Commercial activity across the UK is also subject to a raft of legislative and regulatory initiatives with the intention of improving businesses' environmental performance and compliance, and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. For many firms, understanding the relevance and impact of a particular piece of legislation can be a headache – and it can be a headache with a price tag. Recent estimates indicate that each year British industry spends £3.44 billion on the management of its environmental impacts. Click here to find out more about environmental legislation
Waste also equals tax. Recent data suggests an annual environmental tax bill to UK business of £13.9 billion. This can reduce profits for companies that face stiff competition from other world players; they may be unable to pass on costs to their customers if they wish to remain competitive.
The verdict for UK Plc?
The verdict is by no means a negative one. More economical use of raw materials and better energy efficiency, along with the sale of by-products to other sectors will achieve resource cost savings and increases in income.
Case in Point
Following an Envirowise visit, electrical equipment maker S2S Electronics viewed compliance with electrical waste regulations (RoHS) as an opportunity rather than a threat. They netted savings of £33 000 per year after redesigning their product based on clean design principles. By using recycled aluminium and less cabling in each unit, the end product has fewer components, is cheaper to make and complies with the existing and planned legislation.
To find out more about WEEE & RoHS directives download our guides Actions for Managing Directors and Actions for Marketing Directors and Technical Directors
The message from Dr Millington and his colleagues at the University of Bath is one that UK Plc will benefit from listening to. Now and into the future, companies will face pressure from:
- rising resource costs
- global competition
- new legislation
- the supply chain
But, by embracing resource efficiency, UK Plc has the chance to stay competitive and profitable. How ready are we to do this? Phase 2 will reveal all ...
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