The following are the major achievements of the ESD:

• Mangrove of Kerala: The study on Mangrove ecosystems was a pioneering effort by CESS to survey, demarcate, and conserve the remaining patches of this specie. The study on these wetlands showed that the mangroves are under immense pressure due to the growing demand for land reclamation, due to which wetland functions and resource base are fast disappearing in the state.
• Sacred groves of Kerala: The study on the sacred groves of Kerala was another initiative launched by CESS that brought to light the threat and disintegration faced by these groves due to changing socio-cultural mindset of the people.
• Carrying capacity studies of Greater Kochi Region, micro level study of Tinnakara Island, Lakshadweep, Kovalam international tourism destination, Pathiramanal island, Alappuzha, Karumkulam, Arattupuzha, Muzhuppilangad and Bison valley Panchayats were completed.
• Coordinated around 40 EIA studies covering energy sector, Tourism, Industries, Infrastructure, Mining , Strategies, Air ports and Warfs/ports.
• Assessment of the Groundwater resource potential of Lakshadweep
• Estimation of River sand availability in rivers of Kerala,
• Assessment of surplus agro-industrial biomass residues and energy potential,
• Assessment of Clay and Lime shell resources of Vembanad Lake
• ESD was functioning as the agency to recommend availability of sand mining of each kadavus
• Audited the availability of river sand in various river basins for mining purposes