Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices AgriFood Skills Australia Limited ABN: 56109612356 10 – 12 Brisbane Avenue BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 5450 KINGSTON ACT 2604 P: (02) 6163 7200 F: (02) 6162 0610 E: reception@agrifoodskills.net.au With the exception of the AgriFood Skills Australia logo, any material protected by a trade mark and where otherwise noted, all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Atribution-Share Alike 3.0 Australia licence. The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (www.creativecommons.org.au) as is the full legal code. The document must be attributed as the AgriFood Skills Australia ACMSUS301A Learner Guide. This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Clean Sustainable Skills Package. 2 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Contents Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Purpose of this learner guide ........................................................................................................ 5 1.2 How you will be assessed.............................................................................................................. 6 SECTION 2: What are environmentally sustainable work practices? ..................................................... 7 2.1 What are skills for sustainability ................................................................................................... 7 2.2 What impact does environmental sustainability have? ............................................................... 7 Learning Activity 1: What do you know about sustainability? ........................................................... 8 2.3 What is sustainability .................................................................................................................... 9 Learning Activity 2: Environmentally Sustainable Management (EMS) ........................................... 10 SECTION 3: Sustainability and the Australian economy ....................................................................... 11 3.1 ESD and sustainability ................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Triple bottom line ....................................................................................................................... 11 3.3 Climate change............................................................................................................................ 12 3.4 Animal care and management sector sustainable development targets ................................... 13 3.5 Sustainable communities ............................................................................................................ 14 Learning Activity 3: Ways to go green .............................................................................................. 15 SECTION 4: Legislation and regulations ................................................................................................ 16 4.1 Legislation and regulations that relate to environmental issues................................................ 16 4.2 State and Territory Legislation .................................................................................................... 16 Assessment Activity 1: Legislation and regulations that impact on work practices ......................... 19 4.3 Industry Codes of Conduct .......................................................................................................... 20 Assessment Activity 2: Non-compliance case studies ...................................................................... 21 Learning Activity 4: Potential environmental and health hazards .................................................... 22 SECTION 5: Resource usage .................................................................................................................. 23 5.1 Ecological footprint ..................................................................................................................... 23 3 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 5: What is your ecological footprint...................................................................... 24 5.2 Water footprint facts and figures ............................................................................................... 25 Assessment Activity 3: Work based project...................................................................................... 26 5.3 Sustainable development and environmental protection .......................................................... 27 Similarities:.................................................................................................................................... 27 Differences: ................................................................................................................................... 27 SECTION 6: Compliance and setting targets for improvement............................................................. 28 6.1 Product Stewardship ................................................................................................................... 28 6.2 Industry policies .......................................................................................................................... 28 6.3 Roadblocks and incentives for change ........................................................................................ 29 6.4 The cost of changes in behaviour ............................................................................................... 30 Example 1: ..................................................................................................................................... 30 Example 2: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Example 3: ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Example 4: ..................................................................................................................................... 33 SECTION 7: Implement and monitor performance ............................................................................... 34 7.1 Implementing your resource management plan ........................................................................ 34 7.2 The business sustainability roadmap .......................................................................................... 35 7.3 Monitoring, reviewing and continuous improvement ................................................................ 36 7.4 You can play a role in promoting sustainable practices ............................................................. 36 Assessment Activity 4: Implement improvement strategies ............................................................ 37 Learning Summary ................................................................................................................................ 38 Progressive Learning Record ................................................................................................................. 39 Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 41 References ............................................................................................................................................ 42 4 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 1: Introduction 1.1 Purpose of this learner guide This Learner Guide has been developed to assist learners understanding of the ACMSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Unit of Competency from the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package. The Guide includes information, activities and resource links relevant to the required topics of the Unit. ACMSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices is a Core Unit in: ACM30510 Certificate III in Farriery ACM50210 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) ACM50310 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Dental) ACM50410 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) And an Elective Unit in: ACM40110 Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation ACM40210 Certificate IV in Captive Animals ACM40310 Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services ACM40410 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing ACM40512 Certificate IV in Equine Dentistry ACM50110 Diploma of Animal Technology On completion, learners will be able to: Determine compliance requirements within work area. Plan and organise work group activities in relation to measuring current use and devise strategies to improve usage. Seek input from other relevant stakeholders to set improvement targets. Develop plans to make improvements. Implement new approaches to work area in an effort to resolve and improve environmental and resource efficiency issues and report, as required. Ensure appropriate action is taken within work area in relation to environmental/sustainability compliance and potential hazards. This Unit covers analysing the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices, implementing improvements and monitoring their effectiveness. 5 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 1.2 How you will be assessed To gain formal recognition for this Unit of Competency, your assessment will be undertaken by a qualified assessor. The assessor will look at your completed activities, project work and any other evidence you have collected, discuss with you what you have learnt and ask you specific questions based on the Unit. The assessor may also use other or additional tasks or activities that suit your workplace or a simulated workplace selected for the purpose of this training. Assessment requirements will be discussed with you at the commencement of the training. An assessor is able to be flexible in the way they conduct an assessment and you should let them and your mentor/supervisor know if you have any special requirements. It is good practice to collect information, copies of documents, records, photos or other material that will assist you at the time of assessment. This will help you demonstrate that you understand what you have learnt and can apply the skills and knowledge required outlined in the Unit of Competency. 6 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 2: What are environmentally sustainable work practices? 2.1 What are skills for sustainability ‘Skills for sustainability (also known as green skills), are the technical skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed in the workforce to develop and support sustainable social, economic and environmental outcomes in business, industry and the community.’ (Green Skills Agreement 2009) Source: Council of Australian Governments Green Skills Agreement http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/WorkDevelop/ClimateChangeSustainability/Documents/GSAgreement.pdf 2.2 What impact does environmental sustainability have? Environmental sustainability impacts on: you your workplace your local community our Australian lifestyle and economy world markets. 7 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 1: What do you know about sustainability? Learning Activity 1: What do you know about sustainability? Part A: Group discussion In small groups, discuss what you think sustainability means and how it might affect work practices; summarise your group’s comments. Report back to the class and collate your ideas. As you are developing the list start a glossary of terms. Part B: watch the following videos: Sustainability explained through animation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NiTN0chj0&feature=related Working towards sustainability http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1keHWhdzTTE&feature=related Once you have watched the videos, update the class list of definitions and ideas on sustainability and update the glossary of terms. Glossary Builder Use this table to keep track of terms and definitions you learn in this Unit. Term Definition 8 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 2.3 What is sustainability There is no simple definition of 'sustainability'. It can be an idea, a property of living systems, a manufacturing method or a way of life. In fact, there may be as many definitions of sustainability as there are people trying to define it. However, most definitions include: living within the limits of what the environment can provide understanding the many interconnections between economy, society and the environment the equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Source: Office of Environment and Heritage http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainability/index.htm 9 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 2: Environmentally Sustainable Management (EMS) Learning Activity 2: Environmentally Sustainable Management (EMS) Investigate successful environmentally sustainable management implementation projects This activity will help prepare you for Assessment Activity 3. By looking at other workplaces that have implemented environmentally sustainable work practices you can investigate ideas and strategies that may be relevant to your workplace. Speaking to those who have implemented sustainable work practices and those who are affected by them can help you identify potential problems and benefits. Nothing beats first-hand experience, so by visiting workplaces, community or individual projects or government departments that have implemented sustainable work practices you can see for yourself the effects of environmentally sustainable work practices. Part A: Below are examples of animal care workplaces that have implemented environmentally sustainable work practices. Go to the relevant website to read more and find some tips before you visit a site in person. This activity will help you prepare for your workplace project in Assessment Activity 4. Landcare Australia: http://www.landcareonline.com.au/case-studies/sa/achievable-intensive-horse-keeping/ Horse Land Water: http://horseslandwater.com/zdocument/file/21/Doig_report.pdf Castleford Veterinary Group: http://www.whyallavet.com.au/Whyalla/whyallatitle.html Taronga Conservation Society Australia http://www.taronga.org.au/animals-conservation/sustainability/environmental-sustainability Part B: Visit some workplaces so you can see and experience how these changes impact on the workplace. Identify 2 or 3 different work places that have implemented environmentally sustainable practices. Ideally, at least one should relate to your work practices or the type of animal management that is common in your industry sector. Report back to the rest of your group on your findings and discuss strategies that could be relevant to your workplace. 10 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 3: Sustainability and the Australian economy 3.1 ESD and sustainability The term ‘ecologically sustainable development' or 'ESD', is widely used within Australian industry in conjunction with or in place of the term 'sustainability'. The Brundtland Report ’Our Common Future’ (1987) defines sustainable development as: ’development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ Sustainable development is comprised of three major aspects: Environmental Social Economic Sustainable development implies using: renewable resources, such as wood, in a way that does not eliminate or degrade them non-renewable mineral resources, such as aluminium and steel, in a way that does not unnecessarily preclude easy access to them by future generations non-renewable energy sources, such as oil and coal, slowly enough to allow an orderly transition to renewable energy sources. ESD aims to reduce energy use and to minimise other adverse environmental impacts. Source: University of Michigan Sustainability Assessment, 2002 3.2 Triple bottom line Australia’s National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, 1992, defines ESD as ‘using, conserving and enhancing the community’s resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future can be increased.’ 11 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Triple Bottom Line is also known as - ’people, planet, profit’ or the ’Three Pillars’. Triple bottom line is the inter-dependence between people, resources and business viability; it is used to measure an organisation’s economic, ecological and social success. Source: University of Michigan Sustainability Assessment, 2002 3.3 Climate change Scientists from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency agree that the worst effects of climate change can be avoided if pollution levels are reduced. ’Our climate is changing, largely due to the observed increases in human produced carbon pollution. These changes we have seen over the 20th century include increases in global average air and ocean temperature, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global sea levels. The extra heat in the climate system has other impacts, such as affecting atmospheric and ocean circulation, which influences rainfall and wind patterns. Another serious impact of increasing carbon pollution is ocean acidification. Around a quarter of human-produced carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. As the carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms a weak carbonic acid, making the ocean more acidic. There are early indications that some marine organisms are already being affected by ocean acidification. Each decade in Australia since the 1940s has been warmer than the last—2001 to 2010 was the warmest decade on record in Australia and around the globe.’ 12 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices The Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future plan introduces a carbon price, options to invest in renewable energy, a plan to reduce reliance on polluting energy sources and ways to encourage land management practices that store carbon in the soil, all aimed at reducing major pollution sources. View - Securing a clean energy future – The Australian Government’s Climate Change Plan http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Consolidated-Final.pdf 3.4 Animal care and management sector sustainable development targets The sustainable development targets for the animal care and management sector are: applying animal welfare ethics and procedures control of effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions preventing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment reducing emissions of greenhouse gases reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency reducing use of non-renewable resources undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control. 13 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 3.5 Sustainable communities The social or community aspects of sustainability programs must include the impact on the whole community. Many animal care enterprises operate on the peri-urban fringe or in rural areas. Rural towns and peri-urban areas lose more than population when people move away; economies of scale may mean there is not enough income derived from local customers to keep businesses open; schools may close without minimum numbers of students forcing more students to leave home for education or commuting further away each day. As services close others follow as customers tend to do all of their shopping in one place. Products that can be bought locally are purchased from towns further away. Sustainability in Rural Communities ’The relationship between the agricultural sector and rural and regional communities is one of interdependence. Agriculture provides the economic base of many town and rural communities. Conversely, agriculture often depends on many services provided by rural and regional centres. These can include: effective communication transport financial services networks for the supply of water and energy other agricultural products and services. Towns also provide a social focus for people involved in their surrounding agricultural industries and are also the source of goods and services for the maintenance of general community welfare. Coordinated planning and management of services in rural and regional NSW is therefore important not only for long-term prosperity of rural communities but also productivity of agricultural industries. Agricultural lands may also include places of value to the community such as Aboriginal sites of cultural importance and natural heritage areas. These places are not only irreplaceable but contribute to a sense of regional identity. They may have potential for activities such as tourism or education. Managing agricultural activities to avoid negative impacts will help ensure they survive for the future.’ Source: LandLearn NSW Department of Primary Industries www.landlearnnsw.org.au/sustainability/primary-industries-and-sustainability 14 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 3: Ways to go green Learning Activity 3: Ways to go green Watch the video 10 ways to go green and read the associated information http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS6JN67DWtc&feature=related Visit the Hawkesbury City Council website Living Sustainably in the Hawkesbury section and review the tips on how to improve environmental sustainability in your home http://sustainability.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/ Use these ideas to generate a list of examples that could be used in your workplace. Your animal care business type:___________________________________________ Household actions Workplace or business actions Cultivate energy saving habits Cultivate waste reduction habits Use non-toxic cleaners Recycle organic waste Buy local and seasonal food DYI environmental home checklist Generate your own electricity Help protect our waterways Install solar hot water Insulate, shade and weatherproof your house Others… 15 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 4: Legislation and regulations 4.1 Legislation and regulations that relate to environmental issues The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places — defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national environmental significance. Source: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities: www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html 4.2 State and Territory Legislation Each State and Territory has different legislation and regulations and in some cases your local council or shire will also have bylaws or guidelines that relate to land use, waste management and other related resource management issues. They may also be the authority where reports of hazardous material spills and environmental contamination must be made. For example: The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) NSW regulates compliance on behalf of the NSW Government. It covers: hazardous materials and waste offensive noise pollution: o air o land o water waste management. The regulations cover a range of topics that will impact on animal care and management workplaces. Many animal care and management enterprises use chemicals on a regular basis in the treatment of animals and for hygiene management and disease control. Some chemicals are toxic. Care must be taken with storage, use and disposal of chemicals. 16 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Here’s an example of a guideline published by the NSW EPA relating to mobile dog wash operation: DOG WASHERS ‘Mobile dog washing units are either trailers or vans fitted with a pet ‘hydro-bath’ to wash the dog. On-site, the unit is connected to water mains using a hosepipe to fill the hydro-bath. Most units discharge their wastewater onto the ground via a short length of pipe after each bath, although some units have storage tanks to use in areas where discharge onto the ground is not an option. Units should have a basket at the end of the pipe to collect pet hair and other debris. Wastewater containing flea rinse should never be disposed of onto the ground. Issues of particular concern are the use of flea rinses and the disposal of wastewater into the storm water system.’ MAKE YOUR BUSINESS FISH FRIENDLY ‘Dog washing businesses who take up the environmental challenge can expect to avoid storm water pollution, reduce waste and wastewater, recover resources through recycling, reusing and composting and become more efficient.' Our storm water system empties directly into our rivers without any treatment. Products used in dog washing, such as flea rinses and shampoo can kill fish and aquatic life. Never allow anything to flow into the gutter or storm water drain.’ WASH WATER DISPOSAL Always plan your wastewater disposal options before you start work. Never dispose of wash water in a gutter or stormwater drain. Never dispose of wash water to dry streambeds or where it can flow into wetlands and waterways. All wash water must be passed through a basket before disposal to remove pet hair. Pet hair should then be collected and disposed of in a garbage bin. If you are working in an area where there is no suitable wastewater disposal option, the water should be stored for later disposal. Always use the smallest amount of shampoo possible. ‘This table highlights the preferred options for disposing of wastewater to reduce the risk of pollution and give your business a greener, cleaner image.’ If bath water contains Shampoo only Selected shampoo and flea rinse Medicated shampoo Dispose to: Sewer Septic tank YES YES YES YES NO NO Ground where water can soak YES NO NO Source: NSW Office of Environment & Heritage www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus/dogwashers.htm 17 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Regulatory authorities and local councils may be responsible for issuing licenses for: emissions to air, land or water hazardous material management, storage and disposal waste storage. 18 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Assessment Activity 1: Legislation and regulations that impact on work practices Assessment Activity 1: Legislation and regulations that impact on work practices In this activity you will be investigating the range of legislation/regulations that influence environmental sustainability and the effects on the operation of your workplace. In preparation for this activity ask your supervisor to show you the types of records that demonstrate the business complies with environmental legislation/regulations. Activity Find the legislation and regulations that affect your workplace and list these next to the types of records you found in your workplace. Remember, there may be state or local government variations that affect your particular workplace. Types of legislation you should be looking for include legislation and/or regulations that: restricts the type of activities that can occur in your local area (business type or land use for instance) controls water, power, gas and other utility use controls waste management and pollution controls animal health care, handling and housing controls water run-off, erosion, weed management protects flora and fauna biodiversity protects water catchments, waterways and fisheries. 19 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 4.3 Industry Codes of Conduct Some animal care industry sectors have begun to develop their own codes of conduct for environmental sustainability. However, in Australia at the moment most that are relevant to the animal care sector relate mainly to animal diversity and biosecurity issues specifically rather than to the broader whole of business impact of environmentally sustainable work practices. Example 1: The Zoo and Aquarium Association refers to a list of government agencies and authorities that their members work with in order to maintain their collections, import and export animals, fish and other aquarium species. Source: Zoo and Aquarium Association: http://www.zooaquarium.org.au/index.php/press-releases/legislative-requirements/ Taronga Zoo in Sydney has a sustainability charter and examples of environmentally sustainable practices on their available on their website: http://www.taronga.org.au/animals-conservation/sustainability/environmental-sustainability Example 2: Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine USA are engaging in a more sustainable environmentally responsible operation – visit their website to see how. ’Our mission is to advance the health of animals, people and the environment through professional research and service around the globe, utilizing a Conservation Medicine approach.’ Source: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary 20 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Assessment Activity 2: Non-compliance case studies Assessment Activity 2: Non-compliance case studies Prosecutions for pollution can adversely affect a small business. Pollution can either be deliberate illegal disposal or by accidental or inadvertent consequences to other incidents. Review the following case studies from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). GO TO: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/sustainbus/2007210caseStudies.pdf CASE STUDY 1: Environment Protection Authority v Truegain Pty Ltd CASE STUDY 2: Environment Protection Authority v Ecolab Pty Ltd CASE STUDY 3: Environment Protection Authority v Warringah Golf Club & Environment Protection Authority v Craig Coggins Work in groups, choose a different Case Study for each group and: 1. Identify the workplace type in the case study then think of a workplace in animal care and management that may potentially have a similar risk of pollution. 2. Identify the penalty awarded and the reason for the penalty. 3. Present your group case study to the rest of the class. 4. As a class summarise the types of pollution prosecutions that could occur in animal care and management workplaces. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change - Storing and Handling Liquids Participant Guide includes tips on how to avoid liquid spills. The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage - Storing and Handling Liquids Participant’s Guide includes tips on how to avoid liquid spills. Source: Storing and Handling Liquids, Participant’s Guide www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus/liquids.htm 21 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 4: Potential environmental and health hazards Learning Activity 4: Potential environmental and health hazards Step 1: This activity will help you identify the potential health and environmental risks that chemicals and other materials could present. GO TO: Green Vet Practice website and investigate the chemicals and materials used in the manufacture or preparation of medical supplies. >http://greenvetpractice.com/02-choices.html< Air fresheners Fluorescent light Batteries Glass Betadine Glutaraldehyde Bleach Heavy metals Cellulose Hydrogen peroxide Chlorhexiderm Isoprene Cotton Isopropyl alcohol Detergent Latex Ethylene vinyl acetate Nitrile rubber Source: Green Vet Practice – Everyday Choices Nylon Plasticizers Plastics Polyester Polyethylene Polypropylene Polystyrene Polyurethane Polyvinyl chloride Rayon roccal Silicone Sodium nitrate Steel Teflon Vinyl Wood Zinc sulfate Step 2: Select 10 chemicals and 10 materials from the list and fill in the following table. Chemical Used for: Environment/health risk Alternative? Material Used for: Environment /health risk Alternative? 22 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 5: Resource usage 5.1 Ecological footprint The ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. It is a standardised measure of demand for natural capital that may be contrasted with the planet's ecological capacity to regenerate. It represents the amount of biologically productive land and sea area necessary to supply the resources a human population consumes, and to assimilate associated waste. A nation's 'ecological footprint' is one description of its consumption in over 60 categories of resources. It relates to the amount of biologically productive space required to provide the resources used by that nation and to absorb its waste. The result is expressed in global hectares. Australia's ecological footprint in the Living Planet Report 2008 was 7.8 global hectares (gha) per person. This is 2.8 times the average global Footprint (2.7 gha), and well beyond the level of what the planet can regenerate on an annual basis - an equivalent of about 2.1 gha per person per year. The most significant factor contributing to the Australian ecological footprint is carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels (constituting approximately half of the total Australian footprint). Source: Environment Protection Authority Victoria, www.epa.vic.gov.au/ ’A report examining the pressures the world is placing on the planet's biodiversity ranks Australia as having the seventh biggest ecological footprint per person when compared to other nations. Conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which compiled the Living Planet 2012 Report, says the spiralling global population and over-consumption are threatening the future health of the planet. The results of the survey were calculated by comparing renewable resources consumed against the Earth's regenerative capacity.’ Radio Australia News, 2012, www.radioaustralianews.net.au We have been exceeding the Earth's ability to support our lifestyle. Habitats are being destroyed; the soil and waterways are being irreparably degraded. We must get back into balance! And we can. Each of us can make some simple changes that will add up to a great deal of relief for our increasingly fragile planet. If all countries consumed the resources that we Australians do, it would take the biocapacity of three Earths to support their lifestyle. Source: World Wildlife Fund, 2008 www.wwf.org.au 23 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Activity 5: What is your ecological footprint Learning Activity 5: What is your ecological footprint Step 1: How much land area does it take to support your lifestyle? Access and take one of the quizzes below. The results will give you an indication of what your ecological footprint is. Discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth. Source: World Wildlife Fund - Australia TO ACCESS THE CALCULATOR GO TO: World Wildlife Fund, www.wwf.org.au/our_work/people_and_the_environment/human_footprint/footprint_calculator OR Environment Protection Agency, Victoria, http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint/calculators/default.asp Step 2: Record the outcomes of your calculation 24 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 5.2 Water footprint facts and figures There are 1,000 litres in a cubic metre of water. To produce one cup of black coffee (without sugar) takes 140 litres of water. During the drought in Brisbane the daily direct use in a household was 140 litres per person. The average annual water footprint of a person in the US is 2,900 cubic metres. The average annual water footprint of a person in Australia is 1,400 cubic metres. An Olympic swimming pool holds 2,500 cubic metres of water. Source: World Wildlife Fund, www.wwf.org.au/our_work/people_and_the_environment/human_footprint/water_footprint Learning Activity 6: Practice calculating resource use This activity will help prepare you for Assessment Activity 4. Use the following tools to practice calculating resource use and costs. Some tools will rely on estimating materials and costs while others will require actual measurements and costing models. Use one or more of the following tools: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Quick carbon footprint calculator http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/ecobiz/carbon-calculator.php ActewAGL Energy and Water savings calculator - to estimate water use http://www.actewagl.com.au/Help-and-advice/Energy-and-water-management/Energyand-water-savings-calculator.aspx Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Energy Facts http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/sustainability/energy_saving_facts.html The information you compile here will be used later in assessment tasks for this Unit. Learning Activity 7: Resource use in the work group area Using the example of an industry driven resource audit document for the horse industry, go to http://www.horseslandwater.com/ and complete the property action plan on line. 25 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Assessment Activity 3: Work based project Assessment Activity 3: Work based project This project will help you to develop your own sustainable resource management strategies that will apply to your own workplace. To help keep you on track the project is broken into 3 stages: STAGE 1: Identify resources used in the workplace Complete an inventory of workplace assets and equipment that impact on environmental sustainability. Include in your inventory: workplace equipment that impacts on environmental sustainability utilities that are used in your workplace that impact on environmental resource use (include power, water, gas sources here) raw materials and other supplies that are used in your workplace, where they come from and how they are delivered. You will need to include: the estimated age and life expectancy of the equipment the estimated cost (if known) the type of power needed to operate the equipment any sustainable features of the item (such as energy or water star ratings). If your enterprise uses a wide variety of equipment and supplies you can select 20 items for this exercise. If your enterprise uses only a few items of equipment and/or supplies you will need to include them all (for mobile workers this might include your home office and surroundings). STAGE 2: Identify work practice Identify the types of work activity that are undertaken and align them to resource use. List the work activities that occur and document the materials, supplies and equipment that is needed to complete the task. STAGE 3: Set reasonable targets for implementation Plan realistic implementation timeframes and methods to monitor the compliance of staff to the new strategies. 26 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 5.3 Sustainable development and environmental protection Similarities: By protecting the environment we support sustainable development. A healthy environment means clean air, unpolluted water and healthy soil; all necessary for the survival of future generations. The preservation of natural resources supports sustainability. Many environmental concepts like reuse and recycling allow us to save natural resources for future generations. Environmental training and education support sustainable development. While working to protect the environment we learn more about the world around us and improve our ability to identify solutions for sustainable development. Differences: Environment is just one of the components embedded in the concept of sustainable development. Society and economy are equally important. Although it is necessary to protect the environment it is not always sufficient, since a healthy environment does not necessary mean a prosperous society or a healthy economy. Sustainable development is a goal of the entire society. A participatory approach is an integral part of sustainability. Sustainable development explores the relationships between environmental, social and economic benefits. Environmental protection is often limited to the impact on nature. Environmental protection implies reducing adverse effects, not necessarily allowing future generations to inherit the same amount of natural, social and economic wealth as their predecessors. Whereas environmental protection is often regulated, sustainable development involves going beyond compliance. Source: Danville Area Community College: http://www.dacc.edu/sustainability/what.php 27 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 6: Compliance and setting targets for improvement 6.1 Product Stewardship Australian businesses, across a wide range of sectors, have been working to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and products. In many sectors industries have, or are developing, voluntary product stewardship schemes. Product Stewardship is an approach that recognises that manufacturers, importers, governments and consumers have a shared responsibility for the environmental impacts of a product throughout its full life cycle. Product Stewardship schemes establish a means for relevant parties in the product chain to share responsibility for the products they produce, handle, purchase, use and discard. Governments are keen to support manufacturers and importers of products in these efforts. Source: National Environment Protection and Heritage Council: http://www.ephc.gov.au/stewardship 6.2 Industry policies This is an extract from the sustainable practices suggested on the Green Vet Practice website where a wide range of resource efficiency ideas are listed. Money can be a big motivator to anyone, imagine making savings like this! ‘Our hospital’s story (H2E) Imagine eliminating 16.6% of a facility’s total waste. Imagine saving over $124,000.00 in the process. And then think about doing that by eliminating the use of just one product. And, what if the expense on the single use item you were eliminating totalled over $180,000.00 over a two year period? Would it become important to you to do that?’ Source: The Green Vet Practice: >http://greenvetpractice.com/01-strategies.htm< 28 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 6.3 Roadblocks and incentives for change The introduction of environmental regulations, both nationally and internationally, encourages businesses to improve their environmental performance. But compliance often creates unexpected costs that threaten profitability. The most significant financial liabilities for companies are those associated with remediation, clean-ups and penalties for breaches of legislation. Businesses can face difficulties if they fail to anticipate their environmental liabilities. Faced with the increasing burden of regulation, some businesses choose to go beyond compliance towards comprehensive environmental programmes and sustainable development. For the business enterprise, sustainable development means adopting strategies and activities that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders today while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future. A substantial number of companies recognise that the implementation of sustainable business strategies can lead to new opportunities and improved results. Source: International Institute of Sustainable Development http://www.iisd.org/business/sd_journey.asp 29 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 6.4 The cost of changes in behaviour Following are several examples of changing behaviour that often cost less than current practices. Example 1: Greening the OR (Operating Theatre) Initiative is looking at interventions in the OR that reduce environmental impact, reduce cost, increase efficiency and improve worker or patient safety – or some combination of these. There are a range of interventions that have been looked at by the initiative and participating hospitals will continue to define additional interventions as they are piloted and implemented at different institutions. Initial interventions looked at include: regulated medical waste reduction and segregation fluid management systems single-use device reprocessing OR kit reformulation reusable surgical gowns and basins LED lighting and power booms displacement ventilation waste anaesthetic gas (WAG) capture and reclamation medical plastics recycling reusable hard cases for surgical instruments. Source: Greening the Operating Room Initiative Project Overview http://practicegreenhealth.org/sites/default/files/upload-files/gor_project_overview_oct2011_0.pdf 30 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Example 2: This table is based on the Green Building Council of Australia Business Clean Up Day suggestions that will give you some ideas on how you can reduce resource use in your workplace. Today and every day - - Equipment - turn off computers and other office machines when not in use activate energy saving functions where available re-set photocopiers from default to double sided printing Next week - - - - Lighting - - Your comfort - - Materials - - Other - remove superfluous light bulbs turn off lights when not in use put up signs to remind others to turn off lights - where possible, open windows instead of using air conditioners program air conditioning to turn off at the end of the day and at the end of the working week position your computer monitor so its perpendicular to the window to reduce glare - use on-line versions of documents or cut and paste relevant sections only for printing re-use paper that is unprinted on one side for in- house drafts - take your mug when purchasing takeaway coffee establish a green office team or committee to identify and implement ongoing energy efficiencies walk, cycle or use public transport - - - - - Next month/year implement workplace policy to minimise unnecessary equipment use ensure organisation purchasing policy sources energy efficient equipment provide chilled water to reduce purchase of bottled drinking water replace bulbs with compact fluorescents install task lighting e.g. a lamp so large banks of overhead lights are not used - position equipment away from thermostats to avoid false temperature readings affecting climate control systems use a stand to elevate laptops to avoid glare and eye-strain reduce hot water temperatures in kitchens and other areas replace disposable items such as cups, cutlery with reusable items source photocopy paper that has some recycled paper content - use indoor plants to filter pollutants from indoor air and increase relative humidity in air conditioned workplaces provide waste sorting bins for different types of items - - - - - - - - install water-saving devices or flow restrictors install surge protectors for equipment consider updating computer monitors to energy efficient flat screen models install intelligent lighting controls to turn off lights when area is unattended or natural light is ample design workplace layout to maximise use of natural light regularly service climate control and ventilation systems to maintain efficiency select window furnishings for effective control of light in north facing or east/west facing windows block drafts and consider insulation installation buy non-toxic cleaning supplies in bulk or condensed forms establish a re-distribution room for staff to deposit and re-use surplus equipment use teleconferencing rather than long distance travel where possible choose green power from energy supplier introduce a ride-sharing scheme Source: Green Building Council of Australia http://www.gbca.org.au/news/business-clean-up-good-for-the-bottomline/393.htm 31 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Example 3: Changing the selection of materials and actual work routines can also help improve resource efficiency. The next learning activity will introduce you to a whole of business approach to the reduce, reuse, recycle and replace philosophy. Waste is the end of the line – beyond this point you have little control. The way you manage your waste is not a trivial matter. You can save quite a bit of money by making smart choices. According to H2E, healthcare institutions that have engaged in fully-fledged waste reduction efforts have reduced their disposal cost alone by 40-70%. 1. REDUCE and REUSE as much as you can and reduce your waste to a minimum. Reducing waste is extremely challenging in a medical practice setting considering all the packaging, individual use items, animal waste and biohazardous waste that is generated every day. 2. RECYCLE what’s left over as much as you can. Ideally you will find a recycler that will take everything: plastic, glass, metal and computers. 3. KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR WASTE! You do have some choices beyond reducing waste as much as possible. Before you pay for a waste handling service, be sure you are comfortable with how they manage it. Medical waste is either dumped in a landfill or burned. In the land fill, there are issues with: land use – taking good land and using it to dump trash in increasing amounts soil contamination from chemicals and heavy metals – making it unusable for agriculture or future human habitation or use runoff and groundwater contamination from chemicals that threaten water supply and environmental freshwater sources. In the incinerator, there are issues with: burning of plastics that release dioxin and other harmful chemicals into the environment – medical waste when incinerated is the third largest contributor of dioxin release of heavy metals, including mercury, into the environment energy used to burn the trash – some operations have heat recovery processes. 32 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Hazardous waste, including antibiotics and drugs: general considerations – biohazardous waste (don’t throw other things in there!), solid waste – know where it goes, landfills vs. incinerators body disposal – options – implications for runoff and antibiotics and other things (barbiturates) getting into environment. Source: The Green Vet Practice: http://greenvetpractice.com/06-waste.htm Example 4: The Green Vet Practice has a wide range of ideas on implementation strategies to reduce the impact of work practices on resources. http://greenvetpractice.com/ 33 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices SECTION 7: Implement and monitor performance 7.1 Implementing your resource management plan Implementing changes in the workplace can be a challenge, you will need to justify decisions and demonstrate the advantages to motivate work colleagues to cooperate if your plan is to succeed. Here are some tips based on those provided in the Green Champion Guide to help you. First, plan your strategy. Now that you have conducted your resource audit of current use you will need to: 1. Develop an Action Plan to plan and present your proposal. It should acknowledge any current positive practices and include the benefits of any changes. It’s a good idea to find ways to align the proposed strategies to overall business objectives. 2. Increase the chance of success by starting with small targets that are realistic and achievable in a short timeframe (e.g. three months). 3. Meet with your manager and ask for their assistance by supporting you when you present your pitch to stakeholders. 4. Develop a task list and rough timeframes for implementation once you have support from other stakeholders in your workplace. Remember that this is just one of your (and your colleagues’) workplace responsibilities, so make sure you give yourself achievable tasks that don’t overtake other work duties. 5. Recruit other supporters in your workgroup. If you can get others in your workplace interested in your plans they are more likely to succeed. Talk to colleagues; prepare small handouts or posters explaining the plan. Green Champion Guide: Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Victorian Government: http://www.whatcanidorightnow.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/Green_Champion.pdf Six Steps to Eco-Efficiency Source: EcoBiz Queensland, www.derm.qld.gov.au/ecobiz 34 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 7.2 The business sustainability roadmap Monitoring performance of sustainable work practices is essential if you are to achieve a successful triple bottom line outcome. You will need to adjust the plan from time to time; you will also want to be able to calculate savings in energy use, materials consumption, costs as well as job satisfaction and staff compliance. The Queensland Government sustainability roadmap charts the stages of an effective sustainability plan. Source: Sustainable Industries Branch, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection www.derm.qld.gov.au/sustainability/pdf/siroadmap.pdf You and your work colleagues will need: A commitment from management and staff to stay with the plan long enough to be able to evaluate its impact. To develop plans and procedures that comply with legislative and regulatory requirements (and that are aligned with industry best practice codes) before you begin, so that your practices do not contravene environmental management obligations. This will allow for a smooth implementation into general work activities. To embed environmentally sustainable work practices in standard operating procedures and general work practices. To regularly monitor the plan and adjust where necessary to further improve workplace resource efficiency. 35 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices 7.3 Monitoring, reviewing and continuous improvement The following table provides an example of an environmental monitoring plan. This may help with ensuring the key environmental performance indicators are continually being measured throughout the year. The task of monitoring each aspect may be delegated, however the responsibility and accountability rests with the identified person. Monitoring Schedule What Energy use Office waste Water use Fuel use How Smart meters to monitor energy usage Waste monitoring checklist Sub-meters to monitor peaks Monthly bills and vehicle fleet log records How often Monthly Records Smart meter data Who Environment coordinator Monthly Spreadsheet Office manager Monthly Sub-meters report Spreadsheet Environment coordinator Facilities officer Monthly Source: Resource Smart - Victorian Government: The Resource Smart website includes a range of monitoring tools and schedules that will give you some ideas on how to plan your own program. http://sustainabilitysearch.funnelback.com/search/search.cgi?query=monitoring+schedule&collection=sustainabilityvic&binary=1&form=docu ments 7.4 You can play a role in promoting sustainable practices Recognise your ability to act sustainably in all you do. Play an active role in promoting more sustainable practices. Through education, promote a behavioural change which exemplifies sustainable practices. Do not compromise the possibilities of future generations through unsustainable activities. Encourage consideration of alternative more sustainable solutions, strategies and perspectives in addressing concepts, problems or issues in business, government and communities. 36 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Assessment Activity 4: Implement improvement strategies Assessment Activity 4: Implement improvement strategies There are two options for completing this assessment activity: 1. Implement your performance improvement strategies OR 2. Present a pitch to your supervisor justifying why your performance improvement recommendations should be implemented. In this activity you will present your work project results to your supervisor or trainer in a simulation exercise. You will need to be able to: Provide evidence to back up your claims relating to: - current resource use - estimated reduction in resource use - estimated cost savings (in time, labour, purchase expenses) - estimated costs in initial implementation of your suggested improvements - identifying the limitations of current practices. Identify triple bottom line advantages and any disadvantages in the implementation of your suggested improvements: - economic - social - environmental (include impact on animals within the workplace). This is the last assessment task for this Unit. By now you should be able to: determine compliance requirements within your work area plan and organise work group activities in relation to measuring current use and devising strategies to improve usage seek input from other relevant stakeholders to set improvement targets develop plans to make improvements implement new approaches to work area in an effort to resolve and improve environmental and resource efficiency issues and report, as required ensure appropriate action is taken within work area in relation to environmental/sustainability compliance and potential hazards. This means you will be prepared to implement environmentally sustainable work practices in your workplace. 37 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Learning Summary Now that you have reached the end of this Learner Guide you should have a better idea of the role you can play at work and the types of sustainable practices that can be implemented to more efficiently manage environmental resources. Everyone has a responsibility to practice and support sustainable work practices so that we can all enjoy a satisfying quality of life whilst maintaining the balance between resource availability and our needs in an economically viable way. ’Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ Source: The Brundtland Report ’Our Common Future. This report was presented by the Prime Minister of Norway Mrs Gro Brundtland in 1987. It is attributed to have brought the concepts of sustainable development to the international political agenda. 38 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Progressive Learning Record 1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage Performance criteria Knowledge/skills required Performance criteria Knowledge/skills required 1.1 Environmental regulations applying to the enterprise are identified. 1.2 Procedures for assessing compliance with environmental regulations are evaluated for their effectiveness. 1.3 Information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and procedures is collected, and where appropriate, provided to the work group. 1.4 Current resource usage is measured and documented by members of the work group. 1.5 Current purchasing strategies are analysed and documented. 1.6 Current work processes are analysed to identify areas for improvement Understand basic environmental sustainability principles Identify environmental laws, regulations and standards and why they are relevant to the work context and animal care and management industries Identify environmental resource management issues in the workplace Measure resource use Identify environmental and resource hazards and risks associated with the animal care sector in which the individual works Communicate information about environmental sustainability to the work group Know requirements, procedures and processes within work area for all relevant environment/sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice including resource hazards/risks associated with work area, job specifications and procedures. 2. Set target for improvements 2.1 Input is sought from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists. 2.2 External sources of information and data are accessed, as required. 2.3 Alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues are evaluated. 2.4 Efficiency targets are set. Comply with environmental management legislation and standards Participate in workplace meetings and discussions related to environmentally sustainable work practices Understand standards, guidelines and approaches to environmental sustainability relevant to the animal care industry Comments Comments 39 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Performance criteria Knowledge/skills required Performance criteria Knowledge/skills required 3. Implement performance improvement strategies 3.1 Techniques and tools are sourced to assist in achieving efficiency targets. 3.2 Continuous improvement strategies are applied to own work area and ideas and possible solutions are communicated to work group and management. 3.3 Environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group are integrated with other operational activities and are implemented. 3.4 Suggestions and ideas to improve the management of environmental and resource efficiency are sought from stakeholders and acted upon where appropriate. 3.5 Costing strategies are implemented to fully value environmental assets. Know procedures and processes relevant to the individual's work area that support environment and resource efficiencies Consult with the work group on implementation and improvements in environmental and energy efficiency Implement management policies and procedures relating to environmental and energy efficiency relevant to own work area Understand best practice approaches and quality assurance systems relevant to the animal care industry Identify strategies to maximise opportunities and minimise impacts relevant to the animal care industry 4. Monitor performance 4.1 Outcomes are documented and reports on targets are communicated to key personnel and stakeholders. 4.2 Strategies are evaluated. 4.3 New targets are set and new tools and strategies are investigated and applied. 4.4 Successful strategies are promoted and, where possible, participants are rewarded. Manage organisation change associated with the implementation of environmentally sustainable work practices Use problem-solving skills to analyse problems, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken Understand quality assurance systems relevant to the animal care industry Comments Comments 40 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Glossary This is an initial glossary. Learners will be required to add to this list throughout training. Biocapacity Biocapacity is the capacity of an area to provide resources and absorb wastes. When the area's ecological footprint exceeds its biocapacity, unsustainability occurs. Carbon The element that is the chemical basis of all organic life. Carbon accounting The systematic measurement of carbon dioxide equivalents (comparison of other materials impact to that of the polluting effects of a unit of carbon dioxide) emitted or abated by an organisation or process. Carbon footprint The measure of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to an organisation, activity or event. Carbon neutral Where the net emission of greenhouse gas by an organisation, activity or event equals zero carbon dioxide equivalents either through literal measurement or through the production of green power equal to or in excess of what is needed or via carbon trading strategies. DAFF Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry DCCEE Commonwealth Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities E-waste Electrical equipment that is no longer wanted (it may or not be functioning). These generally contain recyclable components as well as contaminants that need to be managed. Eco efficiency Doing more with less and minimising environmental impacts. Ecological Footprint The size and environmental impact of the energy, water, waste and resources associated with an activity, business or individual. Ecosystem The interaction of the non-living environment with plant, animal, fungal and microorganisms as one unit. EPBC Act The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) National Waste Policy The policy, agreed by all Australian Environment Ministers in November 2009, sets Australia's waste management and resource recovery direction to 2020. http://www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/index.html Waste hierarchy The concept of avoiding and minimising waste, followed by reuse, recycling, recovery and finally, disposal. 41 Learner Guide ACMSUS301A Implement & monitor environmentally sustainable work practices References ABC Radio Australia, Australia has seventh biggest ecological footprint, Australia, 2012, viewed 3 July 2012 http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-05-15/australia-has-seventh-biggestecological-footprint/943730 ActewAGL, 2012, ActewAGL, Canberra ACT, viewed 3 July 2012, http://www.actewagl.com.au/Help-and-advice/Energy-and-water-management/Energy-and-watersavings-calculator.aspx AgriFood Skills Australia Limited, 2012, AgriFood Skills 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