Startup guide: Environmental Laws

Environmental laws have an essential role in protecting people, animals, resources, and issues related to the environment, such as global warming, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. 

As a business owner, it is important to note these environmental laws and ensure that your business is in compliance. To help prevent situations where your business might contribute to environmental destruction.

Here are five (5) Important Environmental Laws in the Philippines that every entrepreneur should know when starting a business.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)

It aims to implement an organized, thorough, and environmentally friendly solid waste management program that will guarantee the preservation of the environment and public health. The law provides proper solid waste segregation, collection, storage, treatment, and disposal through developing and using the best eco-waste products.

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275) 

The law aims to protect the country's water resources from pollution caused by land-based activities, such as businesses, farms, and communities. It provides a thorough and integrated strategy for pollution prevention and mitigation using a multi-sectoral and inclusive approach involving all the stakeholders.

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749)

This aims to minimize any potential adverse effects on the economy while achieving and maintaining clean air that complies with the National Air Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants throughout the Philippines.

Toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes control act of 1990 (RA 6969)

The law aims to restrict or outright forbid the use of chemical substances and mixtures that pose an excessive risk to human health.

Additionally, it prohibits the acquisition of hazardous and nuclear wastes, even in transit, and their disposal inside the territorial boundaries of the Philippines for any reason, as well as the advancement of and facilitation of research and studies on dangerous chemicals.

Environmental Impact Assessment Law (PD 1586)

This aims to ensure that environmentally friendly projects are carried out. It involves estimating and assessing the possible effects of a project's construction, commissioning, operation, and abandonment on the environment.

These are just a few of the many environmental laws in the Philippines. Before beginning any projects, it is a requirement to get an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). 

It's important to bear in mind that as a business owner, you have responsibilities to everyone who can be affected by your business and not just your clients. 

Given that there are several other laws, you might want to consider getting a legal expert to help you apply for a certificate. You may always check Digest.ph to find a legal expert for your business.