Issues pertaining to the environment are taken seriously all over the world and there is no exception within UK. The seriousness is mainly because of the need for safe environment to live without the risk of disease outbreaks. Environmental issues are also taken seriously out of realization that human actions directly cause damage to the ozone layer, which has seen changing whether patterns that is otherwise unhealthy. Like in other jurisdictions, there are several Environmental Management systems in the UK, all aimed at ensuring safe environment.
As a member of the European Union, the UK is obligated to ratify all environmental protection policies passed by the union’s council. Although UK has had its own environmental systems (EMS), it is now implementing various Environmental Management systems as prescribed by EU. The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme is one major environmental policy introduced by the EU council to be implemented in all EU member states. UK formally adopted the scheme in 1995. Although all EU member states are obligated to implement the scheme, companies and businesses operating in the industrial sector in the UK are not obligated to implement the same because there are adequate measures in place.
Apart from Environmental Management schemes passed by the EU, UK has its own management mechanisms put in place by various legislations. Because different types of businesses and activities present unique environmental issues, there are many legislations pertaining to Environmental Management in the UK, legislations that address specific industry or business. All companies and business owners in the UK are therefore required to seek advice on their specific areas of concern and obtain the necessary information regarding environmental legislations and good practices for their businesses.
As in other countries, UK Environmental Management legislations are aimed at not only achieving safe environment but also in ensuring the conservation of designated protected areas including common land, local nature reserves, areas of outstanding beauty, National parks, nature reserves, special scientific interest sites, wetlands and UNESCO biospheres. These are areas that if left unprotected through appropriate Environmental Management schemes can have serious implications not only to the immediate environment but loss of rare species.
UK Environmental Management legislations place varied responsibilities on all companies and businesses operated in the UK. Some of the responsibilities include preventing air pollution, safe storage and disposal of waste, prevent noise pollution, safe storage and transportation or disposal of hazardous materials/waste amongst others. Companies and businesses are obligated to have appropriate environmental protection programs to address these issues.
Three main agencies are involved in the regulation of Environmental Management issues within the UK. These include the Environmental agency in England and Whales, the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. Apart from these agencies, local authorities also play a crucial role in protecting the environment by issuing companies and businesses with the necessary licenses.
