An environmental report will increase awareness of your current performance levels, both amongst staff and customers. It can reduce your business risks for the future, as environmental factors are becoming ever more important.
Having an environmental management system (EMS) is not a legal requirement for businesses. However, EMSs and environmental reporting can make it easier for your business to comply with environmental legislation.
Save your business money
Environmental reporting encourages better resource management, and more efficient energy use.
If you monitor your use of resources, such as raw materials, packaging and water, you can save on purchasing and disposal costs.
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Case study: Manufacurer reduces costs by imlementing an EMS
A West Yorkshire starter products manufacturer reduced manufacturing costs by improving their product design and implementing an environmental management system. They are using materials more efficiently, and using recycled and recyclable materials to comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations. They may also redesign components to cut their use of aluminium further.
Find out more about the WEEE regulations and energy efficient design with our guidance.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
Energy labelling and energy efficient design
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Comply with environmental regulations
Environmental reporting can help you to:
- comply with environmental legislation
- show that you comply with the relevant legislation
- avoid getting fines
- improve relations with your environmental regulator.
For example, the information provided by an environmental report or EMS may be used to show that you comply with the conditions of a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permit or a water abstraction licence.
Improve relationships with customers, employees and investors
Consumers are becoming more aware and concerned by the environmental impacts of businesses. Reporting on your environmental performance may improve your reputation, and help you to win new business. It can help you communicate to your stakeholders that you are compliant and care about the environment and your impacts.
Environmental reports can prove to contractors that your business complies with environmental legislation. Some larger businesses require suppliers and contractors to have an accredited environmental management system (EMS).
Reporting can play an important role in attracting new employees and investors, as a business’s environmental reputation and performance can be an important factor in these decisions.
In this guideline:
