Portugal
Portuguese law nº 687/2000, of 31/08/2000, provides companies the possibility of making contracts of continual improvement of environmental performance, which provide the companies financial benefits from the government, under an Economy Operational Program. The aim of this law was to implement an Incentive System in order to modernize SMEs' performance. This law establishes that the organisations have to comply all the legal requirements for their activity, for instance their licensing situation must be in accordance with the specific legal requirements.
So, the organisations interested in implementing an environmental management system, will have financial support for the investment to bring up to date their performance. The EMAS companies will have more 5% financial benefits than those with ISO 14001, it means that the organisations with ISO 14001 that want to reach EMAS will receive 5% more of financial support.
There are already contracts with:
- Glass packing industry – these companies have the commitment to be registered to EMAS by 2003.
- Cement industry – these companies have the commitment to be registered to EMAS by 2004.
- Transport sector (involving 30 companies) – these companies have the commitment to be registered to EMAS by 2006.
Contact:
Ms. Maria Gorete Sampaio
Environmental Performance Department
Institute for Environment
EMAS Competent Body
Rua da Murgueira, 9/9A Zambujal
P - 2720-685 Amadora
Tel.: +351-21472-8200
Fax: +351-21471-9074
Email:
Website: http://www.iambiente.pt
