Scope of Environmental Concerns

Whilst some organisations can be clearly seen as having a substantial impact on their environment, such as Wind Farms, Quarrying, Open Cast Mining, etc., many other businesses consider themselves to have minimal influence on the environment around them.

We should make it clear that an Environmental Management System (EMS) is not essential to satisfy current UK legislation. Nevertheless, an effective EMS can make it easier to comply with legal requirements and to evidence your compliance. Beyond compliance, however, there are all kinds of potential benefit for your business.

According to the UK Environment Agency, the areas that every business needs to consider are:

• Air
• Business Efficiency
• Energy
• Hazardous Substances
• Land
• Noise, Smoke and Dust
• Packaging
• Permits and Licenses
• Waste and Recycling
• Water

To be seen to be environmentally responsible, your organisation needs to consider each of these areas in relation to your business activities and decide how you can become more environmentally friendly or state how you are already ahead of the game.

See Reference pages for information on Legislation / Glossary / Weblinks