Your Business and the Environment

3. Environmental Legislation

Although environmental legislation is complex, finding out what you need to know is not.

3.1 The fundamental rule is that businesses can be held responsible for any environmental damage they cause.

• There can be serious financial consequences for your business.Fines of £5,000 or more are not uncommon. In some cases, there is no limit to the amount you can be fined, and you could receive a prison sentence.

3.2 The extent of legislation affecting your company depends on your type of business. For example:

• In general, there are less environmental regulations for office-based businesses.
• Manufacturers must show that they have identified major accident hazards to the environment and have taken steps to prevent them and limit any consequences.
• Businesses that have a more direct impact on the environment (eg agriculture, transport, chemicals, construction, manufacturing) are more heavily regulated.

3.3 Several organisations can provide advice on the detailed legislation that affects you.

• The local branch of the Environment Agency, your local authority, your trade association and other sources may be able to provide informed help (see 8).
• Environmental consultants and solicitors can explain the law to you.