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Two weeks left to have your say on SEPA’s Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme

EPAS is SEPA’s proposed new way of rating and reporting the environmental performance of regulated sites across Scotland. It is designed to give a clear, timely, and accurate picture of how sites are performing, and if a compliance recovery plan is in place.  

The scheme will consider: 

• The scale and severity of environmental issues. 
• How quickly and effectively issues are resolved. 
• Whether harm was avoided, caused or made worse. 

It will apply to a wide range of sectors including agriculture, food and drink, energy, waste, and manufacturing - covering everything from emissions and discharges to how sites are operated in practice. 

EPAS won’t just be a score, it will shape how performance is communicated to the public, and what’s expected from operators. 

Shona McConnell, SEPA Compliance and Beyond Senior Manager 

“In a time of increasing climate and environmental pressures, Scotland needs businesses that are actively contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Compliance with legal environmental requirements is a good indicator that these increasing pressures are being taken seriously. EPAS is about clarity and fairness. If you’re doing the right thing, it should be visible. If not, that should be visible too. This is your chance to shape how we do that. 

“Whether you’re running a farm, a factory or a food business, we want your views to help make EPAS practical, fair and fit for the future of our environment.” 

To support participation, SEPA has created a series of bite-sized explainer videos on the consultation page. These short clips cover the key changes, how the assessment will work, and what it means for your business or sector. 

EPAS will: 

• Highlight poor performance faster, with stronger focus on outcomes. 
• Ensure more serious harm is treated differently from minor breaches. 
• Reward those who take action to prevent pollution. 
• Enable SEPA to focus resources where they’re needed most. 

Businesses, trade bodies, environmental professionals and members of the public are all encouraged to take part via our Consultation Hub.

Notes to editor

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EPAS has been developed in line with the Scottish regulators’ strategic code of practice.

EPAS will support SEPA's approach to regulation and provide a common standard to rate an operator’s environmental performance and secure improvements in compliance.

An environmental performance rating will not affect any decision about whether to take enforcement action where legal requirements have not been met.