Alisonadmin, Author at Environmental Industries Association

Environmental Industries Association Responds to the Chancellor’s Budget

Posted on 31 October 202417 March 2025 by Alisonadmin

London, 30 October 2024 –The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Labour budget announcement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. EIA Chairman Peter Atchison specifically highlighted the budget’s shortcomings in addressing critical environmental issues such as climate change, air quality, brownfield remediation and supporting the wider delivery arm of the UK green industries sector.

Lack of Support for Green Industries

Peter Atchison stated, “While the budget includes some positive steps towards Green Energy, Carbon capture it falls short in providing the necessary support for the SME sector whom deliver the grassroots green growth economy and represent the wider Environmental Services and Technology Sector which contributes over £29 billion in value per annum and expected to deliver 25,000 additional jobs over the next 12 months. That growth is in jeopardy and business leaders and our Members will need to re-evaluate business investment given the increase in employer contributions. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) clearly shows that the UK has ranked 5th globally, yet this budget does not reflect the urgency of the environmental crisis and the investment which is required to maintain and improve our environmental standing globally.”

Investment in Green Technology

Atchison emphasised the need for substantial investment in green technology. “The budget’s allocation for green technology is insufficient. To achieve our net-zero targets, enhance air quality and foster green jobs and innovation in the economy, we need a robust financial commitment. This budget does not provide the level of investment needed to drive the green technology sector forward.”

Remediation of Contaminated Sites for housing delivery

EIA recognises the housing crisis and supports much of the reforms of the NPPF and specifically Brownfield First, but the Chancellor has missed a trick on the eve of Halloween to extend land remediation relief from 150% to 200% for smaller developers with housing of less than 25 units, but we note that the Government plans a review of Land Remediation Relief next year which EIA will engage with. An extension of the relief now would have helped to drive housing on brownfield sites (especially smaller sites which are often more complex) and also driven growth across the geo-remediation sector and environmental services sector which in turn would of delivered new homes.

Call for Action

The EIA will continue to engage with the government on these matters and continue to campaign to increase funding for green industries and technologies. “We urge the Chancellor to consider the long-term benefits of investing in our environment. Sustainable growth is not just an option; it is a necessity for our future,” Atchison concluded.

For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@EIAssociation.co.uk

For more information please contact:
Environment Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk

Environment Industries Association (EIA) Raises Concerns Over Permit Delays by the Environment Agency

Posted on 30 September 202429 May 2025 by Alisonadmin

Date:

26 September 2024

Environment Industries Association (EIA) Raises Concerns Over Permit Delays by the Environment Agency

September 26, 2024 – The Environment Industries Association (EIA) today expressed significant concerns regarding the ongoing delays in permit processing by the Environment Agency (EA). These delays are causing substantial disruptions and financial burdens across the Environmental Services and Technology Sector.

The EIA is calling for evidence and case studies from affected parties to highlight the extent of the impact these delays are having on operations and costs. The association aims to compile comprehensive data to present to Steve Reed, Secretary of State to DEFRA urging for immediate action to streamline the EA permit approval process.

“These delays are causing huge impacts on sites and added costs,” said Peter Atchison, Chairman of the EIA. “The wider industry sector are facing significant operational challenges and financial strain due to the prolonged wait times for permit approvals. We urge the Environment Agency to address these issues promptly to prevent further disruption and support the sustainability of our sector.”

The EIA invites all stakeholders within the Environmental Services and Technology Sector to submit their experiences and evidence of the delays’ impact. This collective effort aims to drive meaningful change and ensure a more efficient and responsive permit processing system.

For more information or to submit evidence please contact:

Environment Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk
07562138034
www.EIAssociation.co.uk

Environmental Industries Association | LinkedIn

About the Environment Industries Association (EIA):
The EIA represents the interests of companies and organisations within the Environmental Services and Technology Sector. The Association advocates for policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability and innovation.

Environmental Industries Association Announces New Regional Representatives for Scotland and Wales

Posted on 18 September 202418 September 2024 by Alisonadmin

Date: September 18, 2024

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new regional representatives. Jim Mills of Scotswold has been appointed as the EIA representative for Scotland, and Steve Barnes of Gramm Barriers will serve as the EIA representative for Wales. Jim also acts as the Chair of the influential EIA working group on Air Quality and will be chairing the leading Air Quality and Emissions Expo on 9-10 October at the NEC.

Jim Mills brings over 20 years of experience in environmental management and sustainability practices. As the founder and CEO of Scotswold, Jim has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for environmental challenges in Scotland. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable in advancing the EIA’s mission to promote sustainable practices and policies across the region.

Contact: Scotland@EIAssociation.co.uk

Steve Barnes, with his extensive background in environmental engineering and infrastructure development, has been a key figure at Gramm Barriers. H

is work has significantly contributed to the enhancement of environmental standards and the implementation of green technologies in Wales. Steve’s appointment as the EIA representative for Wales underscores the association’s commitment to fostering environmental excellence and innovation.

Contact: wales@EIAssociation.co.uk

The EIA believes having regional representation in Wales and Scotland plays a crucial role in addressing unique local issues and enhancing policy and regulatory advocacy with the central government. Our aim is to ensure regional representation ensures that the voices of Wales and Scotland are heard, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance system.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim Mills and Steve Barnes to act as our regional representatives,” said Peter Atchison, Chairman of the Environmental Industries Association. “Their extensive experience and dedication to environmental services and technology sector will be instrumental in driving our initiatives forward in Scotland and Wales. We look forward to their contributions in promoting a greener and more sustainable future.”

The EIA is dedicated to supporting and advancing the environmental industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration. With the addition of Jim Mills and Steve Barnes, the association is poised to strengthen its efforts in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development across the UK.

Environmental Industries Association welcomes Water (Special Measures) Bill

Posted on 10 September 202429 May 2025 by Alisonadmin

London, 6 September 2024 – The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) today expressed its support for the newly introduced Water (Special Measures) Bill, which aims to enhance the management and protection of the UK’s water resources. This legislative move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring sustainable water management and safeguarding public health.

DEFRA Announcement

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Bill, with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of water quality and infrastructure. Minister Reed stated, “This bill is a crucial part of our strategy to improve water management across the country. It will provide the necessary framework to tackle pollution, enhance water treatment facilities, and ensure that our water resources are managed sustainably.”

EIA’s Response

Peter Atchison, Chairman of the Environmental Industries Association, commented on the bill, emphasising the importance of adequate resources and local authority powers. He stated, “The Government must ensure that the Environment Agency has the necessary resources to conduct thorough investigations and enforce current regulations. Additionally, local councils must have the ability to impose conditions in planning to ensure that infrastructure for water treatment, water discharges, and sewage management is robust and effective.”

Key Provisions of the Bill

The Water (Special Measures) Bill introduces several key provisions aimed at improving the regulation and governance of water companies in the UK. Here are some of the main points:

Executive Accountability: The bill strengthens regulations to make water company executives criminally liable for severe failures¹.
Bonus Restrictions: It gives the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met¹.
Automatic Fines: The bill enables automatic and severe fines for wrongdoing².
Sewage Monitoring: It ensures the monitoring of every sewage outlet to prevent pollution².

These measures are designed to drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry ².

However, the EIA have recommended that the Water (Special Measures) Bill should go further and include:

Enhanced Regulatory Powers: The bill should grant the Environment Agency increased authority and resources to monitor and enforce water quality standards.
Infrastructure Development: Local councils should be empowered to impose planning conditions that ensure the development of necessary water treatment and sewage infrastructure improvements.
Pollution Control: Stricter measures should be implemented to control water pollution and protect natural water bodies.

The EIA believes that these measures are essential for the long-term sustainability of the UK’s water resources and the protection of public health. The Environmental Industries Association looks forward to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the bill.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@eiassociation.co.uk

Environmental firms unite behind new trade association

Posted on 9 September 20249 September 2024 by Alisonadmin

Over 40 environmental firms are coming together to form a new trade association called the Environmental Industries Association (EIA) which specifically aims to be the voice of the environmental technology and services sector.

The new association, which aims to be the largest environmental trade body in the UK, promises to be run by members for the benefit of members and aims to be a clear voice for the sector and holding government to account. The EIA will be initially chaired by Peter Atchison of PA Geo, who has a wide experience on representing the environmental industry through former and existing roles.

Peter Atchison said “I am very excited to join fellow business leaders in forming this new Association which aims to support our members with lobbying around the key regulatory and policy issues impacting on the environmental and technology sector. My role is simple, to help grow and direct the Association and become a major voice of the sector to Government and our external stakeholders. Indeed we are encouraging Local Councils and public bodies to join EIA for free. This is very much a team effort, directed by Members for the benefit of members.

The Environmental Industries Association will be formally launched along with its new website at the ESS: Environmental Services & Solution Expo (in the Contamination Expo zone) on the 11^th September, NEC Birmingham at 1pm followed by a networking drinks reception at 1.30pm

A secondary launch is also being arranged at the AQE/WWEM Exhibition at the NEC on October 9^th and 10^th 2024.

Sunil Shah, Managing Director of Acclaro Advisory, who also chairs the newly formed Sustainable Buildings Working Group said “I am pleased to support EIA as the level of changes and activity being brought forward by the new Labour Government around the NPPF and planning reforms could have significant impacts on our industry and therefore its important that we collectively speak as one industry to the Government”

Ken Scally, Technical Director at Normec DETS, said he was pleased to support the new industry group and acts as Chair of the newly formed Environmental Testing and Analysis Working Group which will be considering a range of chemical testing of water, soil, food, air and waste”

Jim Mills, Managing Director at Scotswolds Ltd, who chairs the EIA Air Quality Working Group and also acts as EIA’s Scottish representative said “In the UK, air pollution presents the largest environmental risk to public health. According to HM Government the annual mortality rate due to anthropogenic sources of air pollution in the UK is between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths and it's estimated that between 2017 and 2025 the cost to the NHS will be £1.6 billion. EIA Members have the technology, skills and expertise to monitor, model and manage air pollution, helping the government to improve air quality for the benefit of the population.

The EIA sets out to provide a voice, at the highest political level, through lobbying collectively on core environmental and regulatory issues. The association will major on networking across a wide spectrum, meeting clients, regulators and Government officials on all relevant issues.

It is a crucial time for the sector with many realising that environmental issues did not have sufficient detail within the summer’s General Election and within subsequent statements made by the Government. The public and wider industry are also realising that EVs are not the sole answer to everything, and EIA firmly believes in greater investment in Hydrogen and support for clean fuels, such as HVO and biodiesel in the future.

Bruce Woodall, Founder and David Eyres, Chairman of the Fuel Experts Association (FEA) who have signed FEA as an Associate Member said “This is a really exciting movement and long overdue. With a completely new Government we need a strong voice to engage with Ministers and ensure industry views are heard loud and clear. The sector offers huge opportunities for growth in the economy whilst addressing some of the most pressing environmental issues”

Steve Barnes of Gramm Barriers has also joined the EIA Air Quality Working Group and will also act as EIAs Welsh representative expressed that he was very excited to represent EIA across Wales and would ensure member’s voices were heard and that the Government was held to account.

The new association represents the fastest-growing community of large companies and SME’s helping to address the most pressing environmental issues, that society faces. EIA has already established specialist working groups to deal with specific areas. These being: Land Remediation and Groundwater; Climate Change, Air Quality; Environmental Testing and Analysis; and Sustainable Buildings.

Among new members, and those the EIA is hoping to attract as it grows, are technology companies, environmental consultancies, land remediation contractors, laboratories and analysts, legal firms, sustainability specialists, waste and recycling industries, planning consultants, water and energy firms, blue-chips, academia, housing companies, start-ups, students and local authorities.

#Environment #EnvironmentalServices #EnvironmentalTechnology #AirQuality #Brownfield #Water #EnvironmentalRegulation #NPPF #LandRemediation #ClimateChange #AirQuality #Sustainability #SustainableBuildings #EnvironmentalAnalysis #EnvironmentalIndustry

Welcome to the Environmental Industries Association’s (EIA) new website

Posted on 7 September 20247 September 2024 by Alisonadmin

EIA’s new website was unveiled at the launch of the EIA, at the biggest trade show for the environment ESS, at the NEC, by our Chair Peter Atchison, PAGeo Ltd, who said he was “delighted to launch EIA's new website”. EIA has been created by members for the benefit of members and the website design and functionality demonstrates this.

Our new EIA website has been designed with one main purpose. To help promote the work of our members and the wider profession, across the UK environmental services and technology sector.

Whether you’re a founding member or interested in becoming a member, we hope you enjoy looking around our new website. Members can directly benefit by highlighting their services, while EIA campaigns on the issues which matter to our members. We are the voice of the Environmental Services and Technology Sector. Government comes to us first to engage with the industry. Our news features keep our readers up to speed on emerging policy and regulatory issues. In the coming weeks, we will be establishing a searchable ‘Members Directory’.

You will have noticed our members blog area, which has been designed to provide our members with a space to share their latest member news, events and articles. Get in touch with the EIA Media team today, if you would like to feature news@EIAssociation.co.uk

This website is for the benefit of EIA members, partners and our stakeholders. So, if you would like to share a news story, please let the Membership team know. membership@EIAssociation.co.uk

As with most modern websites, the site is optimised to be used across a variety of devices – so whether you’re reading this on a phone, tablet or desktop computer, you should be able to easily navigate the content.

Of course there may be a few gremlins in the system, please don’t hesitate to let us know if there are any issues you’ve spotted and thanks for your understanding, while we iron them out.