Environmental Liability Directive (ELD)

Aims to establish a framework whereby environmental damage will be prevented and restoration carried out. Environmental damage is widely defined and includes water pollution, land contamination that poses a threat to human health and biodiversity damage in areas protected by European and national legislation. The person causing the damage is liable for the restoration. Insurance is not compulsory, although the proposal requires member states to encourage operators to use insurance or other forms of financial security. The proposed directive covers activities such as releasing heavy metals into water or the air, installations producing dangerous chemicals, landfill sites and incineration plants.

Environmental Protection Act 1990

Uses integrated pollution control to prevent pollution from emissions to air, land or water from scheduled processes. Authorisation to operate relevant processes must be obtained from the enforcing authority which for the more heavily polluting industries is HM Inspectorate of Pollution. Control of pollution to air from less heavily polluting processes is through the local authority. The regulations also place a duty of care on all those involved in the management of waste.

Equitable interest

A legal term referring to interests in property originally created and enforced by the Court of Chancery. Such an interest can arise in a number of ways such as where money has been advanced on property but no formal mortgage deed drawn up. The lender has an equitable interest and this creates an insurable interest. Similarly, a person on whose behalf property is held in trust has an insurable interest in that property.

Equity-linked life policies

Life insurance policies combining life insurance with investment in equities, i.e. ordinary shares. Life insurance is linked to equity investment either through an established unit trust or unitised fund administered by the life office itself. Usually a large part of the premium is invested in the unit trust or equity portfolio, the balance provides life cover, usually term insurance.

Erection all risks insurance

A satellite market insurance covering the assembly and testing of launchers, satellites and their component parts. The testing comprises functional tests or simulated launchings, i.e. static firing of engines. The manufacturer may also be able to insure the loss of the incentive payment normally payable as a reward for the satisfactory operation of the satellite.