Industrial facilities, power stations, vehicles with internal combustion engines and a whole range of other human activities can all cause emissions of air pollutants. Taken together, different industrial sectors produce a broad array of pollutants. Examples include metals, volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as aldehydes and ketones, dioxins and furans, volatile inorganic materials such as ammonia, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide carbon, and particulate pollution. The term "pollution" reflects the fact that these agents are harmful, to some degree, to living things. Human exposure to polluted air can compromise health. Certain populations—such as children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers—are at greater risk than others.

In the modern industrial world, environmental responsibility is becoming an integral part of almost every business. There is a trend towards increased enforcement and awareness as well as improved technology in dealing with industrial wastewater. Public criticism, heavy fines, and legal actions are real and immediate dangers to businesses that continue to harm the environment.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection, proceeding in accordance with OECD requirements, enacted in 2012 the Environmental Protection Law (Releases and Transfers into the Environment - Reporting and Registering Obligations). The law was designed to achieve several goals, including: to make environmental information transparent to the Israeli public, to encourage enterprises to reduce releases and transfers of pollutants and waste into the environment, and to aid decision making with respect to environmental management and sustainability policies.

Green building is construction which aims to minimize the environmental footprint of a structure while achieving energy efficiency and savings, using environmentally friendly materials, conserving water and land resources, and encouraging environmentally friendly activities.