Press Notice 144: 1 March 2000

Real environmental reporting is no longer a PR gimmick. Successful businesses of the future will be resource-efficient, and socially and environmentally responsible, Environment Minister Michael Meacher said today.

Following his 'naming and shaming' two years ago the trend towards reporting is improving: the pioneers, such as BA, BT, Norsk Hydro, British Gas, BP and Anglian Water, have been reporting for ten years; first reporters last year included Cable and Wireless, Biffa, CGU, RMC Group, Rolls Royce, Boots, the Woolwich, Scottish and Newcastle, and Manchester Airport; and this year companies like Orange, Allied Domecq, CWS, Anglo-American, the Halifax, Prudential, Diageo and Corus will produce their first reports.

But he warned non-reporting companies that if the voluntary approach did not work fast enough the Government would be forced towards mandatory reporting. He sent a clear message to companies who still do not publish reports - he has his eye on them and will name them publicly in the future. The press love to report bad practice among the mighty.

Presenting the 1999 ACCA Environmental Reporting Awards, Mr Meacher said:

"Top companies don't commit to the environment just to be 'green' - they do it for hard-headed business reasons. In a world where communication and reputation are ever more important they realise they can't afford not to report."

Mr Meacher also announced the next step in DETR's programme to help businesses report on environmental performance. Draft guidelines on reporting business waste will go to consultation within the next two weeks. Consultees will include the top 350 UK businesses, environmental groups, and academics.

The waste guidelines will join the guidance already published on getting started on environmental reporting and on reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Both these documents have received positive feedback from business.

Notes to editors

1. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) runs and hosts the environmental reporting awards annually. Mr Meacher also presented the 1997 and 1998 awards.

2. The draft Guidelines on Company Reporting of Waste have been prepared in consultation with leading businesses. They aim to help businesses measure, manage and reduce their waste. They will also help businesses set quantitative targets for improvement and report their progress publicly. DETR hope to publish the guidelines by May 1999.

3. The waste guidelines are part of a series to help business tackle and report on key environmental concerns. Similar guidelines on water will follow shortly. Copies of Environmental Reporting - Getting Started and Guidelines for Company Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions can be obtained on the DETR website at : http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/envrp/index.htm.