A completeness is "The amount of valid data obtained compared to the planned amount, and [it is] usually expressed as a percentage; a data quality indicator" (QAMS 1993, 6).
In the context of the environment, completeness refers to the degree to which a system or process captures all relevant information or data that is necessary for accurate understanding or decision-making.
Examples of how completeness is applied in the environment include:
- Data completeness of an environmental impact assessment, which includes all the relevant data on the impacts of a proposed project on the environment
- Completeness of a waste management plan, which includes all the ways of disposing of waste and recycling as well as the waste reduction techniques.
- Completeness of a biodiversity conservation plan, which includes all the actions to protect and conserve a specific area's flora and fauna.
- Completeness of water management plan, which considers all the water resources in an area and all the possible ways of using it.
- Completeness of air quality monitoring, which includes all the pollutants and its sources.
In general, completeness is important in environmental contexts as it helps to ensure that all relevant information is taken into account when making decisions that impact the environment, in order to make more informed and sustainable choices.