Industrial Estates, Waste, Environmental Liability and the Property Manager

Initiatives to improve waste management are commonly aimed at those in charge of industrial operations and processes. As a consequence of the liability at law, these processes and operations have the ability to impact upon an interest in the property and land which the operator occupies. Where properties are tenanted, the landlord's role can be crucial in determining how occupiers of industrial premises can respond to, and develop, waste management initiatives. This is largely as a consequence of the controls exercised by the landlord over common parts and, to a lesser extent, those areas in exclusive occupation by the occupier, as a consequence of the lease terms. Because of the growth in the landlord's potential liability at law, property managers are addressing these issues and some are taking a more proactive stance in terms of their management of the property related environmental risks. This paper builds upon recent research into the practices of landlords and their property managers. It investigates the experiences, attitudes and management practices of two groups; professional property managers of industrial estate portfolios and occupiers of industrial properties. The work investigates the nature of the relationship to determine areas of commonality, good practice and mutual benefit in terms of waste management practices.