Social environmental responsibility of business: what tasks does the state pose to companies
The issue of preserving the environment and protecting the environment was one of the most high-profile informational issues in the second half of 2019. Before our eyes, the society was divided into two camps: those who neutralized the outburst of interest in this topic, and those who suddenly realized the “whole horror” of the situation. However, it is one thing to adhere to the concept of informed consumption, refuse plastic and properly distribute waste personally or within your immediate circle, another is to push entire companies with their factories to have a large-scale logistics network and private jets for top management. We will talk about this problem in a new article.
In order for mankind not to leave the wasteland in an impulse of development, production and consumption, the state took over the control function. He formed a set of special laws and norms, known as “social environmental responsibility”.
Social and environmental responsibility is characterized by a set of environmental measures, to which entrepreneurs are obligated by environmental legislation and standards of the Russian Federation. First of all, these are articles 7, 8 and 10 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, implying large fines for violations. Negligence in the issue of socio-environmental responsibility can also be characterized as an environmental crime, which is controlled in accordance with Chapter 26 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Environmental crimes”.
The state is actively initiating quite stringent audits in all niches, from the restaurant business and transport companies to oil refineries. Inspections are based on a list of national standards that businessmen should follow:
System of standards “Environmental Management”.
System of standards “Nature Protection”.
System of standards “Resource Saving”.
System of standards “Energy Saving”.
Unified system of technological documentation (UTDS).
The system of indicators of product quality (SPKP).
Occupational safety standards system (SSBT).
The system of development and putting products into production (SRPP).
It is important to note that these standards systems directly comply with international law.
Despite all the measures taken, the issue of compliance with environmental standards by domestic companies is quite acute. A careful attitude to the environment is closely connected with the ethical side, and in our country a conscious attitude to the environment is only in its infancy. And if large companies take the necessary actions to reduce environmental pollution, since they have already encountered problems and have an idea of sanctions, then this issue is often ignored by small businesses.
Of course, without tightening measures for violations of the law, it will not be possible to rectify the situation. Now punishment for legal entities provides for a fine or suspension of activity for a certain period. The most severe punishment provided for by the administrative code is a fine from 180 to 250 thousand rubles or administrative suspension of activity for up to ninety days (article 8.21 part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Emission of harmful substances into the air or harmful physical effects on it without special permission”). Agree, these are insignificant sanctions in comparison with the damage caused. For example, we can recall a series of environmental scandals that went through Siberia in 2013. They were connected with Chinese farmers who organized greenhouse farms in the Krasnoyarsk and Novosibirsk regions. After they left, the used land was completely unsuitable for further sowing. But in China itself since 2018, the law on environmental pollution tax has been in force, which for the year brought about 50 billion yuan ($ 7.9 billion) to the PRC budget.
However, tightening sanctions in itself will clearly be ineffective. To correct the situation with the environment, it is important to bring the idea into society and convey it to everyone. The young generation today is precisely the main translator and popularizer of the value of caring for nature in modern society. First of all, it’s worth talking about the comprehensive promotion of a conscious and respectful attitude to nature, so that in the minds of businessmen this idea exists for granted. And until the state starts a strong information campaign, creates favorable conditions, when entrepreneurs are really interested and see the benefits, no prohibitions will work.
