LONDON, Nov. 22, 2005 - Britain's chemical, nuclear, and cement
industries have become the first to be given tailor -- made targets by
the U.K. Environment Agency that combine the force of legislation with
the goodwill of voluntary improvements.
The sector plans are expected to be the first of many and as the project
gathers pace other industries with a significant environmental impact
will be taken on board.
Next up are the waste, water, power generation, farming, and food and
drink sectors, whose plans are expected to be completed in 2006.
Tricia Henton, director of environmental protection at the Environment
Agency said: "We've been working closely with industry to set
challenging but realistic environmental targets, which work towards
meeting objectives for the next five to fifteen years.
"These environmental plans are not an end product, but part of an
ongoing process to work with industry to reduce risks to the environment
and monitor performance.
"This is part of our modern approach to regulation -- to reach
environmental standards by targeting resources to where there is the
most environmental risk and going beyond traditional regulation by using
a mix of regulation and alternatives such as voluntary initiatives."
The agreements propose environmental priorities, objectives and
indicators of performance.
Timetables for key actions for both industry and the Environment Agency
are summarized in each of the plans.
The targets in the sector plans will focus on the most significant risks
and impacts that the sector poses to the environment, deliver
improvements in environmental management and performance, help the EA to
prioritize and target its resources where they are needed most, provide
environmental benefits beyond those which can be achieved through
regulation, and monitor progress.
The three industries and the EA are putting on a united front and have
all had warm words to say about the potential of the new agreements.
Mike Gilbert, chief executive of the British Cement Association,
welcomed the publication plans saying they allowed his industry to
demonstrate transparency and encouraged good practice.
"The cement industry has already made great strides in achieving
progress against its challenges," he said.
"Most notably in reducing emissions, the use of natural resources and
process waste."
He also promised the industry's progress towards sector plan targets
would be published each year in the BCA's performance report.
The Chemical Industry Association also said it applauded the plan, as it
goes beyond what is currently achieved through regulation, recognizing
the significant contribution made by voluntary initiatives.
Steve Elliott, director of business environment, said: "It's encouraging
to know that the Environment Agency's Sector Plan is focusing on key
environmental outcomes and best use of resources in addressing those
outcomes -- an approach that very much responds to the government's
current Better Regulation initiative.
"We will continue to work with the agency in developing and implementing
the plan to help secure the ultimate goal of a better environment for
all."
A spokesman for the Nuclear Industry Association said the plans had been
welcomed by the industry and built on voluntary initiatives already
underway.
The EA's Tricia Henton said: "We are encouraged by the support and
contribution to the sector plans from industry and will continue to work
together with operators, trade associations, environmental interest
groups and others to develop further and carry out the plans."
All three industries have been asked to reduce emissions and discharges,
cut down on their use of natural resources, and reduce the amount of
waste created by their sectors. Full details of the three plans can be
found on the
EA Web site.