AS a business owner you have a legal responsibility to monitor and effectively manage the impact your business has on the environment.
Legislation and environmental compliance orders are in place to ensure that all businesses operate responsibly.
But acting in a socially and environmentally responsible way can have a positive effect on your business too.
COMPLIANCE
There are a number environmental rules that your business may have to comply with, including preventing air pollution; waste storage and handling; noise, odour and other pollutions; and a number of other environmental concerns.
LICENSING
Certain business activities that pose an environmental risk are required to have a permit or license. These include, amongst others, any business which collects or transports waste, carries out waste activities, carries out industrial or agricultural activities, discharges trade effluent, takes water from surface or groundwater.
CONSERVATION
If you operate within a protected area, your business has to conform to more stringent conservation legislation. This legislation is in place to protect the UK’s biodiversity and as a business owner it is your responsibility to comply.
COST EFFICIENCIES
Going that one step further to introduce environmental policies can have a positive effect on your business. For example, paying particular attention to your energy and water usage and looking at ways to reduce this can significantly cut your utility bills. By recycling equipment and materials and reducing your use of raw materials, you can minimise your waste and therefore lower your waste disposal bills.
CREATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
By developing a environmental and sustainability policy you can enhance your reputation as well as create opportunities for your business. Many large companies and government organisations only work with businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
In addition, this focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices can foster customer loyalty, encourage employee innovation and open new markets.
:: Hina Joshi is an adviser for Business Link
CONTACT BUSINESS LINK
Business Link’s team of advisers will be able to guide you through all aspects of environmental compliance, from identifying requirements to generating business opportunities.
For further information call 0845 600 9006, visit www.bl-ne.co.uk , or follow us on Twitter @businesslinkne
The Business Link service is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered in the North East by the Business & Enterprise Group.