Although most regulated businesses are “well-run”, the Environment Agency has urged businesses to make improvements to their operations to help reduce pollution incidents and waste crime.
The regulator has published a new report reviewing business compliance, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution incidents and illegal waste activity across the country.
The report shows that the majority of England’s regulated businesses are working to protect the environment, although more work is needed in some areas.
Overall, greenhouse gas emissions from industry have been cut by half in the last ten years, and compliance rates for larger companies in energy efficiency and emissions trading schemes are above 98 per cent.
More than nine in ten operators also demonstrated good compliance with their environmental permit conditions, and a record 72 per cent of waste produced was recovered.
However, serious pollution incidents have increased by 27 per cent on 2017, and the number of illegal waste sites closed down was 12 per cent higher.
Gillian Pratt, deputy director at the Environment Agency, said: “Our regulation is supporting a healthier environment and safer communities. The majority of businesses we regulate are well run. But all businesses must make improvements to ensure their operations help protect the environment and local communities.
“Waste crime continues to blight communities, cause environmental harm, and undercut legitimate business. Businesses need to do more to manage their risks and reduce pollution incidents.”
In October, the EA set itself the aim of becoming a net zero organisation by 2030, ensuring that its own activities and its supply chain are taking as much carbon out of the atmosphere as it is putting into it.
To meet the goal, every part of the agency will produce a carbon reduction plan and its suppliers, stakeholders and organisations in other sectors will be encouraged to take similar measures.