Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

New environmental regulations needn't be costly

17th February 2009

In the current economic climate it is essential businesses are prepared for new regulations, as failure to comply could lead to increased costs.

NetRegs (www.netregs.gov.uk) is a free UK website offering environmental guidance for businesses and is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The guidance provided could make life easier for Scottish businesses.

Following consultation on the Environmental Liability Directive, the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (Scotland) Regulations will come into force in 2009. The regulations aim to ensure that action is taken to put damage right as opposed to simply penalising those responsible.

Based on the 'polluter pays principle' the new legislation requires businesses to report, and take responsibility for, any environmental damage to land, water or biodiversity caused by their activities. The regulations encourage businesses to proactively manage relevant risks effectively, including appropriate pollution prevention measures.

Any business causing environmental damage will be responsible for rectifying that damage. A recent NetRegs survey showed that 52% of Scottish Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) said they undertook at least one of a list of potentially harmful activities*, so businesses could be facing unexpected costs.

Gillian Bruce, NetRegs board member for SEPA explains: "The survey shows that many small businesses still don't understand their basic environmental obligations. We want to respond to their growing concerns, help them protect the environment and avoid fines.

"Many SMEs wrongly presume that assessing their environmental impact will be expensive in time and money. In fact, small businesses can often save money by using resources more efficiently and reducing waste. In today's economic climate, businesses simply can't afford to let crucial new regulations go unheeded."

Environmental consultant EFTEC estimates that UK SMEs save at least £58 million a year by using NetRegs.gov.uk to improve their environmental compliance and practices. Each SME that registers for free regular update emails saves on average £2,615 per year by reducing time spent understanding what legislation means for them and benefiting from advice on compliance.

SME subscribers can register for free email updates to inform them of regulations well before they come into effect - ensuring businesses understand how changing laws apply to them. Log on to:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs/legislation/future/63682.aspx

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Working together for the North Highland water environment
Protecting and enhancing the natural waters of the North Highland area is a huge task involving many organisations and communities, and Scotland's environment watchdog is urging all those with an interest to get involved.   The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking interested local communities and businesses to read the draft River basin management plans (RBMP) and Local area management plans (AMP) and feed back whether they think the plans are comprehensive enough, how they can help to achieve the aims of the plans, and how we can all work together to achieve them.  
Scotland's recycling rate continues to rise
Scotland's recycling and composting rate continues to make steady progress.  Figures released today (Friday 13 February), by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), show that Scotland's annual recycling and composting rate rose to 32.9% for the year October 2007 to September 2008.  
New approach to improving the future health of Scotland's water
Scotland's environment watchdog has found that 57% of Scotland's water is in good condition, or better.  This provides an excellent basis for our future livelihoods, economy and recreation.  
NORTH-EAST FARMER FINED FOR RIVER POLLUTION
A north-east farmer was fined £2000 for allowing diesel to enter surface water drains and into a tributary of the River Ythan causing pollution of the river.   Mr Roger Glennie from the Hillhead of Ardo Farm, Methlick, Ellon pled guilty today (21 January 2009) to a contravention of legislation designed to protect the water environment.  
SEPA cuts red tape in waste regulations
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced further steps to reduce bureaucracy, while still ensuring high levels of environmental protection.   Changes have been put in place to how SEPA enforces three sets of regulations; the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) and the Trans Frontier Shipment Regulations (TFS).  
Climate Change Plan for SEPA published
With the Climate Change Scotland Bill now in parliament, it is important that everyone starts thinking how they will contribute to the ambitious world leading targets set out in the Bill.   As Scotland's environment watchdog, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a key role in addressing climate change and has today (19 December) published its climate change plan for SEPA.  
SEPA reveals 10-point plan to support economic activity
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed, with Government, a 10-point Plan to support economic activity during the current difficulties.  The aim is to help the economy whilst also protecting the environment and the health and well being of communities across Scotland.  
SEPA urges everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night
Now that the evenings are getting darker, and colder, many people are starting to think about Autumnal celebrations like Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.  While huddling round a blazing bonfire is an important part of the celebrations, and a good way to keep warm, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is reminding everyone that careful consideration needs to be given to what goes on any pyres.  
SEPA's launches flood campaign after Scotland's stormy summer
From soggy summers to wet winters, flooding can be a problem in Scotland at any time of the year.  Following on from one of the wettest summers for some parts of Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is launching its annual flood awareness campaign today (27 October).  
SEPA Waives Sheep Dip Charges
Farmers disposing of spent sheep dip will save money this year, after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) waived the second instalment of its annual groundwater licence charge.   The move is one of the first tangible benefits to emerge from Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS), a new partnership between the Scottish Government and agencies such as SEPA.