BEING "clean and green" was as important for industry as it was for communities, customers and State regulatory agencies, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, said at the launch of a Forbairt guide for industrialists.

The guide outlines the statutory and voluntary environmental controls operating in Ireland and gives "route maps" through the compliance procedures. It sets out each step in the planning and licensing processes for atmospheric emissions, effluent discharges, solid waste disposal, noise control and handling hazardous substances.

Prepared by the environment programme section of Forbairt, the guide also explains the main voluntary schemes for environmental auditing and explains how industrial companies can earn the right to "eco label" their products.

The manager of the environment programme, Dr Emmet McMahon, called on companies to "look beyond reactive compliance towards modern, professional environmental management systems".

By adopting a continuous improvement approach, companies "can achieve a badge of environmental excellence, with attendant marketing advantage in the international market".