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 class 1 companies according to the Vlarem II classification.

An environmental coordinator B is mandatory in companies with moderate environmental impact, often classified as a class 2 company according to Vlarem II.

Both are essential to companies’ environmentally responsible policies, but the complexity of their task thus varies based on the size and impact of the company.

Even without the requirement to appoint an environmental coordinator, a company will have to comply with applicable environmental legislation.

An environmental coordinator ensures that companies comply with environmental legislation and improve their environmental performance. He or she advises management, carries out regular audits and suggests preventive measures to reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, the environmental coordinator oversees the monitoring of emissions and waste management to ensure that they remain within legal limits. Finally, the environmental coordinator may also act as a liaison with the authorities in case of environmental inspections or incidents.

In Annex 1 of Title II of Vlarem, you will find the classification list of activities and establishments that can cause nuisance or risks to people and the environment. These activities and establishments are classified under various headings.

The threshold values listed in the classification list generally refer to production capacity or power. In de vijfde kolom van de lijst kan je terugvinden of de aanstelling van een milieucoördinator (A of B) verplicht is.

The distinction between an environmental coordinator A and environmental coordinator B is based on the environmental impact and complexity of the companies they work for.

An environmental coordinator A is mandatory for companies with complex and significant environmental impacts. They have undergone extensive training and have specialised knowledge related to complex environmental issues.

An environmental coordinator B is mandatory for companies with medium environmental impact. They too have relevant training, but the requirements are less stringent than for the environmental coordinator A, appropriate for companies with lower environmental impacts.

If a company fails to appoint an environmental coordinator when it is legally required to do so, this can lead to penalties, fines or even a temporary closure of operations. Appointing an environmental coordinator on time helps avoid these risks.

Companies may choose to appoint an external environmental coordinator, especially if they are smaller companies or if internal knowledge on environmental coordination is lacking. This can be an efficient solution to meet legal obligations without the need to hire an employee to do so. However, external environmental coordinators must meet the qualification requirements imposed.

Besides supervising and advising, an environmental coordinator has a number of administrative obligations.

1. Periodic audits

The environmental coordinator conducts an inspection tour of the facility at least four times a year, during which any identified shortcomings are reported and recommendations for improvement are made.

2. Emission measurements waste management

The environmental coordinator monitors frequency and implementation of emission measurements and waste management and oversees the recording of results. Upon request, the environmental coordinator can also be responsible for reporting and recording these measurements himself.

3. Internal and external communication

The environmental coordinator serves as the point of contact for communication with environmental regulators and other government agencies. All environmental incidents, such as emissions or discharges exceeding legal limits, must be recorded and reported. The environmental coordinator ensures that these incidents are documented and that a plan is developed to prevent recurrence. The environmental coordinator also handles internal communication within the company regarding environmental impact and the measures taken.

4. Annual report

Every year, the environmental coordinator must prepare an annual report. This report contains an overview of the company’s environmental performance over the past year, including the measures taken to prevent or limit environmental damage, any incidents or violations, and the advice provided.