The Environment Agency's report includes a review of many different topics, in full asking for businesses to do more to protect the environment.
The report includes a review of the:
It has shown that the majority of England's regulated businesses are working to protect the environment and looking to support prosperity- although it should be noted that more work is needed to reduce the serious pollution incidents and illegal waste activity. Published on the 25 October, the Environment Agency's (EA) annual Regulating for People, Environment and Growth (RPEG) report has revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from the industry have been cut by half in the last 10 years, and compliance rates of both energy efficiency and emissions trading schemes are above 98%.
It also shows 92% of operators have demonstrated good compliance with their environmental permit conditions. A record number of 72% of the waste produced by activities with permits was recovered and high levels of bathing water quality have been maintained. The report gives an overview of the regulatory performance of all businesses that have environmental permits in England - this also shows the effectiveness of the Environment Agency's regulatory approach.
Just earlier in this month, the Environment Agency had set itself in the aim of becoming a net-zero organisation by the year 2030. This meant that they looked to ensure that its own activities and its supply chain are taking as much carbon out of the atmosphere as they are putting into it.
Deputy Director at the Environment Agency, Gillian Pratt, has said, "Our regulation is supporting a healthier environment and safer communities. The majority of businesses we regulate are well run. But all businesses must make improvements to ensure their operations help protect the environment and local communities. Waste crime continues to blight communities, cause environmental harm, and undercut legitimate business. Businesses need to do more to manage their risks and reduce pollution incidents."
The Environment Agency has continued to target those who flout the rules with enforcement action, including the possibility of prosecution. During 2018, the prosecutions brought by the Environment Agency resulted in almost £2.8 million in fines for various environmental offences. Despite good progress taking place, the report highlights the need for businesses to do more to safeguard the environment, as the number of both serious pollution incidents and illegal waste site increases.
The report has highlighted:
The report can be found at:
