Day: 19 July 2002

Business Briefs: water management training, socially responsible investment, and energy conservation

In this week’s international Business Briefs, a new energy management service, water distribution and sewer design courses in Mexico, a new version of a stormwater management computer modelling package, and the publication of a new guide on socially responsible investment.

Europe’s new ban on hazardous waste dumping comes into effect

The European Commission’s Landfill Directive has taken effect - as of 16 July 2002. It will have a major impact on waste regulation and the waste industry in the UK.

Pay-as-you-drive motor insurance could cut vehicle mileage

Renewed calls for pay-as-you-drive motor insurance have come from the UK policy think-tank, ippr, and the Victoria Transport Policy Institute in Canada. In a paper presented to the ippr, Todd Litman, Director of the Canadian Institute, called for insurance companies to set premiums based on mileage rather than the current flat-rate fee.

Keen on climate change solutions but no to Kyoto, says Australian Environment Minister

Australia has pledged AU$1 billion (US$0.55 billion) to greenhouse gas reduction, but the Government remains intransigent on the issue of signing the Kyoto Protocol. This was the message received from Dr David Kemp, the Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage in a speech made in London this week.

CSR shining lights are being hidden

Social responsibility has become a priority for many companies, according to a new study published by a consultancy company. Of 120 senior managers surveyed, 88% were “actively and voluntarily seeking to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment”.

UK leading the way to Johannesburg

The UK has been one of the most active countries in the world in the run-up to the world’s largest-ever environmental conference, and is one of only two nations to have conducted consultations with society as part of its preparations. However, the issues surrounding the summit need more media attention, say organisers.

France, UK, Italy and Austria fail on environmental impact assessments

The European Commission is taking legal action against four European member states for failures to comply with a law requiring environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for public and private projects.

Commission calls for businesses to self-regulate on environmental issues

A Communication adopted by the European Commission will enable businesses to reach agreements on environmental regulation through self- or co-regulatory mechanisms. The Communication aims to help companies develop environmental solutions more quickly and effectively.

Government pushes for increased transparency and information on environmental issues

Leading companies will now be required to show more transparency and to consider environmental issues in their reporting. The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a Modernising Company Law White Paper in which they announce that in future, the most economically important companies – both private and public - will have to prepare and publish an Operating and Financial Review (OFR).

DEFRA funding to increase to £2.9 billion in next three years, and an extra £38 million for renewables

In order to pay for the implementation of the Curry Report to promote sustainable farming, to improve Britain’s flood defences and to manage waste appropriately, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is awarding the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) an additional 2.7% rise per year after inflation to reach £2.9 billion by 2005/06. The Chancellor has also announced that renewable energy is to receive an additional £38 million.

Casella CEL re-introduces UKAS Calibration Services

Casella CEL’s Laboratory is now up and running and complying with the new UKAS accreditation.

World’s first continuous dioxin & furan sampling system

bm becker messtechnik of Germany have launched an officially approved measuring system for continuously monitoring concentrations of dioxins and furans in releases to atmosphere. The Adsorption Method for Sampling of dioxins and Furans (AMESA) is capable of continuous sampling over periods of between 6 hours to 30 days.

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