In January, UK Prime Minister David Cameron promised to ‘rip up’ approximately 80,000 pages of environmental protection guidelines pertaining to both housing and business. It is believed these changes – implemented as part of the Red Tape Challenge – will result in significant savings for businesses nationwide. Recently, however, industry leaders have spoken out against the scrapping of certain rules, such as those which enforce the reporting of contagious equine diseases. In addition, some believe that such radical regulatory revisions will negatively affect the capabilities of UK businesses to meet green compliance targets.
The Impact on Waste Management
Many of the doubts arising with regards to compliance are overtlyrelated to the impact the Red Tape Challenge would have on waste management and disposal regulations. Waste is a primary concern of much environmental legislation passed around the world. Whilst this legislation can be difficult to navigate, compliance has been facilitated by guidance from organisations such as the Environment Agency, or service providers such as ERG. This guidance would necessarily have to be revised and reissued.
Increased Regulatory Revisions
Unfortunately, it may well be the case that part of the fallout of the Red Tape Challenge is that understanding and adhering to environmental legislation will become more difficult for business owners. Waste classifications will most likely change, as will specific regulations pertaining to specific parts of waste management and disposal processes. Smaller businesses may find compliance more difficult to achieve than larger businesses, for whom the majority of environmental legislation is drafted. In addition, new knowledge will also add to the muddying of these already opaque waters, although research in this area is of course to be encouraged.
International Compliance
None of this paints a very confident picture for business owners who already struggle to maintain green compliance under existing regulations. However, it’s important that business owners remember that the regulatory cutbacks proposed under the Red Tape Challenge would not mark the end of regulatory revision; such is a way of life. In addition, the majority of changes – both proposed and implemented – are already in existence around the world. Complying with new national environmental legislation may present a challenge in the first instance, but doing so will help you to bring your business in line with international guidelines.
Helping Business Owners Find Guidance
As a business owner, if you find that you are struggling with compliance it’s always worth getting in touch with your local council, or even a national organisation such as the UK’s Department for Environment or the US Environmental Protection Agency. Not only will they be able to keep you abreast of legislative updates, but you will find a wealth of information and advice for you and your company.
