Significant change is on the horizon for environmental compliance in Scotland. SEPA’s new Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) is set to be introduced in 2026, bringing a new approach to environmental performance reporting. The EPA Scheme will be fair and consistent, simple and understandable, efficient and automated (where practicable)
For businesses operating within the water, industrial activities, waste management and radioactive substances sectors, understanding how EPAS will impact day-to-day operations, commercial planning, and long-term compliance strategies is essential.
What Is Changing?
SEPA’s EPAS framework will introduce a more structured method for assessing operator performance, based on:
- Environmental Compliance
- Time taken to resolve issues
- The environmental harm caused
The scheme is designed to support improved environmental performance across regulated sectors—but it also brings new expectations and potential risks for businesses that are unprepared.
What Does This Mean for Your Organisation?
Under EPAS, organisations may experience:
- Changes in how compliance issues are scored and escalated
- Increased scrutiny of systemic and behavioural risks
- Potential cost implications linked to non-compliance
- Closer alignment between regulatory performance and commercial reputation
- Operational impacts linked to new reporting or evidence requirements
Understanding these impacts early allows your leadership team to plan effectively, minimise disruption and strengthen compliance resilience ahead of rollout.
How Albion Can Help
To support organisations through EPAS introduction, Albion Environmental has launched a new 1-to-1 EPAS Business Support Session. These tailored audits and feedback sessions will provide a focused review of your current licences and exemptions and practical next steps with an action plan tailored to your organisation.
Your session includes:
- A detailed audit of your facility against your permit and relevant regulations
- Insight into how EPAS scoring and enforcement may affect your operations
- Identification of key risks, obligations and cost implications
- Practical next steps to strengthen your compliance strategy
A key risk reduction method is to train your staff on your permit and relevant regulations to your site. Where helpful, Albion can prepare and deliver training and toolbox talks or briefing materials for wider teams, ensuring key messages are cascaded clearly across operations, compliance, and commercial functions.
Why Act Now?
Engaging early ensures your business can:
- Proactively prepare for EPAS implementation
- Understand potential impacts before enforcement begins
- Build confidence with regulators, clients and stakeholders
- Avoid unnecessary compliance risks or delays
A proactive approach not only reduces risk—it strengthens your organisation’s reputation for responsible and forward-thinking environmental management.
Book Your Session
Albion’s EPAS Business Support Sessions are available now. This will be delivered via an on site visit and online feedback.
📞 Call us today on 01292 610428
✉️ Email: info@albion-environmental.co.uk
💻 Learn more: Albion Environmental Website
Stay ahead of regulatory change—and turn compliance into a strategic advantage for your business.