Planet Earth
We all (organisations especially) have a duty to protect the planet – the very least we should do is leave it like we found it – better again to repair damage that has already been done.   Our personal and business activities should be performed in such a way that they minimize unavoidable impacts and prevent avoidable impacts. It is often summarized: "Take only photos, leave only foot prints."  There are many management systems in place to help us do just that.

EMAS
Environmental concerns, growing public pressure and regulatory measures are changing the way people do business around the world.  Consumers and shareholders are increasingly demanding environmentally-friendly products and services that are delivered by socially responsible companies.  It is becoming increasingly important for organisations to demonstrate that not only their philosophies but also their investment strategies and day-to-day operations are sustainable.

ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is the international specification for an environmental management system (EMS) and is designed to help organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

SA 8000
SA8000 is a global social accountability standard for decent working conditions, developed and overseen by Social Accountability International (SAI).  SA8000 is based on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child and various International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.

SEVESO II
The Seveso II Directive, sometimes referred to as COMAH, stipulates certain requirements for storage of relatively large quantities of substances classified as dangerous.   This Directive is aimed at the prevention of major accidents which involve dangerous substances, and the limitation of their consequences for man and the environment.

REACH
REACH is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use. It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances.  The new law entered into force on 1 June 2007.

ISM Code
The ISM Code provides a standard for the safe management and operation of ships and prevention of pollution and is mandatory for all ship owners and operators

WEEE
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)  WEEE is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the developed world  Improved regulation of the collection, recycling and disposal of WEEE has been legislated for at European level and transposed into Irish law in the WEEE Regulations.  Producers, retailers and consumers all have a role to play in the management of WEEE under the legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities have responsibility for enforcing different aspects of the WEEE Regulations.