Businesses are facing increasing expectations from customers, regulators and partners to operate in a way that protects the environment. But understanding exactly what environmental responsibilities apply to your organisation is not always straightforward, especially for SMEs without dedicated compliance teams.
The NetRegs Environmental Self-Assessment Tool offers a solution. Developed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), this online tool is a free, confidential way for businesses to assess their current environmental compliance and identify practical opportunities for improvement.
At its core, the tool guides users through a series of short, targeted questions across key environmental areas such as air quality, water use, waste management, materials and equipment, hazardous substances, packaging and “beyond compliance” performance. Each section is designed to be completed in around ten minutes, making it an accessible use of people’s time.
The output from the anonymous and free assessment is an instantaneous tailored summary report. This report highlights any areas where the business is already meeting requirements and flags where improvements could be made. It also links directly to relevant NetRegs guidance so users can access detailed, plain-language information tailored to their answers.
For SMEs looking to improve environmental performance, embed good practice or simply ensure they are meeting legal obligations, this tool acts as both a snapshot of where they stand today and a roadmap for what comes next. It supports the first steps towards better environmental management and can form part of a broader environmental strategy or management system.
By signing up and completing the assessment, businesses gain clarity on compliance obligations, access practical guidance curated for their situation, and position themselves to deliver stronger environmental outcomes with confidence.