7.4c Political and Legal: Scope and Effects of Labour Market Law

Question 1

Costs of business on the environment

Answer 1

• Use of finite resources
• Noise and pollution
• Loss of land

Question 2

Key environmental issues for businesses

Answer 2

• Sustainability
• A green supply chain
• Complying with environmental laws

Question 3

Main environmental regulations

Answer 3

• Store and treat waste safely and securely
• Protect employees and environment from air pollution
• Don’t produce excessive noise, smoke and fumes
• Comply with rules

Question 4

Main environmental regulators in UK:

Answer 4

• Environment Agency in England and Wales
• Northern Ireland Environment Agency
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Question 5

Opportunities gained from environmentally friendly actions:

Answer 5

• Lower raw material costs and waste disposal charges
• Longer life of recycled assets
• Customer goodwill

Question 6

Threats of environmental influences to a business:

Answer 6

• Reputation
• Increase in costs
• Fines and problems from not following laws

Question 7

Sustainable business definition

Answer 7

A business that has no negative overall impact on the environment

Question 8

Sustainability definition

Answer 8

The ability to meet the needs of the current generation without sacrificing the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs

Question 9

Examples of actions to promote sustainability

Answer 9

• Reusable / recyclable packaging
• Minimising use of hazardous chemicals
• Use more energy-efficient equipment

Question 10

Strategic approach to sustainability

Answer 10

• Requires commitment of top management
• Gain commitment and support from stakeholders
• Anticipate changes in environmental legislation

Question 11

Environmental laws and directives that affect businesses:

Answer 11

• EU directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) forces businesses to increase recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment
• Landfill Tax reducing amount of landfill waste
• EU Packaging Waste Directive forces businesses in increase packaging recycling
• Climate Change Act requires UK PLC’s to report greenhouse gas emissions

Question 12

What does the EU’s Emissions Trading System do?

Answer 12

It gives greenhouse gas emissions allowances to businesses such as oil refineries and power stations