This department draws up the basic approaches of the business community to general and specific environmental problems.

It draws up reports and technical studies analysing the requirements and situation of Basque companies as regards the environment, its potential for providing a competitive edge and the repercussions of environmental standards, actions and provisions affecting the fabric of Basque industry.

It co-ordinates action in this field by business associations affiliated to Confebask and promotes training, awareness, information and assessment schemes and policies aimed at Basque companies. It also handles questions and concerns made known to it by those companies at general and sector levels.

It helps to design co-operation measures with different official bodies and institutions involved with the environment, particularly the Basque Government Environment Department, with which it maintains close, ongoing links. For several years it has developed joint policies with this department through co-operation agreements.