Jargon Buster - Definitions of Environmental Concepts E-H

Eco-Labelling An eco-label indicates a product with reduced environmental impact compared with other products in the same group. The European Eco-Labelling Board (EUEB) sets the criteria for an eco-label. They are published in the Official Journal of European Communities. All applications for the award are subject to an initial fee and an annual fee.

Emissions Trading The trading of emissions is a practice first used in America and is now being implemented in the UK and Europe. It is a means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industry across the country. The theory is to issue polluting industry with emission credits that allow them to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gas. If a particular company needs to emit more than their allocated amount they must trade credits with a company who has extra credits that they do not require. The internal market therefore decides the price of a credit.

The industries will therefore be encouraged to use abatement technology to reduce their GHG emissions if the cost of credits are high. The cost of credits increases as their supply decrease. If there are very few credits supplied by the government then the cost of purchase will be high.

In March 2002 the Emissions Trading Scheme was opened in the UK. It is open to 6,000 companies with Climate Change Agreements (negotiated agreements between the government and firms that set energy targets). All companies who meet the targets will receive an 80% discount from their Climate Change Levy.

The companies can use the scheme to buy allowances to meet their targets or to sell any over-achievement of these targets. Anyone can open an account on the registry to buy and sell allowances.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) An EIA can be used by businesses to identify the potential environmental and social impacts of a proposal. For some projects they are mandatory and must be made public with an environmental report produced. For others, an EIA can help reduce costs now and help avoid potential costs from the impacts of treatment or regulation in the future. They provide a formal assessment of total environmental effects of any development.

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) These are systems that describe the plans, structure and implementation of environmental policies in corporations. Generally they are a formal way of incorporating environmental awareness and care into organisations.

Environmental Policy An environmental policy is a written statement of a firm indicating their environmental aims and objectives and describing their overall reasons for becoming environmentally responsible. Find out the benefits of having an environmental policy and some guidelines on how to write one.

European Waste Catalogue This is a waste coding system used throughout Europe under European Law. It gives ALL types of waste a number that must be written on Duty of Care waste transfer notes. Therefore whenever you are transporting waste you must know the appropriate code.

It is produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify all waste. The EPA is an independent body that was established in July 1993. To find a code for your waste search the European Waste Catalogue.

Global Warming and Climate Change Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of the globe. There are many debates on the scale of global warming and its effects, but it is apparent that it has occurred very rapidly over the past 50 years. Global climate change extends to consider the effects of global warming suggesting that different areas across the globe may experience variations in climate if warming and pollution continues.

Heavy Metals Heavy metals are elements such as mercury or lead. The are stable (do not degrade) and are not naturally broken down. They can accumulate in soil or water and pose risk living organisms including humans. They can be released into the environment through human activities for example, if waste is disposed of incorrectly or there is a spillage or leak.