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Sustainability - United Kingdom

Updated 03/2011

Legal requirements

A sustainable business works towards minimising environmental and social impacts while ensuring financial stability. Operating in this manner is termed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Sector-specific guidance on the legal obligations of a business in these areas e.g. environmental and health and safety legislation, can be found on the Business Link website.

The Government Departments with lead responsibility on promoting sustainable business in the UK are the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC).

The law requires businesses to comply with minimum social and environmental rules.

Administrative procedures

The procedures to follow in order to make your business more sustainable and to comply legal obligations, can be obtained from the Business Link website.

Resources

There are various resources available which explain the different possibilities and legal requirements necessary to become a sustainable business focused on minimising environmental and social impacts.

Programmes

Envirowise is a government-funded best practice programme to improve environmental performance and reduce costs.

The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company which provides specialist support to help business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) works in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help businesses and individuals reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Living and moving in Europe

Still need help?

Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

Help and advice tailored to specific business needs can be obtained from Business Link.         

Business in the Community, a business-led charity, has developed advisory services to help companies meet business and sustainability goals, including strategic advice on how to integrate responsible business practice.

The Corporate Responsibility Group is a learning and development network run by corporate responsibility professionals. Members can access and share information, good practice and innovation.