This guideline is intended for mainly small- and medium- sized enterprises (KMU) in the service and production sector who wish to access information about and experiences with Production-Integrated Environmental Protection (PIUS) in their efforts to modernize or design production processes and facilities. This guideline has been organized in such a way as to facilitate the simple incorporation into existing operational management systems. Furthermore, the application of this guideline can also make a contribution to a process of continuous improvement within the company. In addition to the findings summarized in this guideline and the general results which can be applied globally, practical examples from selected branches of industry will be presented in subsequent parts of the present guideline VDI 4075. Information on determining the outlay required for operational environmental protection measures may be found in guideline VDI 3800.