How to implement energy efficient measures
In this guide:
- Managing your energy use
- Advantages of energy management
- Six key steps of an energy management strategy
- How to create an energy management policy
- Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
- How to set energy saving targets
- How to implement energy efficient measures
- Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Advantages of energy management
The benefits of combining an effective strategy with practical measures to achieve successful energy management.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from monitoring and controlling energy use, and conserving energy by putting in place an energy management strategy. To be effective, this must be put in place throughout the business, starting with key decision makers and involving all employees.
Successful energy management combines an effective strategy with the right practical measures. Many of these can be made straightaway and cost little or nothing.
Build the business case for energy management
To make real energy savings, senior management must be convinced that putting in place an energy management strategy will deliver real business benefits. Most organisations can save 20 per cent on their energy bills by managing energy use and investing in cost effective measures.
Business benefits of energy management
Highlight the financial and other benefits when you present the business case for implementing an energy strategy to senior management. These can include:
- cost savings
- a possible reduction in Climate Change Levy
- an enhanced reputation through demonstrating green credentials, giving you a competitive edge
- certification to ISO 50001 Energy Management System
- improved working conditions for staff
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-energy-management
Links
Six key steps of an energy management strategy
Suggested actions to follow when putting in place an effective energy management strategy in your business.
Putting in place a successful energy management strategy involves following six key steps.
Step 1: Get commitment and appoint an energy manager
The first step is to make sure that senior management understands the business benefits of an energy strategy and supports the proposed energy saving measures. Appointing an energy manager demonstrates that the business takes its energy saving goals seriously. The energy manager's role is to:
- Lead the energy team in their energy saving actions
- communicate and emphasise to colleagues the importance of the energy strategy
The energy manager needs experience and training to be effective - relevant professional qualifications are available. Depending on the size of your organisation the role might be full or part time.
Step 2: Understand the issues
To manage energy use effectively you need to have a clear understanding of:
- how your business is currently using energy
- how your energy usage compares with other businesses
- attitudes within your business towards adopting energy saving measures
Step 3: Plan and organise
Start by carrying out an energy survey to see where you can make energy savings. Use all the information you gather to produce an energy policy and identify long, medium and short term energy saving targets.
Step 4: Develop an action plan
Once you have identified your targets, draw up an action plan outlining the practical steps your business will take to achieve your goals. Give individuals responsibility for specific tasks.
Step 5: Involve your staff
It's very important to get support for the energy strategy from:
- key decision makers
- senior management
- staff at all levels of the business
Carrying out training and highlighting the strategy's benefits all help to boost staff participation.
Step 6: Control, monitor and report
Monitor your performance regularly to check that you're making progress towards your energy saving goals. Put in place procedures to make sure your systems will carry on operating efficiently and continue to make savings in the future. Let staff know how progress towards achieving targets is going - this helps to keep them motivated.
Get a free sustainability report
All Northern Ireland businesses with an annual energy and resource spend of more than £30k can get a free assessment of their environmental performance across areas such as raw materials, energy, carbon, packaging, biodiversity and waste - find out more about Invest NI Sustainability Reports.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/six-key-steps-energy-management-strategy
Links
How to create an energy management policy
Outlining energy saving targets and setting out how these will be achieved through your energy management policy.
Effective energy management starts with the publication of your energy management policy, which applies across your whole organisation.
What does an energy policy cover?
An energy policy sets out in writing the way a business will use energy, and what energy saving targets it hopes to achieve. It outlines:
- the ways in which the business will meet targets
- what contributions are expected from managers and staff
- plans for continuing to improve energy efficiency in the future
Most energy policies have two parts, part A and part B.
Energy policy Part A
This is a high level statement that sets out the energy saving principles that the business is committed to. It confirms that proposed energy saving policies and actions have the full support of senior management and it provides an overall framework for delivering energy savings.
Energy policy Part B
This is a much more detailed document. It sets out specific targets and outlines how these will be achieved. It includes details of the measures that will be taken and who is responsible for making sure they happen. It should also set out when progress will be reviewed.
Implementing your energy policy
Implementing your energy policy involves:
- deciding on specific actions to take to save energy
- putting these actions into an order of priority
It's important to set realistic and achievable energy saving targets, eg if your business commits to a percentage reduction in carbon emissions, make sure that this is achievable.
Once senior management has agreed the targets you can produce an action plan. This sets out in practical terms the tasks to be completed.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-create-energy-management-policy
Links
Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
Measuring the overall energy consumption of your business can help to identify where energy savings can be made.
Understanding how your business currently uses energy will help you to manage it efficiently. If you measure and monitor your current usage you'll be able to identify:
- existing patterns of consumption
- opportunities to save money
You'll also be able to compare your energy consumption against that of other similar businesses.
How to measure and monitor energy use
To measure your overall energy usage accurately you'll need to record your organisation's consumption of each energy type, eg gas, electricity, oil and renewables. Decide on how consumption will be measured; larger businesses might measure energy use by different departments or during different processes.
Collect details of how much energy is used. This usually involves reading meters and submeters. Half-hourly meters and smart meters can provide very detailed information about energy use.
Bringing together all the information will help you see where practical energy and cost saving measures can be put in place.
How to carry out an energy survey
Carrying out an energy survey is a key part of measuring and monitoring your energy consumption. An energy survey is a physical site inspection to identify areas where energy savings can be made.
The survey can cover the whole site or just focus on selected areas, processes or equipment. You could carry out surveys at different times of the day or week to identify different levels of energy use.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/managing-energy-use-monitoring-and-metering
Links
How to set energy saving targets
How your business can develop clear and measurable energy management targets for reducing energy use.
Monitoring the different ways in which your business uses energy helps to highlight the best energy saving opportunities. Use this information to set clear, measurable targets for reducing energy use. Think about expressing objectives and targets in ways that encourage staff throughout the business to participate in energy saving measures.
Examples of energy saving targets
There are a number of ways in which you can express energy saving targets, such as:
- reducing energy consumption, either overall or by a particular department or process
- reducing emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)
- increasing the percentage of the energy budget invested in energy saving measures
- improving the return on investment from energy efficiency activities
- increased staff awareness
- increasing the number of staff given energy efficiency training
- measuring an increase in energy saving actions by staff
To be achievable, targets need to be:
- realistic
- based on a thorough understanding of your current energy consumption and of the potential for savings to be made
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-set-energy-saving-targets
Links
How to implement energy efficient measures
How to weave energy saving objectives into an action plan that will help to ensure that targets will be achieved.
After writing your energy policy, carrying out an energy survey, setting energy saving objectives and targets and identifying what measures to take, the next step is to develop an action plan for implementing the measures.
Creating your energy saving action plan
Your action plan should set out in detail how all the energy saving measures will be carried out in order of priority.
Actions can be ordered into short, medium and long term projects as well as no cost and low cost measures and measures that need capital investment. Starting with short term and low cost measures can be effective because they make an immediate impact and help to get people interested in the campaign.
The action plan should cover:
- target dates, costs and resources needed for each measure
- key roles and who will carry out the measures
- investment in energy saving equipment if necessary
- the availability of financial assistance
Communicating your energy saving actions
Effective energy management depends on everyone being involved and playing their part. It's very important to make employees and stakeholders aware of the energy saving action plan at every stage.
They need to know:
- why the measures are being taken
- what is being done, ie explain the aims and energy saving targets
- when the measures will be implemented
- how they can be involved
To get the energy strategy off to a good start you could:
- hold a launch event to generate awareness and interest
- provide training for staff to boost motivation and participation
- highlight initial quick win actions and plan regular update meetings
- publicise successes to stakeholders like shareholders and customers
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-implement-energy-efficient-measures
Links
Managing your energy use
Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Feargal O'Canain of City Hotel Derry talks about the hotel's journey to award-winning environmental improvements.
City Hotel Derry is a 158-bedroom hotel, built in 2002, sitting on the banks of the River Foyle. Feargal O'Canain, General Manager of City Hotel, talks about the range of measures put in place to reduce the hotel's carbon footprint and reduce energy costs, with advice and support from Invest Northern Ireland.
Measures such as LED lighting, self-closing windows, an upgraded Building Maintenance System, a robust staff training and engagement programme, and continuous reviews have led to clear benefits for City Hotel in terms of reduced carbon emissions and a healthier balance sheet.
Case StudyFeargal O'CanainContent category
Source URL
/content/cutting-our-energy-costs-city-hotel-derry-video
Links
How to set energy saving targets
In this guide:
- Managing your energy use
- Advantages of energy management
- Six key steps of an energy management strategy
- How to create an energy management policy
- Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
- How to set energy saving targets
- How to implement energy efficient measures
- Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Advantages of energy management
The benefits of combining an effective strategy with practical measures to achieve successful energy management.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from monitoring and controlling energy use, and conserving energy by putting in place an energy management strategy. To be effective, this must be put in place throughout the business, starting with key decision makers and involving all employees.
Successful energy management combines an effective strategy with the right practical measures. Many of these can be made straightaway and cost little or nothing.
Build the business case for energy management
To make real energy savings, senior management must be convinced that putting in place an energy management strategy will deliver real business benefits. Most organisations can save 20 per cent on their energy bills by managing energy use and investing in cost effective measures.
Business benefits of energy management
Highlight the financial and other benefits when you present the business case for implementing an energy strategy to senior management. These can include:
- cost savings
- a possible reduction in Climate Change Levy
- an enhanced reputation through demonstrating green credentials, giving you a competitive edge
- certification to ISO 50001 Energy Management System
- improved working conditions for staff
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-energy-management
Links
Six key steps of an energy management strategy
Suggested actions to follow when putting in place an effective energy management strategy in your business.
Putting in place a successful energy management strategy involves following six key steps.
Step 1: Get commitment and appoint an energy manager
The first step is to make sure that senior management understands the business benefits of an energy strategy and supports the proposed energy saving measures. Appointing an energy manager demonstrates that the business takes its energy saving goals seriously. The energy manager's role is to:
- Lead the energy team in their energy saving actions
- communicate and emphasise to colleagues the importance of the energy strategy
The energy manager needs experience and training to be effective - relevant professional qualifications are available. Depending on the size of your organisation the role might be full or part time.
Step 2: Understand the issues
To manage energy use effectively you need to have a clear understanding of:
- how your business is currently using energy
- how your energy usage compares with other businesses
- attitudes within your business towards adopting energy saving measures
Step 3: Plan and organise
Start by carrying out an energy survey to see where you can make energy savings. Use all the information you gather to produce an energy policy and identify long, medium and short term energy saving targets.
Step 4: Develop an action plan
Once you have identified your targets, draw up an action plan outlining the practical steps your business will take to achieve your goals. Give individuals responsibility for specific tasks.
Step 5: Involve your staff
It's very important to get support for the energy strategy from:
- key decision makers
- senior management
- staff at all levels of the business
Carrying out training and highlighting the strategy's benefits all help to boost staff participation.
Step 6: Control, monitor and report
Monitor your performance regularly to check that you're making progress towards your energy saving goals. Put in place procedures to make sure your systems will carry on operating efficiently and continue to make savings in the future. Let staff know how progress towards achieving targets is going - this helps to keep them motivated.
Get a free sustainability report
All Northern Ireland businesses with an annual energy and resource spend of more than £30k can get a free assessment of their environmental performance across areas such as raw materials, energy, carbon, packaging, biodiversity and waste - find out more about Invest NI Sustainability Reports.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/six-key-steps-energy-management-strategy
Links
How to create an energy management policy
Outlining energy saving targets and setting out how these will be achieved through your energy management policy.
Effective energy management starts with the publication of your energy management policy, which applies across your whole organisation.
What does an energy policy cover?
An energy policy sets out in writing the way a business will use energy, and what energy saving targets it hopes to achieve. It outlines:
- the ways in which the business will meet targets
- what contributions are expected from managers and staff
- plans for continuing to improve energy efficiency in the future
Most energy policies have two parts, part A and part B.
Energy policy Part A
This is a high level statement that sets out the energy saving principles that the business is committed to. It confirms that proposed energy saving policies and actions have the full support of senior management and it provides an overall framework for delivering energy savings.
Energy policy Part B
This is a much more detailed document. It sets out specific targets and outlines how these will be achieved. It includes details of the measures that will be taken and who is responsible for making sure they happen. It should also set out when progress will be reviewed.
Implementing your energy policy
Implementing your energy policy involves:
- deciding on specific actions to take to save energy
- putting these actions into an order of priority
It's important to set realistic and achievable energy saving targets, eg if your business commits to a percentage reduction in carbon emissions, make sure that this is achievable.
Once senior management has agreed the targets you can produce an action plan. This sets out in practical terms the tasks to be completed.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-create-energy-management-policy
Links
Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
Measuring the overall energy consumption of your business can help to identify where energy savings can be made.
Understanding how your business currently uses energy will help you to manage it efficiently. If you measure and monitor your current usage you'll be able to identify:
- existing patterns of consumption
- opportunities to save money
You'll also be able to compare your energy consumption against that of other similar businesses.
How to measure and monitor energy use
To measure your overall energy usage accurately you'll need to record your organisation's consumption of each energy type, eg gas, electricity, oil and renewables. Decide on how consumption will be measured; larger businesses might measure energy use by different departments or during different processes.
Collect details of how much energy is used. This usually involves reading meters and submeters. Half-hourly meters and smart meters can provide very detailed information about energy use.
Bringing together all the information will help you see where practical energy and cost saving measures can be put in place.
How to carry out an energy survey
Carrying out an energy survey is a key part of measuring and monitoring your energy consumption. An energy survey is a physical site inspection to identify areas where energy savings can be made.
The survey can cover the whole site or just focus on selected areas, processes or equipment. You could carry out surveys at different times of the day or week to identify different levels of energy use.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/managing-energy-use-monitoring-and-metering
Links
How to set energy saving targets
How your business can develop clear and measurable energy management targets for reducing energy use.
Monitoring the different ways in which your business uses energy helps to highlight the best energy saving opportunities. Use this information to set clear, measurable targets for reducing energy use. Think about expressing objectives and targets in ways that encourage staff throughout the business to participate in energy saving measures.
Examples of energy saving targets
There are a number of ways in which you can express energy saving targets, such as:
- reducing energy consumption, either overall or by a particular department or process
- reducing emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)
- increasing the percentage of the energy budget invested in energy saving measures
- improving the return on investment from energy efficiency activities
- increased staff awareness
- increasing the number of staff given energy efficiency training
- measuring an increase in energy saving actions by staff
To be achievable, targets need to be:
- realistic
- based on a thorough understanding of your current energy consumption and of the potential for savings to be made
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-set-energy-saving-targets
Links
How to implement energy efficient measures
How to weave energy saving objectives into an action plan that will help to ensure that targets will be achieved.
After writing your energy policy, carrying out an energy survey, setting energy saving objectives and targets and identifying what measures to take, the next step is to develop an action plan for implementing the measures.
Creating your energy saving action plan
Your action plan should set out in detail how all the energy saving measures will be carried out in order of priority.
Actions can be ordered into short, medium and long term projects as well as no cost and low cost measures and measures that need capital investment. Starting with short term and low cost measures can be effective because they make an immediate impact and help to get people interested in the campaign.
The action plan should cover:
- target dates, costs and resources needed for each measure
- key roles and who will carry out the measures
- investment in energy saving equipment if necessary
- the availability of financial assistance
Communicating your energy saving actions
Effective energy management depends on everyone being involved and playing their part. It's very important to make employees and stakeholders aware of the energy saving action plan at every stage.
They need to know:
- why the measures are being taken
- what is being done, ie explain the aims and energy saving targets
- when the measures will be implemented
- how they can be involved
To get the energy strategy off to a good start you could:
- hold a launch event to generate awareness and interest
- provide training for staff to boost motivation and participation
- highlight initial quick win actions and plan regular update meetings
- publicise successes to stakeholders like shareholders and customers
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-implement-energy-efficient-measures
Links
Managing your energy use
Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Feargal O'Canain of City Hotel Derry talks about the hotel's journey to award-winning environmental improvements.
City Hotel Derry is a 158-bedroom hotel, built in 2002, sitting on the banks of the River Foyle. Feargal O'Canain, General Manager of City Hotel, talks about the range of measures put in place to reduce the hotel's carbon footprint and reduce energy costs, with advice and support from Invest Northern Ireland.
Measures such as LED lighting, self-closing windows, an upgraded Building Maintenance System, a robust staff training and engagement programme, and continuous reviews have led to clear benefits for City Hotel in terms of reduced carbon emissions and a healthier balance sheet.
Case StudyFeargal O'CanainContent category
Source URL
/content/cutting-our-energy-costs-city-hotel-derry-video
Links
Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
In this guide:
- Managing your energy use
- Advantages of energy management
- Six key steps of an energy management strategy
- How to create an energy management policy
- Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
- How to set energy saving targets
- How to implement energy efficient measures
- Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Advantages of energy management
The benefits of combining an effective strategy with practical measures to achieve successful energy management.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from monitoring and controlling energy use, and conserving energy by putting in place an energy management strategy. To be effective, this must be put in place throughout the business, starting with key decision makers and involving all employees.
Successful energy management combines an effective strategy with the right practical measures. Many of these can be made straightaway and cost little or nothing.
Build the business case for energy management
To make real energy savings, senior management must be convinced that putting in place an energy management strategy will deliver real business benefits. Most organisations can save 20 per cent on their energy bills by managing energy use and investing in cost effective measures.
Business benefits of energy management
Highlight the financial and other benefits when you present the business case for implementing an energy strategy to senior management. These can include:
- cost savings
- a possible reduction in Climate Change Levy
- an enhanced reputation through demonstrating green credentials, giving you a competitive edge
- certification to ISO 50001 Energy Management System
- improved working conditions for staff
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-energy-management
Links
Six key steps of an energy management strategy
Suggested actions to follow when putting in place an effective energy management strategy in your business.
Putting in place a successful energy management strategy involves following six key steps.
Step 1: Get commitment and appoint an energy manager
The first step is to make sure that senior management understands the business benefits of an energy strategy and supports the proposed energy saving measures. Appointing an energy manager demonstrates that the business takes its energy saving goals seriously. The energy manager's role is to:
- Lead the energy team in their energy saving actions
- communicate and emphasise to colleagues the importance of the energy strategy
The energy manager needs experience and training to be effective - relevant professional qualifications are available. Depending on the size of your organisation the role might be full or part time.
Step 2: Understand the issues
To manage energy use effectively you need to have a clear understanding of:
- how your business is currently using energy
- how your energy usage compares with other businesses
- attitudes within your business towards adopting energy saving measures
Step 3: Plan and organise
Start by carrying out an energy survey to see where you can make energy savings. Use all the information you gather to produce an energy policy and identify long, medium and short term energy saving targets.
Step 4: Develop an action plan
Once you have identified your targets, draw up an action plan outlining the practical steps your business will take to achieve your goals. Give individuals responsibility for specific tasks.
Step 5: Involve your staff
It's very important to get support for the energy strategy from:
- key decision makers
- senior management
- staff at all levels of the business
Carrying out training and highlighting the strategy's benefits all help to boost staff participation.
Step 6: Control, monitor and report
Monitor your performance regularly to check that you're making progress towards your energy saving goals. Put in place procedures to make sure your systems will carry on operating efficiently and continue to make savings in the future. Let staff know how progress towards achieving targets is going - this helps to keep them motivated.
Get a free sustainability report
All Northern Ireland businesses with an annual energy and resource spend of more than £30k can get a free assessment of their environmental performance across areas such as raw materials, energy, carbon, packaging, biodiversity and waste - find out more about Invest NI Sustainability Reports.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/six-key-steps-energy-management-strategy
Links
How to create an energy management policy
Outlining energy saving targets and setting out how these will be achieved through your energy management policy.
Effective energy management starts with the publication of your energy management policy, which applies across your whole organisation.
What does an energy policy cover?
An energy policy sets out in writing the way a business will use energy, and what energy saving targets it hopes to achieve. It outlines:
- the ways in which the business will meet targets
- what contributions are expected from managers and staff
- plans for continuing to improve energy efficiency in the future
Most energy policies have two parts, part A and part B.
Energy policy Part A
This is a high level statement that sets out the energy saving principles that the business is committed to. It confirms that proposed energy saving policies and actions have the full support of senior management and it provides an overall framework for delivering energy savings.
Energy policy Part B
This is a much more detailed document. It sets out specific targets and outlines how these will be achieved. It includes details of the measures that will be taken and who is responsible for making sure they happen. It should also set out when progress will be reviewed.
Implementing your energy policy
Implementing your energy policy involves:
- deciding on specific actions to take to save energy
- putting these actions into an order of priority
It's important to set realistic and achievable energy saving targets, eg if your business commits to a percentage reduction in carbon emissions, make sure that this is achievable.
Once senior management has agreed the targets you can produce an action plan. This sets out in practical terms the tasks to be completed.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-create-energy-management-policy
Links
Managing energy use by monitoring and metering
Measuring the overall energy consumption of your business can help to identify where energy savings can be made.
Understanding how your business currently uses energy will help you to manage it efficiently. If you measure and monitor your current usage you'll be able to identify:
- existing patterns of consumption
- opportunities to save money
You'll also be able to compare your energy consumption against that of other similar businesses.
How to measure and monitor energy use
To measure your overall energy usage accurately you'll need to record your organisation's consumption of each energy type, eg gas, electricity, oil and renewables. Decide on how consumption will be measured; larger businesses might measure energy use by different departments or during different processes.
Collect details of how much energy is used. This usually involves reading meters and submeters. Half-hourly meters and smart meters can provide very detailed information about energy use.
Bringing together all the information will help you see where practical energy and cost saving measures can be put in place.
How to carry out an energy survey
Carrying out an energy survey is a key part of measuring and monitoring your energy consumption. An energy survey is a physical site inspection to identify areas where energy savings can be made.
The survey can cover the whole site or just focus on selected areas, processes or equipment. You could carry out surveys at different times of the day or week to identify different levels of energy use.
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/managing-energy-use-monitoring-and-metering
Links
How to set energy saving targets
How your business can develop clear and measurable energy management targets for reducing energy use.
Monitoring the different ways in which your business uses energy helps to highlight the best energy saving opportunities. Use this information to set clear, measurable targets for reducing energy use. Think about expressing objectives and targets in ways that encourage staff throughout the business to participate in energy saving measures.
Examples of energy saving targets
There are a number of ways in which you can express energy saving targets, such as:
- reducing energy consumption, either overall or by a particular department or process
- reducing emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)
- increasing the percentage of the energy budget invested in energy saving measures
- improving the return on investment from energy efficiency activities
- increased staff awareness
- increasing the number of staff given energy efficiency training
- measuring an increase in energy saving actions by staff
To be achievable, targets need to be:
- realistic
- based on a thorough understanding of your current energy consumption and of the potential for savings to be made
HelpAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-set-energy-saving-targets
Links
How to implement energy efficient measures
How to weave energy saving objectives into an action plan that will help to ensure that targets will be achieved.
After writing your energy policy, carrying out an energy survey, setting energy saving objectives and targets and identifying what measures to take, the next step is to develop an action plan for implementing the measures.
Creating your energy saving action plan
Your action plan should set out in detail how all the energy saving measures will be carried out in order of priority.
Actions can be ordered into short, medium and long term projects as well as no cost and low cost measures and measures that need capital investment. Starting with short term and low cost measures can be effective because they make an immediate impact and help to get people interested in the campaign.
The action plan should cover:
- target dates, costs and resources needed for each measure
- key roles and who will carry out the measures
- investment in energy saving equipment if necessary
- the availability of financial assistance
Communicating your energy saving actions
Effective energy management depends on everyone being involved and playing their part. It's very important to make employees and stakeholders aware of the energy saving action plan at every stage.
They need to know:
- why the measures are being taken
- what is being done, ie explain the aims and energy saving targets
- when the measures will be implemented
- how they can be involved
To get the energy strategy off to a good start you could:
- hold a launch event to generate awareness and interest
- provide training for staff to boost motivation and participation
- highlight initial quick win actions and plan regular update meetings
- publicise successes to stakeholders like shareholders and customers
HelpActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/how-implement-energy-efficient-measures
Links
Managing your energy use
Cutting our energy costs - City Hotel Derry (video)
Feargal O'Canain of City Hotel Derry talks about the hotel's journey to award-winning environmental improvements.
City Hotel Derry is a 158-bedroom hotel, built in 2002, sitting on the banks of the River Foyle. Feargal O'Canain, General Manager of City Hotel, talks about the range of measures put in place to reduce the hotel's carbon footprint and reduce energy costs, with advice and support from Invest Northern Ireland.
Measures such as LED lighting, self-closing windows, an upgraded Building Maintenance System, a robust staff training and engagement programme, and continuous reviews have led to clear benefits for City Hotel in terms of reduced carbon emissions and a healthier balance sheet.
Case StudyFeargal O'CanainContent category
Source URL
/content/cutting-our-energy-costs-city-hotel-derry-video
Links
How to store hazardous substances
In this guide:
- Managing hazardous substances
- Types of hazardous substances in business
- Comply with hazardous substances legislation
- How to store hazardous substances
- How to transport hazardous substances
- Benefits of hazardous substance use reduction in your business
- How to dispose of hazardous substances
- Hazardous substances safety: eight top tips
Types of hazardous substances in business
Types of hazardous substances which are used or produced by business, and the industries which commonly are involved.
While many kinds of work involve hazardous substances, some types of business are more likely to pose a risk than others - for example:
- construction and building trades produce dust and fumes, and use hazardous materials and chemicals
- manufacturing businesses are likely to carry out work that involves hazardous substances or produces hazardous waste
- cleaning businesses often use products which are harmful if they are allowed to enter the environment
- medical and care businesses can produce large quantities of clinical waste
- car body shops use paints and adhesives, and need to dispose of hazardous waste such as batteries and oil-contaminated materials
- surface-engineering operations may create dust problems, while many processes use hazardous substances
- delivery and transport businesses may produce dust, fumes and carbon-dioxide emissions, as well as any hazardous substances they are carrying
- agricultural businesses use fertilisers and pest control products, and there may be the risk of disease, including those that pass from animals to humans, such as bird flu
While some businesses, such as retail and hospitality, are relatively low risk, you should check your business processes thoroughly. Even office-based businesses may be able to reduce the use of or risks posed by hazardous substances, for example from cleaning products and electrical equipment.
The legislation that applies will vary depending on the type and quantity of hazardous substances you use - see how to comply with hazardous substances legislation.
Types of hazardous substances in your business
Common hazardous substances used in or produced by business can include:
- chemicals
- oil and fuels
- batteries
- adhesives
- paints
- cleaning agents
- pest control products
- electrical equipment with hazardous or radioactive components
- biological agents, such as bacteria and other micro-organisms
- waste
- by-products from using energy, such as gas or fumes from soldering, hot oil or metal-plating
You should remember that most substances could cause significant harm to water in the environment - such as ponds and rivers - if their concentration is high enough. There are also some substances that pose no risk to human health, such as milk and other foodstuffs, which can cause significant damage to the environment.
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Comply with hazardous substances legislation
How to ensure compliance with hazardous substances legislation and where to find more information and support.
If your business uses or produces hazardous substances there are a number of legal requirements you may need to comply with.
You are required to identify where your activities pose an imminent threat to the environment or where actual environmental damage has occurred. Where damage has already occurred you must take remedial action to repair the damage.
If you use substances that pose a risk to human health, you must make sure you control exposure to these substances.
If you use hazardous substances such as solvents you may require a pollution prevention and control permit. This permit will contain conditions that control your use of hazardous substances.
Separate rules still apply to specific substances:
- If you manufacture, use or recover chemicals you must comply with the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) regime.
- If you store oil you may need to comply with oil storage regulations.
- If you produce electrical and electronic products you must ensure they comply with limits on certain hazardous substances.
- If you use ozone-depleting substances or fluorinated greenhouse gases such as solvents, refrigerants and foam-blowing agents you must be qualified to do so, handle them appropriately and comply with any phase-out dates that apply.
- If you produce, sell or use pest control products you must make sure they are approved and comply with certain legal requirements.
- If you use or design packaging, you must make sure it doesn't exceed 100 parts per million of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium.
- If your business is involved in managing radioactive substances.
Separate rules also apply when disposing of hazardous substances.
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How to store hazardous substances
Ways to reduce the risk of causing harm to the environment by storing hazardous substances appropriately.
If you use or handle substances that pose a risk to human health, you must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). These regulations require you to control exposure to hazardous substances.
You should also assess the risks of storing and handling substances hazardous to the environment as well as human health. For instance, consider the effects of a leak to the air, water and surrounding land. This can help you to avoid being prosecuted for causing pollution.
Simple steps to control the risks of hazardous substances include:
- following the manufacturer's instructions on the safety data sheet when storing chemicals
- keeping the minimum quantity of hazardous substances necessary
- storing incompatible substances separately
- preventing release or leaks
- training employees to store and handle hazardous substances properly
- labelling storage containers properly
- storing flammable substances in suitable containers away from sources of ignition, such as boilers and heaters
- placing stores of liquid above ground where they're unlikely to be damaged, for example away from driveways
- maintaining gauges, valves and pipework
- having procedures for dealing with emergency leaks
- using a secondary containment system such as a drip tray or bund (a storage area designed to prevent liquids escaping)
- monitoring oil use - unexpectedly high use may indicate a leak
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How to transport hazardous substances
How to minimise environmental risks when transporting hazardous goods and the special rules which apply.
There are various risks involved when transporting hazardous substances. These include damage in transit, loss and theft, fire, explosion, leaks and spills. Many goods are not dangerous themselves, but contain harmful substances which could cause harm to the environment, people or both.
Special rules apply if you transport goods classified as dangerous. The first step is to identify the risks involved and classify your goods.
You should then ensure loads are secure, weight is distributed evenly and you put suitable warning signs on vehicles. If you are transporting dangerous goods by road or rail, you must:
- use suitable packaging which is labelled so that anyone in contact with it can take appropriate precautions
- use the appropriate vehicle, container, tank or wagon according to the classification of the goods
- display certain information, if required, about the goods on the vehicle or container
- follow proper procedures when goods are being loaded and unloaded
Road vehicles must carry specified types of safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. You may also need a qualified dangerous goods safety adviser. All drivers must have suitable training, not just to drive their vehicle, but also on what to do if an accident occurs. Drivers need to hold an ADR training certificate.
If you transport other people's waste, or your own construction or demolition waste, you must register with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency as a waste carrier.
If you transport dangerous goods by air, sea, road, rail or inland waterway, you must comply with certain international regulations.
There are some exceptions to the rules, for example small quantities of certain types of dangerous goods are exempt from most regulations.
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Benefits of hazardous substance use reduction in your business
Why using fewer hazardous substances can save your business money and improve your marketing prospects.
The business benefits of a sustainable approach to using hazardous substances include:
- Compliance with your legal obligations. Compliance helps minimise the likelihood of costs and damage to your business. You will also avoid the risk of prosecution or civil sanctions which can include compliance, restoration and stop notices as well as large and variable fines.
- Cost benefits. Using fewer hazardous materials saves you money, while creating less hazardous waste can reduce the costs of waste disposal.
- Marketing benefits. A sustainable approach can strengthen your image and help you win business.
One of the key principles of sustainability in business is simply consuming less. This is particularly important for hazardous substances because they have a worse effect on the environment than other resources.
A simple review of your business processes could help reduce your business' impact on the environment and benefit your bottom line. For example, could you reduce the amount of hazardous substances you buy and use every day?
As well as using fewer hazardous substances, could you replace hazardous raw materials with a more sustainable option?
Find out if you can reduce the amount of hazardous waste you create in your business processes, for example cutting down on processes that produce harmful by-products or recovering waste to reuse.
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How to dispose of hazardous substances
Managing the disposal, treatment or recovery of waste and containers for dangerous or toxic substances.
Your responsibilities don't end once you have finished using hazardous substances - you have legal responsibilities to ensure that they are disposed of or recovered correctly too.
As part of your risk assessment, you'll need to carefully consider the treatment and disposal or recovery process. Your business has a legal duty of care for its waste. This means that you are responsible until the waste has either been disposed of or fully recovered.
There are additional legal requirements for the disposal or treatment of wastes and containers used for materials with hazardous characteristics. In Northern Ireland you must pre-notify the Northern Ireland Environment Agency of hazardous waste consignments that you intend to make.
You can use information contained on the safety data sheet that accompanies the materials or chemicals received onto your site to help you determine if your waste is hazardous.
Examples of hazardous wastes include:
- asbestos
- lead-acid batteries
- used engine oils and oil filters
- oily sludges
- solvents and solvent-based substances
- chemical wastes
- pesticides
- fluorescent light tubes
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Hazardous substances safety: eight top tips
Checklist of steps you can take to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
There are key steps you need to follow to make sure that you're dealing with hazardous substances safely. Make sure you:
- Identify the hazardous substances in your workplace and the risks they pose to people's health or the environment.
- Decide what precautions are needed to eliminate the risks, or reduce them to a level which will protect the environment and people's health.
- Eliminate the hazardous substances wherever possible - if this isn't possible, control exposure to a level which will protect the health of the environment or people who could be affected.
- Implement control measures and ensure that they are used and maintained - make sure that everyone is consistently carrying out these procedures to avoid any risks to health.
- Monitor exposure - if the substances are airborne, you may need to monitor workers' exposure to ensure you comply with workplace exposure limits.
- Carry out appropriate health surveillance - in certain circumstances, you will have to provide medical checks for workers to ensure their health is not being damaged.
- Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies - see how to set up a health and safety management system.
- Inform, train and supervise employees to help ensure their health is not damaged when using or in contact with hazardous substances.
The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) has detailed guidance for businesses on complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
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Complying with your certificate for radioactive substances
In this guide:
- Managing radioactive substances
- What are radioactive materials?
- What is radioactive waste?
- Registration, authorisation and exemptions for radioactive substances
- Applying for a certificate for radioactive substances
- Complying with your certificate for radioactive substances
- Other radioactive substances regulations
What are radioactive materials?
Definition of the two main types of radioactive material and examples of their use in business and by organisations.
Radioactive material includes substances or articles that are radioactive, or have become radioactive through non-natural processes, for example at a nuclear reactor.
There are two main types of radioactive substances:
- open radioactive sources, also called unsealed sources
- sealed radioactive sources, also called closed sources
Radioactive materials are used by many organisations and businesses. For example, hospitals, research organisations, radiographers and process industries use radioactive materials for:
- diagnosing and treating disease
- controlling industrial processes
- preventing static electricity
- industrial radiography
- scientific research
Different types of radioactive material are used for different activities.
Open radioactive sources
Open sources are radioactive materials that you can easily divide, disperse or dilute. They can be in a liquid, gaseous or sometimes solid form. Open sources include radioactive laboratory chemicals and radiopharmaceuticals.
Open radioactive sources can potentially contaminate other material through leakage or leaching. You must store all open radioactive sources securely.
Sealed radioactive sources
Sealed sources have a structure which prevents radioactive material from leaking during normal use. If you use sealed sources incorrectly you could cause radioactive contamination.
Sealed radioactive sources are categorised according to their hazard or risk as:
- high activity sealed sources (HASS)
- sources of similar potential hazard to HASS
- category 5 (low hazard or risk)
A sealed source may take the form of a welded steel capsule, or a homogenous, laminated, electrodeposited or foil source.
HASS present a greater hazard to the environment and human health than other sealed sources. HASS may include sterilisation sources, hospital radiotherapy sources, industrial radiography sources, density and moisture gauges and some industrial process control gauges.
Mobile radioactive apparatus
Mobile radioactive apparatus includes equipment, appliances or other things that are portable and classed as radioactive material. They may be used for:
- testing, measuring or investigation
- releasing radioactive material into the environment or introducing it into organisms
Mobile radioactive apparatus may contain sealed or open radioactive sources.
You must have a certificate of registration if you use or keep mobile radioactive apparatus, unless you are covered by an exemption.
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What is radioactive waste?
The four main types of radioactive waste and examples of items commonly contaminated by radioactive materials.
Radioactive waste is anything that your business discards, intends to discard or is required to discard which contains radioactive material.
Radioactive waste can be in a solid, liquid or gaseous form.
What are the four types of radioactive waste?
The four types of radioactive waste are:
- high-level radioactive waste that contains levels of radioactivity so high that heat is generated, eg waste created by reprocessing spent nuclear fuel
- intermediate-level radioactive waste that contains more radioactivity than low-level waste but without the heat generation that occurs in high-level waste, eg redundant sealed sources
- low-level radioactive waste that is within specified concentrations of radioactivity, eg everyday items such as paper or plastics contaminated by radioactivity
- very low-level radioactive waste that is below a specific concentration of radioactivity, eg laboratory and medical equipment used to handle radioactive material
Radioactive waste may include items contaminated by radioactive material or other radioactive waste, such as:
- clothing that needs to be disposed of
- laboratory wastes from the use of open radioactive material
- a sealed source which is scrap
Radioactive substances users at non-nuclear sites are only likely to produce very low-level or low-level radioactive waste.
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Registration, authorisation and exemptions for radioactive substances
When your business needs an environmental permit for radioactive substance activities and what the exemptions are.
Certificates of registration and authorisation are used to control radioactive substance activities at non-nuclear sites.
You must have a certificate of registration from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) if you keep or use radioactive materials. You must register:
- open or unsealed sources on your premises
- closed or sealed sources on your premises
- mobile apparatus incorporating a sealed radioactive source
- mobile apparatus (open sources) for use in environmental studies
- radioactive packages stored in transit
You must have a certificate of authorisation from NIEA if you dispose of or accumulate radioactive waste. Accumulating radioactive waste includes storing radioactive waste on your premises. Disposing of radioactive waste includes discharging radioactive waste into the air, land, sea, surface water (such as rivers and lakes), groundwater or foul sewers. You are also disposing of radioactive waste if you transfer it to another site.
You must not use or keep radioactive materials, or dispose of or accumulate radioactive waste, before you receive your certificate of registration or authorisation. If you are unsure whether you need a certificate of registration or authorisation for radioactive substance activities, you should contact NIEA.
Exemptions from registration or authorisation
You do not need a certificate of registration or authorisation if an exemption applies to your activities. The exemption specifies the types of premises, materials or waste which do not need a permit.
If you rely on an exemption you are responsible for checking that:
- the exemption applies to your activities
- you can comply with the conditions of the relevant exemption
You do not need to register your exemption with NIEA.
Contact a suitable radiation protection adviser, radioactive waste adviser or NIEA if you are unsure whether your activities are covered by an exemption.
This guidance is not intended for radioactive waste disposal sites, underground storage or disposal facilities, or nuclear licensed sites.
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Applying for a certificate for radioactive substances
How to make an application for an environmental permit for radioactive substance activities for your business.
You must complete an application form for the type of radioactive substance you have and pay an application fee to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
Find radioactive substance registration and authorisation application forms.
You can also find information on radioactive substance fees and charges.
Disposing of radioactive waste can be very expensive so make sure that you can afford these costs before you apply for a certificate of authorisation.
It can take the NIEA up to four months to process application forms.
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Complying with your certificate for radioactive substances
How to comply with conditions in an environmental permit for radioactive substances and how they are enforced.
You must comply with the conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation. Conditions control the impact your radioactive substance activities could have on the environment and human health.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will carry out site inspections, conduct audits and review information it receives about your site to make sure you are complying with your certificate of registration or authorisation.
You can be fined, or even sent to prison, if you do not comply with the terms of your certificate of registration or authorisation.
Comply with your certificate of registration or authorisation conditions
The conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation will depend on what radioactive substances you keep and what activities you carry out at your site. Your certificate of registration or authorisation may contain conditions that relate to:
- managing your site activities
- what activities are permitted on your site
- operating your site, such as site security and safe storage
- high activity sealed radioactive sources (HASS)
- transferring radioactive sources
- receiving radioactive waste
- accumulating radioactive waste, including accumulation limits
- disposing of radioactive waste safely and securely, including appropriate disposal routes
- keeping records, reporting and making notifications
For example, if you store radioactive substances the conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation might require you to:
- prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the radioactive substances
- take measures to prevent loss of, theft of or damage to the radioactive substances
- maintain the radioactive substances and any associated containers and equipment in good repair
- ensure the radioactive store is labelled clearly and correctly
If your business keeps or uses HASS, disposes of HASS or holds sealed sources with a similar level of potential hazard, your certificate of registration or authorisation will contain additional conditions to protect people and the environment. For example, you must comply with additional site security arrangements. There are also special reporting requirements and additional financial requirements for HASS.
You must display a copy of your certificate of registration or authorisation on your business premises, unless it relates to sealed radioactive sources or it is otherwise subject to national security restrictions.
How compliance is enforced
The NIEA has a range of enforcement tools to ensure that businesses comply with radioactive substances legislation. They will take enforcement action that is appropriate for the severity of the non-compliance. Enforcement action includes verbal and written warnings, enforcement notices, prohibition notices and prosecution with the possibility of a fine or prison.
An enforcement notice may be issued if you breach the conditions of your certificate of registration or authorisation. A prohibition notice is issued if there is an imminent risk of serious pollution or harm to human health.
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Other radioactive substances regulations
Regulations which might apply to your radioactive substance activities around transport and health and safety.
If you handle radioactive substances you may have to comply with other legislation in addition to complying with your certificate of registration or authorisation.
Importing and exporting radioactive substances
If you are importing or exporting radioactive materials or waste, you must contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to find out what you need to do.
The Export Control Organisation at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills is responsible for legislating, assessing and issuing export and trade licences for specific categories of controlled goods, including certain radioactive sources - see our section on the Export Control Organisation.
Health and safety requirements for radioactive substances
If your business uses or keeps radioactive substances you may need to comply with health and safety requirements - see HSENI radiation guidance.
Transport requirements for radioactive substances
If your business transports radioactive substances you may need to comply with transport requirements - find information about transporting class 7 dangerous good.
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What are radioactive materials?
In this guide:
- Managing radioactive substances
- What are radioactive materials?
- What is radioactive waste?
- Registration, authorisation and exemptions for radioactive substances
- Applying for a certificate for radioactive substances
- Complying with your certificate for radioactive substances
- Other radioactive substances regulations
What are radioactive materials?
Definition of the two main types of radioactive material and examples of their use in business and by organisations.
Radioactive material includes substances or articles that are radioactive, or have become radioactive through non-natural processes, for example at a nuclear reactor.
There are two main types of radioactive substances:
- open radioactive sources, also called unsealed sources
- sealed radioactive sources, also called closed sources
Radioactive materials are used by many organisations and businesses. For example, hospitals, research organisations, radiographers and process industries use radioactive materials for:
- diagnosing and treating disease
- controlling industrial processes
- preventing static electricity
- industrial radiography
- scientific research
Different types of radioactive material are used for different activities.
Open radioactive sources
Open sources are radioactive materials that you can easily divide, disperse or dilute. They can be in a liquid, gaseous or sometimes solid form. Open sources include radioactive laboratory chemicals and radiopharmaceuticals.
Open radioactive sources can potentially contaminate other material through leakage or leaching. You must store all open radioactive sources securely.
Sealed radioactive sources
Sealed sources have a structure which prevents radioactive material from leaking during normal use. If you use sealed sources incorrectly you could cause radioactive contamination.
Sealed radioactive sources are categorised according to their hazard or risk as:
- high activity sealed sources (HASS)
- sources of similar potential hazard to HASS
- category 5 (low hazard or risk)
A sealed source may take the form of a welded steel capsule, or a homogenous, laminated, electrodeposited or foil source.
HASS present a greater hazard to the environment and human health than other sealed sources. HASS may include sterilisation sources, hospital radiotherapy sources, industrial radiography sources, density and moisture gauges and some industrial process control gauges.
Mobile radioactive apparatus
Mobile radioactive apparatus includes equipment, appliances or other things that are portable and classed as radioactive material. They may be used for:
- testing, measuring or investigation
- releasing radioactive material into the environment or introducing it into organisms
Mobile radioactive apparatus may contain sealed or open radioactive sources.
You must have a certificate of registration if you use or keep mobile radioactive apparatus, unless you are covered by an exemption.
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What is radioactive waste?
The four main types of radioactive waste and examples of items commonly contaminated by radioactive materials.
Radioactive waste is anything that your business discards, intends to discard or is required to discard which contains radioactive material.
Radioactive waste can be in a solid, liquid or gaseous form.
What are the four types of radioactive waste?
The four types of radioactive waste are:
- high-level radioactive waste that contains levels of radioactivity so high that heat is generated, eg waste created by reprocessing spent nuclear fuel
- intermediate-level radioactive waste that contains more radioactivity than low-level waste but without the heat generation that occurs in high-level waste, eg redundant sealed sources
- low-level radioactive waste that is within specified concentrations of radioactivity, eg everyday items such as paper or plastics contaminated by radioactivity
- very low-level radioactive waste that is below a specific concentration of radioactivity, eg laboratory and medical equipment used to handle radioactive material
Radioactive waste may include items contaminated by radioactive material or other radioactive waste, such as:
- clothing that needs to be disposed of
- laboratory wastes from the use of open radioactive material
- a sealed source which is scrap
Radioactive substances users at non-nuclear sites are only likely to produce very low-level or low-level radioactive waste.
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Registration, authorisation and exemptions for radioactive substances
When your business needs an environmental permit for radioactive substance activities and what the exemptions are.
Certificates of registration and authorisation are used to control radioactive substance activities at non-nuclear sites.
You must have a certificate of registration from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) if you keep or use radioactive materials. You must register:
- open or unsealed sources on your premises
- closed or sealed sources on your premises
- mobile apparatus incorporating a sealed radioactive source
- mobile apparatus (open sources) for use in environmental studies
- radioactive packages stored in transit
You must have a certificate of authorisation from NIEA if you dispose of or accumulate radioactive waste. Accumulating radioactive waste includes storing radioactive waste on your premises. Disposing of radioactive waste includes discharging radioactive waste into the air, land, sea, surface water (such as rivers and lakes), groundwater or foul sewers. You are also disposing of radioactive waste if you transfer it to another site.
You must not use or keep radioactive materials, or dispose of or accumulate radioactive waste, before you receive your certificate of registration or authorisation. If you are unsure whether you need a certificate of registration or authorisation for radioactive substance activities, you should contact NIEA.
Exemptions from registration or authorisation
You do not need a certificate of registration or authorisation if an exemption applies to your activities. The exemption specifies the types of premises, materials or waste which do not need a permit.
If you rely on an exemption you are responsible for checking that:
- the exemption applies to your activities
- you can comply with the conditions of the relevant exemption
You do not need to register your exemption with NIEA.
Contact a suitable radiation protection adviser, radioactive waste adviser or NIEA if you are unsure whether your activities are covered by an exemption.
This guidance is not intended for radioactive waste disposal sites, underground storage or disposal facilities, or nuclear licensed sites.
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Applying for a certificate for radioactive substances
How to make an application for an environmental permit for radioactive substance activities for your business.
You must complete an application form for the type of radioactive substance you have and pay an application fee to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
Find radioactive substance registration and authorisation application forms.
You can also find information on radioactive substance fees and charges.
Disposing of radioactive waste can be very expensive so make sure that you can afford these costs before you apply for a certificate of authorisation.
It can take the NIEA up to four months to process application forms.
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Complying with your certificate for radioactive substances
How to comply with conditions in an environmental permit for radioactive substances and how they are enforced.
You must comply with the conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation. Conditions control the impact your radioactive substance activities could have on the environment and human health.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will carry out site inspections, conduct audits and review information it receives about your site to make sure you are complying with your certificate of registration or authorisation.
You can be fined, or even sent to prison, if you do not comply with the terms of your certificate of registration or authorisation.
Comply with your certificate of registration or authorisation conditions
The conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation will depend on what radioactive substances you keep and what activities you carry out at your site. Your certificate of registration or authorisation may contain conditions that relate to:
- managing your site activities
- what activities are permitted on your site
- operating your site, such as site security and safe storage
- high activity sealed radioactive sources (HASS)
- transferring radioactive sources
- receiving radioactive waste
- accumulating radioactive waste, including accumulation limits
- disposing of radioactive waste safely and securely, including appropriate disposal routes
- keeping records, reporting and making notifications
For example, if you store radioactive substances the conditions in your certificate of registration or authorisation might require you to:
- prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the radioactive substances
- take measures to prevent loss of, theft of or damage to the radioactive substances
- maintain the radioactive substances and any associated containers and equipment in good repair
- ensure the radioactive store is labelled clearly and correctly
If your business keeps or uses HASS, disposes of HASS or holds sealed sources with a similar level of potential hazard, your certificate of registration or authorisation will contain additional conditions to protect people and the environment. For example, you must comply with additional site security arrangements. There are also special reporting requirements and additional financial requirements for HASS.
You must display a copy of your certificate of registration or authorisation on your business premises, unless it relates to sealed radioactive sources or it is otherwise subject to national security restrictions.
How compliance is enforced
The NIEA has a range of enforcement tools to ensure that businesses comply with radioactive substances legislation. They will take enforcement action that is appropriate for the severity of the non-compliance. Enforcement action includes verbal and written warnings, enforcement notices, prohibition notices and prosecution with the possibility of a fine or prison.
An enforcement notice may be issued if you breach the conditions of your certificate of registration or authorisation. A prohibition notice is issued if there is an imminent risk of serious pollution or harm to human health.
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Other radioactive substances regulations
Regulations which might apply to your radioactive substance activities around transport and health and safety.
If you handle radioactive substances you may have to comply with other legislation in addition to complying with your certificate of registration or authorisation.
Importing and exporting radioactive substances
If you are importing or exporting radioactive materials or waste, you must contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to find out what you need to do.
The Export Control Organisation at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills is responsible for legislating, assessing and issuing export and trade licences for specific categories of controlled goods, including certain radioactive sources - see our section on the Export Control Organisation.
Health and safety requirements for radioactive substances
If your business uses or keeps radioactive substances you may need to comply with health and safety requirements - see HSENI radiation guidance.
Transport requirements for radioactive substances
If your business transports radioactive substances you may need to comply with transport requirements - find information about transporting class 7 dangerous good.
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