DETR consultation on this topic brought criticism from both local authorities and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) in Bristol on 2 September. Local Authorities complained to Philip Walsh, Director, Energy, Environment and Waste Directorate, DETR, that insufficient funding was available to them to provide incentives for more minimisation of household waste to landfill. ESA felt that the planning guides and licence application processes had needlessly delayed the development of facilities by its members. The financial provisions sought by Local Government were also thought too rigorously applied.

 ISO 14001/ISO 9000 - AUDIT STANDARDS

The two technical committees - TC176 and TC 207 - responsible respectively for Quality and Environmental Management System and related standards have agreed to pursue the alignment of the existing audit standards. Meeting through late 1997/early-1998, a Common Study Group, comprising members of the two committees drawn from around the World, identified areas of possible conflict between ISO 10011 and ISO 14010/11/12. Following two rounds of discussions, the Dutch have proposed a new work item to consider harmonised text on the audit process with satellite texts appropriate to each specialisation.

Meanwhile, the Accountancy profession has raised objections - if the standard is to contain generic guidance on auditing, it wishes to be involved!

SCEEMAS

The unsuccessful DETR initiative, Small Companies Energy and Environmental Management Assistance Scheme, is to be stopped later this year. In its place, the Department has resurrected the old Energy Management Assistance Scheme - EMAS!

Meanwhile, the latest edition of the Energy Management Advisor (EMMA) is available from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme. EMMA, on two 'floppy' discs, is available from the Energy Helpline - 0541 542 541

Eco-management and Audit Scheme

Following the demise of BS 7750, the management system requirements for the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) could only be met by ISO 14001 through the application of a so-called 'bridging text'. Revisions to EMAS currently being undertaken may mean that ISO 14001 in its basic form may become acceptable, in a move to make EMAS a more appealing undertaking.