Introduction
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, businesses must adapt to the challenges ahead. In England, new management system requirements for environmental permit applications have been introduced by the Environment Agency to ensure that businesses effectively address climate change risks. This article explores the importance of integrating climate change adaptation into environmental management systems and highlights key considerations for businesses seeking to comply with the new regulations.
- Guidance: Develop a Management System: Environmental Permits; which links to new guidance:
- Climate Change: Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning in your Management System
Adapting to a Changing Climate
The updated guidance emphasises the need for climate change adaptation planning. For permits issued after April 1st, 2023, businesses are required to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into their management systems. Those issued permits before April 2023 must conduct a climate change adaptation risk assessment by April 1st, 2024.
Understanding Climate Change Risks
To effectively address climate change risks, businesses must consider two primary aspects: the risks they face from climate change and the effects on climate change due to their own activities. Through the risk assessment process, businesses can then develop robust plans of action to embed necessary controls. The revised guidance emphasises the importance of adaptation and resilience. The Environment Agency guidance encourages organisations to consult the sector-specific examples provided for risk assessment tailored to their industry, such as biowaste, chemicals, food and drink and refining. In addition, ITPEnergised can provided tailored guidance for other key industrial sectors such as hydrogen production, powering chemical and food and drink industries, and non-ferrous metal production.
Planning for Resilience and Achieving Compliance
To ensure operations remain resilient in the face of climate change, businesses must adopt a forward-thinking approach. This includes planning for negative climate impacts on current operations and considering risks associated with transitioning to a net zero future. Furthermore, businesses should account for the possibility of multiple events occurring simultaneously, such as supply chain failures and extreme weather events.
Looking ahead, it is essential to evaluate climate change projections and make changes that enable operations to withstand at least a 2°C global mean temperature rise by 2050. Regular updates to the climate change risk assessment should be conducted, considering potential requirements associated with a projected 4°C global mean temperature rise by 2100.
Testing, Learning and Continuous Improvement
Effectiveness testing forms a crucial part of climate change adaptation strategies. Businesses should evaluate the efficacy of their actions, policies, procedures, and assessments in anticipating and mitigating risks to the environment. Pre-planned reviews and subsequent revisions are vital to incorporate new information and learnings, ensuring that management systems remain robust and responsive.
How ITPEnergised can help
The new requirements for climate change adaptation planning in environmental permits aim to address and mitigate risks that could impact your business’s sustainable operation. At ITPEnergised, we offer comprehensive support for climate change adaptation and environmental compliance, surpassing standard assumptions by considering various scenarios based on reliable Met Office climate projection models allowing us to identify specific climate change impacts on your business. Additionally, we provide mitigation services such as greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and lifecycle modelling, energy efficiency auditing, renewables and feasibility studies and overall decarbonisation / net zero support.
Our team of trusted technical advisors is ready to discuss your requirements, provide information and offer guidance tailored to your situation. Please get in touch with us at info@itpenergised.com and we look forward to working with you and supporting your organisation’s sustainability goals.
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