Why publish technical guidelines for environmental management of industrial estates?

There are more than 12,000 industrial estates and parks around the world, some of which contain as many as 1000 businesses. The potential for industrial accidents and cumulative environmental impacts therefore looms large. In view of this potential, and recognizing an opportunity to promote sustainable industrial development, UNEP IE convened a meeting of experts in April 1995 to consider a technical manual concerning environmental management of industrial estates. The manual, currently in preparation, will address environmental, health and safety concerns, guiding principles for environmental management, a management framework including a discussion of appropriate environmental services, and guidelines for new and existing industrial estates. It will make the case that adopting a comprehensive environmental management framework reduces environmental impacts, minimizes risks and liabilities, and enhances the sustainability of the estate.