​Register of Legal Requirements

Environmental best practice and any certified environmental management system requires that an organisation keeps a record of any environmental legislation which impacts on the organisation – a Register of Legal Requirements.

This should contain details of the legislation; the requirements it places on the organisation; which activities are affected; the relevant regulatory body; and any related licenses, permits or consents.

STFC maintains such a register on its SHE website.

Environmental Aspects and Impacts Assessment (EIA).

A further key part of any environmental management system is an assessment of the impact the organisation has on the environment. This is identified by careful analysis of those aspects of the organisation’s work which have an impact on the environment. Identifying the aspects which have a significant environmental impact and the controls established to minimise that impact, can indicate areas where environmental improvements can be made.

The EIA should contain:

• A list of all potential environmental aspects
• The possible impacts of the aspects (both in normal operation and in maintenance or emergency situations).
• An assessment of the significance of the impact.
• A note of actions to be taken to reduce any significant impacts.

Both the Register of Legal Requirements and the EIA should be regularly updated.