Environmental coordinator wanted!
These are the must-haves for a sustainable future
In the context of sustainable business operations and the increasing emphasis on environmental awareness, the role of an environmental coordinator is becoming increasingly important. Companies must not only comply with legal environmental requirements, but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The appointment of an environmental coordinator ensures that organisations manage their environmental impact effectively and do not get lost in the extensive environmental legislation.
But what exactly are the conditions for appointing an environmental coordinator?
Table of contents
Legal framework environmental coordinator
There are two classes of environmental coordinators: environmental coordinator A and environmental coordinator B, depending on the size and environmental impact of the company. An environmental coordinator A is mandatory for companies with significant environmental aspects. They manage more complex environmental management systems and riskier installations. Often – but not always – these are the class 1 companies according to the classification in Vlarem II. An environmental coordinator B is appointed in companies with a more moderate environmental impact, often classified as a class 2 company according to Vlarem II. Both are essential for the environmental policy of companies, but the complexity of their mission differs based on the size and impact of the company.
The way to the right environmental coordinator
It is not a hard and fast rule that every Class 1 company must appoint an Environmental Coordinator A or that every Class 2 company must automatically have an Environmental Coordinator B. In order to determine what type of environmental coordinator is required, the class of the company for each licensed category must first be determined. This can be checked in the applicable environmental permit or on the basis of the classification list of the permit sections in Vlarem II.
Once the class of a heading is known (based on factors such as quantity, power or nature of the activity), it can be determined whether an environmental coordinator is mandatory. If a company is subject to this obligation for a single heading, it applies to the entire company. If both a Class A and B environmental coordinator are required on the basis of the headings in the classification list, a Class A Environmental Coordinator must be appointed.
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Duties and Responsibilities of the environmental coordinator
The precise role of an environmental coordinator can vary depending on the size and type of the organisation. Some common responsibilities include:
- Contribute to the development, implementation, application and evaluation of environmentally friendly production processes.
- Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation by regularly carrying out tours of the workplace.
- Ensure the performance of prescribed emission and immission measurements and record the results.
- Ensure that an up-to-date waste register is maintained and that the waste notification obligation is complied with.
- Communicate internally and externally about the impact of business activities on people and the environment and how these consequences can be limited.
- Advising on environment-related investments.
- To draw up an annual report on the activities and advice given during the past year.
The environmental coordinator doesn't work alone
The appointment of an environmental coordinator can only be successful if there is sufficient internal support within the company. This means that management must be aware of the environmental issues and be willing to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and processes. The environmental coordinator can only be effective if the entire company is committed to environmental awareness.
The added value of an environmental coordinator
The appointment of an environmental coordinator is an important step towards environmentally friendly business operations. It requires a combination of the right education, experience, and skills, as well as internal commitment to environmental care. Complying with laws and regulations, implementing environmental policies, and creating awareness within the organisation are the key points of this crucial function. Companies that understand the importance of the environmental coordinator can not only comply with legal obligations, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Can’t see the forest for all those trees? Don’t worry, just contact us! We are happy to show you the way through the forest, complete with hiking map and binoculars!
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