Definition – The environment
refers to the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, often in terms of how the environment is affected by human activity. At a local level, environment can also refer to the setting or conditions in which a particular activity is carried out, for instance “the urban environment is safe and attractive, which encourages walking.”
Relevance to SUMP – SUMP objectives include the following (as defined in the Guidelines): reduce air and noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption; and contribute to enhancing the attractiveness and quality of the urban environment and urban design for the benefits of citizens, the economy and society as a whole. The SUMP approach therefore seeks to protect and enhance the environment in both senses of the word.
Source: Oxford Dictionaries (online)