General Principles on Environmental Policy in Industrial Units

Abstract

Within the environmental policy framework, one could distinguish two categories, both of which aim at the protection of the environment. The first category is based on the concept of reducing the use of non-renewable resources and energy, as well as on the replacement of “poisonous elements” and “hazardous” types of energy. This second category includes different kind of actions which tackle the issue of unwanted by-products of production and consumption. More specifically, it includes measures that aim at: conversion of leftover substances or materials (e.g. elimination of poisonous gas), utilization of leftover substances or materials, waste avoidance, reduction of waste production, waste “dispersion” which includes “decentralization” (disposal) and “centralization” (collection). “Decentralization” describes the process of controlled diffusion (emission) of waste in water, air and soil. “Centralization” involves waste collection into designated storage premises, which of course need to comply with certain requirements and regulations.