What is an environmental consultancy?
By: Giovanna Díaz
Within the ecological and environmental field, you have surely heard or read something regarding environmental advisory or environmental legal advice. And it is logical that there are specialists who inform, prepare and make people aware, especially companies, of the established environmental policies and guidelines that they must carry out for a better and more ecological production procedure. But then, what is an environmental advisory?
An environmental advisory, then, is, as its name suggests, a specialized advisory or consultancy in environmental matters which is carried out particularly for companies or organizations. Said guidance can comprise several topics, among which are:
- Environmental legislation
- Deployment of environmental management systems
- Obtaining of ecological labels
- Local agenda planning
- Formulation of environmental impact studies. They put forward environmental solutions (which establish the viability of a number of projects in development) such as studies of terrestrial flora and fauna, response to requests for additional information, environmental risk studies, etc.
- Among others.
There are two types of environmental advisory:
- Specialized consulting. That is dedicated exclusively to environmental issues such as energy consulting or hazardous waste management consulting.
- General Consulting. Focused on advising companies with a broad portfolio of services.
What is it for or what benefits does an environmental advisory generate?
The purpose of this type of consultation is to analyze the situation in which each company finds itself and thus identify and improve the way used resources can be optimized within the production or commercial process in order minimize possible environmental impact. Thus achieving a balanced coexistence between business dynamics, society and the planet.
Although each organization has its own environmental policies, there are some common issues promoted by most:
- Constant allusions to continuous improvement
- Promoting environmental awareness among workers
- Encouraging prevention work carried out in order to monitor pollution
- Proactivity and commitment to complying with the decisions which have been made in order to prevent environmental damage
Both large companies and smaller businesses must pay attention to a number of ussued in order to achieve the proper development of their economic activity. In recent years, awareness about climate change has increased, an issue which is increasingly alarming and seriously visible, which causes society to keep respect for nature in mind. This is why environment as a topic prevails within the business sphere and it is imperative to have environmental advisory which can identify the best way to carry out its production processes, while causing the least possible or minimal effects on the natural surroundings.
According to ECO LIMPIO environmental services statistics, approximately 2,600,000 MILLION TONS of hazardous industrial waste are generated in Mexico per year. Of which only 10% receive proper treatment, the remaining 90% of this annual hazardous waste is improperly managed.
Something important to highlight is that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) can and does carry out environmental audits of companies. If they do not comply with the stipulated requirements, they will be subject to fines or, in more severe cases, criminal punishments for those responsible. This is why many businesses already consider it essential and imperative to aquire environmental advisory, because they must comply with certain points so that their productive activity affects the fauna and flora of the environment as little as possible, whether in the quality of the air, water, soil or the availability of natural resources. For more information about these regulations and why they were implemented, you can consult the official SEMARNAT website
It should be noted that the National Advisory Committee for the Standardization of the Environment and Natural Resources (COMARNAT) participates in formulating of the official Mexican standards for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as in promoting their compliance. In a utopian world, neither companies nor we as individuals would have any habitat disturbance. However, that is almost impossible, so the minimum impact is sought with the help of environmental advisory. You can also visit their official website for all available information.
We must have an environmental awareness not only in order to avoid fines as businesses, but also as people responsible for our actions who take a preventive approach to our health. According to Expansión magazine, “Environmental pollution has become a ‘weapon’ against Mexicans. In 2017, 49,095 deaths were attributed to it, of which 64.6% were brought about by cardiovascular and diabetic/renal diseases.” El artículo también recalca que “People’s exposure to PM2.5 particles – which are emitted by human activities – cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer.” Therefore, the WHO (World Health Organization) highlighted the need to create policies and guidelines which link the health sector with the energy sector.
Now that you know, do not hesitate to contact us, who are among the experts on environmental legal advice, and take a look at our website’s SERVICES page, since we offer legal services such as advice on environmental regulatory issues, litigation in administrative matters, amparo and nullity trials against laws, advice on national waters and discharge permits, etc. Environmental services such as the formulation of supporting technical studies, environmental audits and expert reports, integration of unique environmental licenses, etc. Social services such as the preparation of social impact assessments (EVIS), training for social project management, environmental, social and human rights due diligence, etc. And our CLIENTS section so that you and your business can join these preventions and guidelines that have been mentioned.
For a better planet, where you are the solution.