A useful tool for ensuring that a company practices sound environmental safety procedures, especially when it operates a facility within a community of residences and other businesses. GNAs are increasingly being used by communities to increase control over over public health and environmental safety. While the presence of corporations are beneficial to local economies, there have been many instances when this has come at the expense of increased pollution and hazardous waste for communities involved. This is how GNAs emerged as a means for community protection and empowerment.