New environmental licence regime

Businesses that commit to reducing their use of resources and their impact on the local environment will be issued with Sustainability Licences by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority.

The licences will combine the enforceable conditions of the EPA statutory licence with a voluntary sustainability agreement outlining a company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

EPA Presiding Member, Cheryl Bart, says the only businesses eligible for the Sustainability Licence will be those which demonstrate a clear commitment to reducing their use of resources, increasing their recycling and lessening their impact on the environment.

Ms Bart says an upgraded environmental performance will incorporate improved relationships with local communities.

SA Environment Minister, Jay Weatherill, says sustainability is about using resources with future generations in mind. He says businesses awarded the Sustainability Licences will be committing to the highest level of environmental standards. Further information on the Sustainability Licences can be found here.