Environment and environmental permit

Environmental legislation is complex and ever-changing. Employers will soon face challenges if they are not familiar with all the rules. From unexpected fines to costly operational disruptions, the consequences can be far-reaching. A sustainable environmental policy is indispensable for your organisation. Not just because it is a legal requirement, but also and more importantly, because it helps you to do business in a future-oriented and responsible way. How do you create a strong policy? And how can you meet all your obligations?

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How do you create a sustainable environmental policy for your organisation?

A well-designed environmental policy ensures your company’s compliance with legal obligations and optimises costs. Follow these steps:

  • Audit: start with an initial audit to determine how your organisation is doing. Identify areas for improvement.
  • Action plan: define specific actions with clear deadlines. Set priorities in consultation with an environmental expert.
  • Continuous guidance: receive expert advice, especially on complex tasks such as environmental permit applications.

IDEWE’s specialised environmental advisors will support you every step of the way.

When is an environmental permit required?

An environmental permit is mandatory for any activities with the potential to cause harm to people and the environment. Examples:

  • Companies that carry out activities included in the classification list (VLAREM II).
  • Urban planning activities such as construction, renovation and demolition work.

Permits are divided into three classes based on the nuisance level:

  • Class 1: Major nuisance, permit via province.
  • Class 2: Moderate nuisance, permit via municipality.
  • Class 3: Minimal nuisance, notifying the municipality is sufficient.

Unsure about your own situation? Contact our environmental experts for tailored advice.

How do you apply for an environmental permit?

Applying for an environmental permit in Flanders  involves the use of an online Environmental Permit portal (Omgevingsloket) and careful preparation of an application file. The process consists of the following steps:

  • Preliminary investigation and preparation - Determine which permits you will need and collect all the necessary information, such as engineering plans, environmental impact studies and permit requirements.
  • File creation - Carefully complete the online forms and include all the required documents and annexes in your file.
  • Online submission - Submit your completed file via the online Environmental Permit portal, along with a digital signature for your organisation’s legal representative.
  • Admissibility check - After submission, the competent authority checks that your file is complete and has been submitted correctly. Any required additions or adjustments will be requested at this time.
  • Decision-making process - The government will thoroughly examine your application and take a decision within the legal deadlines. This can take several months depending on your file’s complexity.

Have us guide you through this complex process. Our environmental experts will guide you through the entire application process:

  • Assistance in the collection and preparation of all required documents
  • Maintaining contacts with competent authorities
  • Monitoring deadlines and ensuring that your file is processed without problems

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What does an environmental coordinator do?

An environmental coordinator is the person responsible for managing environmental compliance at your organisation. Their responsibilities include, among other things:

  • Developing and implementing environmentally friendly production methods
  • Monitoring compliance with environmental regulations and emission measurements
  • Managing waste registration
  • Advising on investments with an environmental impact
  • Conducting regular inspection rounds and reporting deviations
  • Preparing annual reports and permit applications

Is appointing an environmental coordinator mandatory?

In Flanders, appointing an environmental coordinator is mandatory for all Class 1 companies. Depending on the company’s activities, it can also be mandatory for certain Class 2 companies. Although appointing an environmental coordinator is not mandatory in Brussels or Wallonia, it is strongly recommended.

Who can you appoint as an environmental coordinator?

An environmental coordinator can be either an internal employee (internal environmental coordinator) or an approved external advisor (external environmental coordinator).

  • Internal environmental coordinator: You can have an employee at your organisation fulfil this role. Full records of their appointment must be kept available for government inspections. Additionally, the coordinator must complete relevant refresher training annually.
  • External environmental coordinator: This is a recognised expert outside your company with the necessary experience and knowledge to ensure proper compliance with legal obligations. If you opt for an external coordinator, you must keep clear records of their appointment.

Opt for security and convenience. Have IDEWE handle your environmental coordination and avoid unnecessary risks. Request a no-obligation consultation today.

What is an environmental management system?

An environmental management system provides a framework for continuous improvement of your environmental performance in Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles. It allows you to actively manage and reduce environmental risks, ensure legal compliance and optimise your business processes.

What is ISO 14001 and why is it important?

ISO 14001 is the most widely recognised global standard for environmental management systems. This standard is designed to help you systematically improve your environmental performance, control environmental risks and save costs. An ISO 14001 certificate is often a requirement in tenders and demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.

Need help setting up, implementing and managing your ISO 14001 management system? Rely on our experts.

What is an environmental audit?

An environmental audit is an objective assessment of your organisation’s environmental performance. It evaluates your compliance with legal requirements and identifies areas for improvement for future policies and actions.

What environmental audits are there?

  • Statutory Environmental Audit (DMA): Mandatory for certain companies and validated by accredited environmental verification bodies
  • Compliance audit: Monitors compliance with legislation through a specific action plan
  • Initial audit: Quickly and clearly describes your current environmental performance and identifies immediate actions to be taken
  • Due diligence audit: Describes and quantifies the environmental liability of a company or site, for example in the event of an acquisition
  • Internal audit
  • External audit as part of ISO 14001:2015 certification

Our environmental experts can provide all these environmental audits. Request your environmental audit here.

How can IDEWE support you?

IDEWE offers tailored, specialist support:

  • Contractual provision of approved external environmental coordinators
  • Support with annual administrative tasks (annual reports, waste declarations, packaging taxes)
  • Advice and guidance on environmental issues and permit applications
  • Environmental audits
  • Setting up, implementing and managing your ISO 14001 management system

Request your environmental support

Why choose IDEWE? 

  • Experienced environmental experts - Our experts have years of experience and will ensure your company’s compliance with environmental legislation.
  • Trusted partner - Rely on our support and advice to avoid unexpected fines and costly operational disruptions.
  • Full, tailored support - From environmental coordination and advice to audits and support with annual environmental administrative tasks. We offer guidance tailored to your organisation so everything is legally in order.