Dutch companies with general permits, 2002
Only 1% of companies have general permits. This is the same percentage as in the last three years. The idea behind general permits is that companies that act responsibly in terms of concern for safety and the environment are subject to less strict rules.
Proportion of companies with general permits in 2002
Only 1% of companies had a general permit in 2002. This was the same percentage as in 2001 and 2000.
- Of the 150 companies requiring authorisation from national government, two establishments have general permits.
- Of the companies answerable to the provincial authorities, slightly fewer than 1% have a general permit.
- Municipal authorities are responsible for the authorisation procedure for a large number of smaller companies. Of this group of companies, only 0.23% (1 in 440) have a general permit.
Provincial authorities compared
The province of Drenthe has the largest percentage by far of companies with general permits. The provinces of Friesland, Flevoland and North Holland are also above the national average. There are five provinces with no companies with a general permit. The results for 2002 were the same as in previous years.
Policy relating to general permits
'General Permits' are a component of the policy for the Industry target sector. A general permit places a strong emphasis on the companies assuming their responsibilities. The thinking is that companies with a well-developed environment policy and an environmental protection system that is actually in place can be granted more responsibility. This means that the environmental permit will include more 'mandatory targets' and fewer 'mandatory instruments'.
There is no standard or objective for the number of general permits that should be granted. Far from all companies are suitable for a general permit. The competent authority will consider the 'leading' companies to be suitable. These are the companies which, partly on a voluntary basis, implement advanced environmental measures or have an accredited environmental protection system. Approximately 10% of companies meet these criteria.
Monitoring methods
The indicator is a component of the activities for monitoring government performance. The 2002 annual report includes the data for municipal authorities and national government as well as the figures for the provinces. This question was answered by 35% of the municipal authorities.
References
- CCO (2003). Overheidsmonitor, Jaarrapportage 2002. Rapportagereeks Milieu Monitor nr 10. Coördinatiecommissie Overheidsmonitoring.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Guide to 'Permits' section
- Companies in the Netherlands with valid and current permits under the Environmental Management Act, 1999-2002
- Authorisation procedures of provincial and municipal authorities in the Netherlands under the Environmental Management Act, 1999-2002
- Time limits for authorisation by provincial authorities, 2000-2001 (page is not available yet)
- Monitoring government performance
