London Wider Waste Strategy - London - Greater London Authority

their companies than the larger companies, which are perhaps more affected by
shareholder demands.
4.152. The relationship between drivers for improved environmental performance and size of
company is a complex one, and the above survey is perhaps insufficient to allow firm
conclusions to be drawn. Nevertheless, it does appear that Envirowise’s focus on cost
reduction may be somewhat out of step with the apparent concern of SMEs for the
environment and legislative compliance.
4.153. The SME-nvironment 2003 survey also suggest that “greening the supply chain” is not
necessarily considered by SMEs (particularly micro and small companies) as an effective
approach to increasing environmental performance. Of course, this could be simply due
to the fact that pressure has not been put on them within their sectors, since this has
been a proven driver in certain lines of business and parts of the world, particularly
motor car manufacture and electronics. Recent work by Envirowise with major retailers
also highlights the benefits that can be accrued by focusing on waste minimisation
throughout the supply chain. SLRs experience does suggest that a “forced” approach
to environmental management through the supply chain can lead to enhanced
environmental performance, but it is also noted that measures forced on small
companies can be met by superficial and token gestures. For example, we have audited
companies with environmental policies and, perhaps, also procedures, but who have not
greatly increased environmental performance because there has not been a change of
culture; i.e. the policy has not been fully implemented.
Other Sources of Advice
4.154. In addition to the advice provided through voluntary programmes, regulators are also
approached for advice by businesses. During the course of other projects, we have
noted that the regulators are often criticised for failing to provide clear, consistent and,
on occasion, accurate advice. Whilst it is noted that the Environment Agency does
maintain a comprehensive set of guidance notes and provides legislative explanation on
its web-site, along with links to NetRegs, many organisations have found difficulty in
sourcing advice on specific issues. It has been suggested that this is because the people
dealing with telephone enquiries are often junior and inexperienced staff who do not
fully understand the regulations and guidance.
4.155. We have only encountered one such comment during the course of this project,
although the consultee concerned considered that this had been a common occurrence
that had caused frustration and considerable lost time.
4.156. The roles of the various bodies active in promoting sustainable waste management in
London could usefully be clarified in a document agreed by all participants and made
available through various means, including on the websites of the relevant bodies and
through trade associations.
Recommendation 19: It is recommended that discussions be held with the
Environment Agency with a view to improving access to clear, consistent and
accurate advice on waste matters. It is also recommended that a single portal
for environmental information of relevance to businesses is set up by
Government, along the lines of the Planning portal
(www.planningportal.gov.uk). Consideration should be given whether to
develop a single environmental, health and safety portal as these subjects are
often overseen by the same person or group within a business and the portal
site may therefore encourage greater awareness of the advice available.
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