as more risks and impacts are capable of being avoided, minimised, mitigated and offset.
Definition 3
Mitigation Hierarchy means the framework implemented by the [Company] to limit [as far as possible] the negative impacts on [the environment OR biodiversity] [from the Project OR Development] by doing all of the following:
(a) [making all OR reasonable efforts OR taking measures] to prevent, avoid and reduce harmful impacts [from the Project OR Development] from the outset to avoid disturbance;
(b) [making all OR reasonable efforts OR taking measures] to reduce the duration, intensity and/or extent of impacts that cannot be completely avoided;
(c) improve degraded or removed [ecosystems OR environments] following exposure to impacts that cannot be completely avoided or minimised, including rehabilitation and restoration efforts; and
(d) where adverse impacts remain, Offsetting them in accordance with an appropriate Offsetting Strategy.
Drafting notes and guidance
A mitigation hierarchy is a strategy to prioritise reducing value chain emissions before seeking to act beyond the value chain and offsetting them. It brings accountability and encourages organisations to consider the steps they can take to reduce emissions.
A strong mitigation hierarchy will set both Near- and Long-Term Science-Based Targets. By adopting a mitigation hierarchy, organisations can work towards achieving the Paris Agreement Goals.
Option 2
A mitigation hierarchy can be used to address a wide range of environmental and social risks and impacts, as demonstrated by definition 2. See A cross-sector guide for implementing the Mitigation Hierarchy and the World Bank's standard on the Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts.
Option 3
This definition is most suitable for Companies and/or Developments which are likely to have an impact on biodiversity.
Just transition
In developing any kind of mitigation strategy, companies should consider the concept of a just transition to contextualise environmental and social action within a framework of social justice.
Disregarding social trade-offs when implementing a mitigation hierarchy strategy may cause clashes with relevant government policy as well as supplier or customer and local community rights and priorities.