Environmental Transparency: The PRTR Project and Its Impact on Israeli Industry

The Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) marks a significant advance in Israel’s journey toward full environmental transparency. Established under the Environmental Protection Law in 2012, the register forms part of the OECD countries’ international effort to monitor and control pollutant emissions to the environment.

The Kiev Protocol, signed by more than 36 countries, serves as the guiding framework for the register’s activities and reflects the global commitment to integrating environmental and health considerations into decision-making processes. The PRTR provides the public with comprehensive information on emissions and transfers of pollutants and waste. Data reported directly by facilities to the Ministry of Environmental Protection cover releases to air, water, and soil; wastewater discharges to treatment plants; and transfers of ordinary and hazardous waste. Today, about 570 sites report to the system each year, spanning 74 types of industrial activities legally defined as having potential environmental impact.

Since 2018, DHV has assisted the Ministry of Environmental Protection in managing and operating this system. External support became necessary due to the steady growth in the number of reporters and the need to meet stringent deadlines — reviewing all reports by the end of March and publishing the annual analysis by early September. The company helps review reports from a wide range of industries, including refineries, chemical facilities, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants.

The PRTR has become an essential tool for advancing environmental transparency in Israel. It encourages facilities to reduce their environmental footprint and supplies a vital database for evidence-based environmental policymaking. The project’s success highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving national environmental objectives.

Our environmental consultants support the Ministry of Environmental Protection by analyzing and reviewing PRTR reports from approximately 260 sites, including complex industries such as gas and fuel refining facilities, industrial chemical plants, transfer stations, landfills, and food factories. In addition, the company’s consultants – who developed dedicated calculators for emission estimation – carry out comprehensive economic analyses, cost assessments, and determine the emission factors employed.

Environmental Impact Index for Companies

1.    Level of risk and the company’s direct environmental impact

2.    Degree of compliance with environmental regulations

3.    Voluntary reporting and management of environmental aspects