SME's environmental awareness survey
An independent survey from NetRegs suggests that SMEs in the metal fabrication sector are increasingly aware of their environmental responsibilities but still lag behind other sectors in taking action.
There has been a marked shift in small fabricated metal product manufacturers’ awareness of their impact on the environment, according to an independent survey by environmental guidance website NetRegs.gov.uk. The SME-nvironment survey reveals a 38 per cent increase in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the sector implementing practical environmental measures in the past two years – with 40 per cent now having a practical measure in place (up from 29 per cent in 2005). However, fabricated metal product manufacturers are lagging behind the SME average – which recorded a more impressive 55 per cent uplift in businesses taking environmental action in 2006.
The study reveals that a growing number of fabricated metals SMEs are concerned about the environment, and are taking some action to curb their environmental impact, although less than many other sectors.
Thirty-six per cent now have an environmental policy in place, a little behind the cross-sector average of 40 per cent, although a good improvement on the 24 per cent recorded for fabricated metal products manufacturers in 2005. Small businesses in the sector are taking action to minimise environmental impact through measures including recycling (mentioned by 64 per cent), waste minimisation (23 per cent) and implementing energy efficiency or water reduction measures (12 per cent).
However, fabricated metal product manufacturers are still unaware of how their business practices impact on the environment – and need more advice from environmental regulators and local authorities to avoid prosecution.
Just one in eight or 12 per cent realised that they took part in activities which could harm the environment - from storing chemicals, fuels, oils and waste to producing or importing packaging. The survey reveals that SMEs’ awareness of their specific legal obligations is still low, with just 24 per cent able to name a piece of environmental legislation unprompted, falling to just 21 per cent of fabricated metal product manufacturers.
NetRegs is urging those businesses that are still unaware to find out their environmental responsibilities by visiting www.netregs.gov.uk
The Environment Agency’s new Spotlight report reveals that three quarters of businesses fined over £5,000 for breaching environmental laws last year were SMEs – businesses employing fewer than 250 people – with the average SME fine topping £14,500.
Richard Martin, NetRegs programme manager, explained: "There is a growing will among small and medium-sized fabricated metal product manufacturers to protect the environment through improved business practices. But with limited time at their disposal, many still don’t understand what they need to do.
"NetRegs.gov.uk website has been developed to provide SMEs with easy-to-use, free guidance on how to comply with environmental legislation. Delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency and the other environmental regulators, it explains to businesses exactly what they need to do to comply with the law and avoid prosecution."
As fabricated metal product manufacturers will need to review the way in which they dispose of waste when new requirements under the Landfill Regulations come into force on 30 October, it is more important than ever that they get guidance on their environmental obligations – and take action to comply with the law.
In the NetRegs.gov.uk survey, just under half of respondents in the sector were found to import or produce packaging, and store chemicals, fuel or oils – potentially harmful activities which many of those questioned did not think of as such. Richard Martin continued: "We have just launched a free self-assessment tool for SMEs, which takes only 20 minutes to complete and gives users a complete overview of how their business might be impacting on the environment – making the issue of environmental compliance as easy as possible for small fabricated metal product manufacturers."
The new self-assessment tool has been developed by NetRegs in partnership with Business Link, and is available to all SMEs across the UK through www.netregs.gov.uk
Tim Stubbs, engineering manager, Fortress Interlocks, West Midlands, said: "It is vital that we stay well informed about new environmental legislation which will affect our business. NetRegs allows us to do this without difficulty. We can keep up to date with new legislation and access straightforward guidance on practical measures to reduce environmental impacts.
"We have certainly seen the benefits of environmental compliance. By taking a close look at our product range and an innovative look at our designs the business has developed and grown. While becoming more environmentally aware we saved £1.25 million as a direct result of our actions."
NetRegs
