1. Importance of Environmental Awareness:
- Businesses in the UK must comply with environmental laws.?
- Sustainability is crucial for maintaining reputation and avoiding legal penalties.
- Environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion threaten biodiversity and humanity.?
2. Major Environmental Risks:
- Global Warming: Caused by greenhouse gases like CO? and methane.?
- Pollution: Includes air, water, land, noise, and light pollution.
- Clothing Industry: A top polluter due to chemicals, complex supply chains, and waste.
- Industrial Activity: A major source of noise, chemical, and oil pollution.
3. Legal and Corporate Responsibilities:
- Key Legislation:
- Environment Act 1995: Regulates environmental laws in the UK.
- Environmental Protection Act 1990: Covers waste management and emissions limits.?
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Ensures a safe, sustainable workplace.?
- Corporate Criminal Liability: Businesses and directors can face prosecution for environmental damage.
4. Corporate Responsibility:
- Environmental Policy: Develop a plan to continuously improve environmental performance.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate environmental risks.
- Waste Management: Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste responsibly.?
- Wildlife Protection: Commit to conserving biodiversity and green spaces.
5. Environmental Management Systems (EMS):
- ISO 14001:2015: A framework to run a green, sustainable business.
- EMS focuses on setting targets, risk management, and continuous improvement.
6. Energy and Resources:
- Natural resources like water, oil, and gas are finite.
- Steps to conserve energy:
- Use renewable energy like solar or wind power.
- Turn off unused devices and lights.
- Avoid waste by reusing and recycling materials.?
7. Social and Employee Responsibility:
- Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures.?
- Practice the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
- Store hazardous materials safely and label them clearly.
8. Waste Management:
- Commercial Waste: Must be sorted, stored securely, and disposed of legally.?
- Use registered waste carriers and report illegal disposals to authorities.
9. Reporting Incidents:
- Report all spills, accidents, or pollution signs immediately to the H&S officer or environmental manager.
- Examples of incidents: Hazardous spills, oil leaks, or fly-tipping.
10. Key Takeaways:
- Environmental laws protect the Earth and carry serious consequences for breaches.?
- Corporate responsibility includes sustainable practices and compliance with regulations.
- Small actions like reducing waste, conserving energy, and following guidelines matter.
? Final Thought:
"Reduce, reuse, and recycle to protect the planet for future generations."?