Recognizing and strategically responding to environmental compliance trends can help businesses enhance their environmental, health, and safety (EHS) performance.

 

Shaping environmental efforts with the future in mind provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Identifying and wisely acting on the latest trends to ensure environmental compliance help operations stay ahead of the curve.

 

Forward-thinking companies that take advantage of trends are often working on perfecting their processes while others are just approaching the starting line.

 

So, what trending items should organizations look to right now to support improvements in environmental compliance? We will explore a few things your facility should consider below.

 

 

Technology Continues to Win Ground

 

The use of technology to support environmental compliance has vastly increased over the last two decades.  The trend only continues as the software matures, innovative technology emerges, and the workforce becomes more comfortable interfacing with automation.

 

Efficiency gains drive technology’s environmental compliance trends designation.

 

Meeting obligations with lean resources poses a challenge for even the most experienced environmental professionals.  When unexpected events, unannounced inspections, and operational changes get added on top of routine compliance activities, it undoubtedly makes for overwhelm.

 

Technology helps individuals do more with less time and effort.  This efficiency boost allows for a shift in attention from routine environmental compliance tasks that can be automated to those more complex duties requiring unique knowledge and skill.

 

Software platforms support business continuity.

 

What would happen to your operation if your environmental manager decided to leave the company tomorrow?  Would the organization have the necessary knowledge to continue without the risk of noncompliance seamlessly?

 

By having electronic systems embedded within the environmental compliance program, the company could collect and store vital information on emissions, requirements, reporting, inspections, etc. 

 

The data can be made readily available to others, so compliance activities are not disturbed.  Furthermore, the information may serve as a roadmap to onboard newcomers when the time comes.  

 

 

Robust Risk Mitigation Finds Its Place Among Environmental Compliance Trends

 

Controlling risk provides the backbone of all environmental programs.  Some may have forgotten this fact because following the regulations is supposed to lower risk to an acceptable level.  Then the novel coronavirus happened.

 

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a reevaluation of risk mitigation across all functions.

 

One thing most people can agree on concerning COVID-19 is that we were ill-prepared.  The lack of foresight has caused many companies to pause, consider, and act to resolve other weaknesses, often including a more in-depth look into environmental programs.

 

Thousands of companies now work tirelessly to stay in business, and stellar environmental compliance can serve as a way to differentiate an operation from its competitors.  Not only does the organization mitigate damage to nature, but it also helps to lessen its financial risk. 

 

Risk mitigation adds value to operations as they strive for enhanced environmental performance.

 

Regulations set the minimum standard for environmental performance.  However, many businesses see the value in performing above and beyond simple compliance.  Focusing efforts on increased risk mitigation gives the means to move a facility’s environmental performance from mediocre to stellar. 

 

By following environmental compliance trends in risk mitigation, a business can improve its reputation and gain positive attention from potential clients and partners.  Consequently, improved performance will help the organization better fulfill expectations from stakeholders and existing customers.

 

 

Stronger Environmental Policy Is Underway

 

The Trump Administration celebrated its culture of promoting environmental regulation rollbacks.  Yet, 2021 brings the start of a new administration in the White House and a change in philosophy regarding environmental protection.

 

The Biden Administration has started implementing its climate change agenda.

 

In the two weeks since President Biden’s inauguration, we have seen numerous reversals of previous executive orders, including those impacting climate change. 

 

Chief among them include Executive Order 13990 – Protecting Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.  In this order, previous policies and regulations dealing with methane emissions in oil and gas and oil and gas drilling and leasing in the artic, among others, have been targeted for review and possible modification.

 

Also, the current White House has made it noticeably clear that responding to climate change is at the top of its environmental agenda.  The administration has taken quick steps to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. 

 

Additionally, the Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice on the Biden/Harris campaign website sets targets for a clean energy economy and carbon emissions at net-zero by 2050.

 

Other priorities of the current administration shall also drive environmental compliance trends in the next four years.

 

Climate change is not the only action on the administration’s environmental agenda. Biden’s campaign pledged to promote environmental justice for disadvantaged communities.  

 

Some would say this goes hand in hand with increased environmental protection across all program areas.   So, businesses should expect a more robust strategy around accountability for those who choose to violate environmental laws and regulations

 

Moreover, the Executive Branch is sure to review numerous non-climate related regulations issued under the previous administration.  Some to watch would include the following:  

 

• Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources (reversed the “Once In, Always In” policy) now codified in 40 CFR Part 63.1(c)(6)

 

• Navigable Waters Protection rule (new definitions and exclusion of all water not traditionally regulated) at 85 FR 22250

 

• Review of NAAQS for Particulate Matter (retention of current standards and no new obligations imposed) found at 85 FR 82684

 

• Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (streamlines the process to promote faster governmental permit and approval issuance) 85 FR 43304

 

You can view more insights into President Biden’s Agenda for the Environment at Baker McKenzie.

 

 

Securing External Partnerships Joins the List of Environmental Compliance Trends   

 

Given the hot environmental trends discussed above, it should come as no surprise that businesses are turning more to external experts to help them navigate the new normal.

 

Small- to medium-sized companies can expect to follow this trend more frequently, as these organizations may not always have established relationships with outside environmental consultants.

 

Economics and the changing environmental landscape will provide the fuel for this trend.

 

All companies try to operate strategically lean to maximize profits.  For smaller businesses, this action may lead to the lack of full-time environmental staff.  Therefore, many small operations may find themselves without the workforce necessary to fulfill additional compliance requirements should they arise.

 

Furthermore, environmental regulations are often complicated, lengthy compositions that can easily overwhelm the untrained eye.  Even if operations do make the appropriate applicability determinations, they may not have the in-house expertise to develop and implement a program suitable to obtain and maintain compliance. 

 

A solution does exist for these challenges.  External partners can provide the resources and experience needed to help guide your company toward environmental compliance success.

 

Proper vetting and early procurement of outside consultants are critical.

 

Pursuing this item on the environmental compliance trends list only benefits a business when executed thoughtfully.  As such, companies should have a process in place to properly vet external EHS consultants and suppliers before retaining their services or purchasing products. 

 

Any outside partner should be able to:

 

• Provide you with the desired work product within your established deadlines;

 

• Show proof of proper training and pertinent experience;

 

• Obtain/retain any required or desired environmental certifications, registrations, permits, or licenses; and

 

• Procure insurance at the levels mandated by your internal purchasing program.

 

Finally, organizations should not wait until the need arises to start looking for outside environmental consultants.  Start early with the vetting process and nurture the relationships with external environmental partners well in advance of your perceived needs. 

 

Taking this route will ensure your company can quickly capitalize on these relationships for services or products when the time comes.

 

 

Other Environmental Compliance Topics for You

 

Are Your Ducks in a Row for Tier II!

 

Universal Waste Fundamentals and Practical Tips To Help You Say Never Again To Noncompliance

 

Reduce Risk and Instantly Master Your Stormwater Compliance with 5 Essential Strategies

 

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

Businesses can leverage a competitive advantage when they don’t arrive late to the party.  Thus, getting in front of these environmental compliance trends could help your organization save time, energy, and money while enhancing performance.

 

We encourage your feedback on this blog.  Please like, leave a comment, or share this article if you enjoyed the content. 

 

Prorsa Consulting assists regulated businesses in assessing, maintaining, and improving their environmental and safety compliance to lower risk.  Start working with us by scheduling a complimentary discovery call.   

 

 

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Environmental Compliance Trends: Discover What’s Hot on the Radar Now