Member Article

Businesses underestimating environmental damage

92% of UK businesses don’t think they undertake any activities that harm the environment, although when prompted with a list of possible activities, 43% admitted to being guilty of at least one. The research was conducted by www.netregs.gov.uk, a free website that provides practical, sector-specific guidance to small businesses on their environmental obligations. Richard Martin, Programme Manager at NetRegs, said: “If you run a small business it’s important to stay up-to-date with your environmental legal requirements. Waste materials produced by your business or within your workplace are regulated by law, and you are responsible for their safe and legal disposal. “By ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, small businesses can avoid the risk of prosecution and could benefit commercially in terms of cost savings and improved customer relations.“John Holbrow, National Environment Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Small businesses often don’t have the time or resources to keep up with the ever increasing environmental legislation. This assessment tool will hopefully encourage managers and owners to take a closer look at how successful they are in complying with their responsibilities.” SMEs can quickly assess if they are adhering to environmental legislation with the online questionnaire at www.netregs.gov.uk. Small businesses can also register on NetRegs to receive its free email updates and guidelines about environmental issues, plus links to further information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .