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Free digital assessment helps organisations with environmental compliance & net zero journey
Setting the Scene
NetRegs is a partnership between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It was established to help SMEs understand their environmental responsibilities and reduce their environmental impact. By providing clear, up-to-date guidance on legislation and best practices, NetRegs supports businesses across Scotland and Northern Ireland in achieving compliance.
The Challenge
NetRegs were looking to develop a digital self-assessment tool that would enable businesses to evaluate their current practices and identify areas for improvement. This tool needed to provide a structured yet flexible way for users to assess their compliance across key environmental areas while maintaining ease of use and accessibility.
The requirements included being:
- Adaptive - Using conditional branching to tailor the experience based on responses, ensuring businesses are only asked relevant questions and receive the most appropriate guidance.
- Informative - Delivering actionable insights and linking directly to NetRegs resources to support businesses in making improvements.
- Anonymous - Allowing businesses to complete the assessment with confidence, ensuring honest responses without regulatory concerns.
- Engaging - Encouraging participation by positioning NetRegs as a supportive compliance partner rather than just a regulatory enforcer.
Additionally, the tool needed to generate assessment summary reports, enabling businesses to demonstrate their environmental awareness or begin an improvement programme.
The Solution
eCom worked closely with NetRegs subject matter experts to map out the routes through the assessment, ensuring the right questions were asked at the right time. The assessment was then built using eNetAssess™, a robust eAssessment tool designed to handle such complex, adaptive assessments.
Offered as a free resource, the tool covers six key environmental areas, including hazardous substances, packaging, waste, and water, with each section taking as little as 10-15 minutes to complete. When finished, participants receive a tailored report highlighting areas for improvement, with direct links to relevant NetRegs guidance.
This year, eCom refreshed the user interface to enhance the experience, streamline navigation, and boost engagement. With a modern design, improved question flow, and mobile-friendly features, businesses can now complete their assessments more efficiently, leading to greater compliance rates.
The Benefits
The updated user interface makes it easier for SMEs to assess their environmental impact and compliance. With a more intuitive design and improved accessibility, businesses can navigate the process smoothly, take meaningful action, and stay engaged throughout.
Key benefits include:
- Empowering SMEs - Gives businesses clear insights into their environmental performance and practical steps to improve.
- Enhanced Engagement - A modern, mobile-friendly UI makes the tool more accessible and encourages wider participation.
- Stronger Compliance Support - Reinforces NetRegs as a trusted partner, guiding SMEs through complex regulations.
- Valuable Insights - Data from assessments helps NetRegs identify trends and tailor its guidance to business needs.
- Greater Accessibility & Trust - The anonymous format encourages honest responses, making compliance feel more approachable.
- Improved User Experience - A streamlined question flow and contemporary visuals make completing the assessment smoother and easier.
So far, thousands of businesses have used the tool to assess their compliance, gain a clearer understanding of environmental regulations, and take steps to improve their sustainability. As engagement continues to grow, the tool remains a vital resource in supporting SMEs on their journey to better environmental performance and long-term compliance.
What our clients have to say
eCom has been a great partner in creating a tool that not only ensures compliance but also helps businesses take meaningful steps towards environmental responsibility and net zero.
Andrew Wallace, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
