Inform Tracker


The latest developments in environmental and sustainability policy, regulation, legislation and voluntary initiatives


POLICY


DEFRA EMPHASISES GREEN THINKING AT HEART OF RECOVERY


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DETAILS Defra’s departmental Structural Reform Plan says that the creation of a strong green economy, which is resilient to climate change, is at the heart of Defra’s contribution to economic recovery. It sets out how Defra plans to ensure that economic growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the competi- tiveness of the whole food chain are inextricably linked. The Plan lays down three departmental priorities: to support and develop British farming and encourage sustainable food production; help to enhance the environment and biodiversity to improve quality of life; and support a strong and sustainable green economy, which is resilient to climate change. WEB defra.gov.uk/about/our-priorities


DEFRA ABOLISHES QUANGOS ●●


DETAILS Defra has announced reforms to more than 30 of its arm’s length bodies, including, withdrawing funding from the Sustainable Development Commission and abolishing the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution WEB defra.gov.uk/2010/07/22/ arms-length-bodies-statement


REVIEW OF WASTE POLICY ●


DETAILS Defra has said that the Government will undertake a review of all existing waste policies. The review will seek the input of the waste management industry as well as local authorities and other government departments. TIMELINE Preliminary findings are expected to be published next Spring. WEB defra.gov.uk/2010/06/15/ caroline-spelman-waste


ZERO CARBON HOUSING ●


DETAILS DCLG Minister Grant Shapps has said that councils and developers could be given much more flexibility to ensure that all new homes are zero carbon from 2016. DCLG will look at the ways that builders could make payments to fund community energy projects to meet their obligations. WEB communities.gov.uk


40 | Sustainable Business | August/September 2010


INQUIRY INTO EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS


REGULATION & LEGISLATION ●


DETAILS The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee has launched a new inquiry into Emissions Performance Standards (EPS). Respondents can comment on any issue, although the Committee would


welcome evidence addressing the likes of: ■


What factors ought to be considered in setting the level for an EPS and what would be an appropriate level for the UK?


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What benefit would an EPS bring beyond the emissions reductions already set to take place under the EU ETS?


How effective is an EPS likely to be in driving forward the development of CCS? TIMELINE The deadline for the submission of written evidence is 6 September 2010. WEB parliament.uk/business/committees


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ENVIRONMENT AGENCY STANDARD RULES PERMITS


● CERT RESTRUCTURED


the CERT, including: ■


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extending the scheme from March 2011 until December 2012


68% of energy suppliers’ work will now have to be met through professionally installed loft, cavity and solid wall insulation


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15% of homes helped will be the lowest income households more at risk of fuel poverty


energy companies will now be stopped from promoting compact fluorescent lamps in order to prioritise insulation, further to the total ban on light bulb mail-outs TIMELINE DECC will also consult this summer on whether to retain the subsidy for low-carbon gadgets, like eco-kettles, in place of even more homes being insulated. WEB decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/ news/pn10_075/pn10_075.aspx


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The BIS report, A Strategy for Sustainable Growth outlines how the UK’s economy can increase in the most sustainable manner


● DETAILS DECC has announced changes to


DETAILS The Environment Agency has published revised standard rules under the Environmental Permitting Regulations for metal recycling facilities, composting in open windrows and composting in closed vessels. A number of administrative changes to all of the waste operations and installation standard rules that were published in 2008 and 2009 have also been made. The main


administrative changes are: ■


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management rules have been revised to make them clearer


accident management plans are now incorporated into the management rules


the term ‘fugitive emissions’ has been replaced with the term ‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’. We hope this will be clearer for the wide range of activities that we now permit under the EPR


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the rule covering where records must be held has been amended


to put the requirements of the Batteries Directive in place, all standard rules sets that allow waste batteries to be accepted for treatment have been amended WEB environment-agency.gov.uk/business/ news/100510.aspx


LOW EMISSION CERTIFICATE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS


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DETAILS Transport for London has published technical requirements that are applicable to Low Emissions Adaptions for fitment to vehicles in order to comply with the provisions of the Low Emission Zone. WEB tfl.gov.uk


DEFRA ISSUES WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE STANDARDS


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DETAILS Defra has issued new Directions on Water Framework Directive environmental quality standards to the Environment Agency. This completes the transposition of the Priority Substances Directive (ref: 2008/105/EC). TIMELINE Defra’s Direction covers England and Wales and came into force on 4 August 2010. WEB defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/ water/wfd/classification.htm


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