Participate in Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices
Checkpoint 1
The natural environment is vital to the Tourism Industry, however there is no denying that
mass tourism can spoil the natural environment, the increasing number of visitors puts enormous
pressure on the landscape not only from new tourist developments but from the overuse and
general wear and tear.
On spite of this, nature is what the tourist comes to see. The size of and activities involved
in tourism can upset the natural environment. Therefore it is the Tourism Employees have an
important duty to respect and care for the environment, they play an important role in
environmental conservation and sustainability especially as the Tourism Industry relies on
maintaining the environment for its business.
Renewable Energy is generated from natural resources. It is considered non-polluting and is
derived from infinite sources. Examples of renewable energy include:
Solar Power
Wind Power
Hydro Power
Geothermal Power
Accommodation venues are good examples for studying environmental impacts, as what
often cover all aspects of Tourism and Hospitality, with bars, restaurants, guest rooms and other
facility.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Green Globe Program recommends certain
areas of accommodation operations should address, which include
Freshwater and Wastewater Control
Energy Conservation
Waste Management
Hazardous Substances
Land Use
Building Design
Developing Partnerships For Responsible Development
Involvement of Staff/Customers/Local Communities in Environmental Concerns
Water Usage is a critical issue in Australia, as it is one of the driest continents, on the planet. With
the combination of being in the midst of a severe and extended drought and declining water storage
levels, water conservation is a serious concern for everyone.
Currently within Australia, implementation of ongoing water restrictions and a strong
consumer’s awareness program are driving the water conservation message. Considerations for the
reasons for water usage and whether it is absolutely necessary to be taken into account. For
examples, resorts with golf courses use large amounts of water. Some resorts around the world are
now using alternatives such as grey water or artificial grass surfaces such as synthetic grass also
requires no pesticides therefore preventing runoff contaminating pristine environment.
The Australian legislation regarding compliance with sound environmental practices can be quite
complicated. Administer Environmental Legislation through Federal, State and Local Government
Levels.
At the federal level the “Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, is
managed by the Federal Department of Environment, Water Heritage and Arts, overseas matters of
national environmental significance. This central piece of legislation relates to matters such as world
and heritage listed regions, marine conservation, protection of wetlands, fauna and flora, ecological
communities, importation and hazardous waste.
State Governments impose further legislation (Acts and Legislation) which concern more to business
activities that are subject to licences and permits. They include:
State
ACT
NSW
NT
QLD
SA
TAS
VIC
WA
What It Is
Environment Protection Act
Protection of the Environment Operations
Environment Assesment Act
Environment Protection Act
Environment Protection Act
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act
Environment Protection (Amendment) Act
Environment Protection Act
These laws centre on
 Land Use
 Air
 Waste
 Water
 Energy
Year
1997
1997
1982
1994
1993
1994
2006
1986
 Noise
 Litter.
State governments rely on partnerships with other governing bodies to enforce state
environmental legislation.