Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) - a fair way to report performance​ 

Closes 30 Jun 2025

This service needs cookies enabled.

Section 13: Next steps to launch EPAS

Section 13.1: Timeline for EPAS

2025 to 2026: We will start applying the major non-compliance criteria and environmental events framework as soon as practicable following this consultation. However, we would encourage all operators to familiarise themselves with these criteria and start working in this way now. 

Following this consultation and ongoing: We will be developing new digital systems to make it easier to submit, review and access compliance and environmental performance information. This will be user-led and will include user-testing. 

March 2026: We will confirm how EPAS will operate and timescales for implementation of EPAS. 

2026 to 2027: We will provide quarterly progress updates on EPAS on our website and will provide six months’ notice before we implement EPAS. 

2027 onwards: Inclusion of other regulatory regimes on a phased basis. 

Section 13.2: Review periods

We propose to keep EPAS under active review when we implement the scheme. For example, a natural point to review our major non-compliance criteria is when standard permit conditions are introduced for water, waste and industrial activities regimes under the forthcoming amendments to the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018. 

Question 18: Do you think the overall impact of EPAS for Scotland’s environment will be: 
Question 19: What impact do you think EPAS will have on your business or organisation? 
Question 20: How important do you think it is that EPAS should recognise voluntary actions that go beyond compliance?

More information

We recognise that some operators voluntarily go beyond legal requirements to reduce their impact to the environment and tackle pressing challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. We are considering whether EPAS should include a rating that acknowledges and recognises these proactive efforts, and if so, how this could work in practice.  

Question 21: What factors should we consider if we were to introduce a performance rating that acknowledges these proactive efforts?
Question 22: Do you have any other important suggestions, opportunities or concerns around EPAS that you would like to highlight?