Environmentally Challenges; Sustainable Work Practices; Implement and Monitor our planet earth.

1. Implement and Monitor Environmentally
Sustainable Work Practices
By Software Publications Writing Team ISBN: 1-74123-950-8
BSBSUS301A
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2. Business Services Training
BSBSUS301A
Unit of Competency Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable
work practices
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and
knowledge required to effectively analyse the workplace
in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices
Unit Descriptor and to implement improvements and monitor their
effectiveness. This unit requires the ability to access
industry information, applicable legislative and
occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Pre-requisite Units Nil
This unit applies to those with responsibility for a specific
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area of work or who lead a work group or team. It
addresses the knowledge, processes and techniques
necessary to implement and monitor environmentally
sustainable work practices, including the development of
processes and tools, such as:
• identifying areas for improvement
• developing plans to make improvements
Application of the Unit • implementing and monitoring improvements in
environmental performance
A person who demonstrates competence in this unit must
be able to provide evidence of the ability to implement and
monitor integrated environmental and resource efficiency
management policies and procedures within an
organisation. Evidence must be strictly relevant to the
particular workplace role.
Competency Field No sector assigned

3. Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
This book supports BSBSUS301A, Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices in the
Business Services Training Package.
© Copyright Software Publications Pty Ltd, January 2009
Editors: Sandra Griffith & Lloyd Jones
ISBN 1-74123-950-8
Disclaimer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, scanning, recording, or any information storage
and retrieval system, without perm ission in writing from the publisher, Software Publications Pty Ltd . No
patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein . While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and the authors assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions . Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use
of the information contained herein . These learning materials have been prepared for use as part of a
structured vocational education and training course and should only be used within that context. The
information contained herein was correct at the time of preparation. Legislation and case law is subject
to change and readers need to inform themselves of the current law at the time of reading.
Publishers- Software Publications Pty Ltd {ABN 75 078 026 150)
Head office- Sydney
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Unit 10, 171 Gibbes Street
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Phone : (02) 9882 1000
Fax (02) 9882 1800
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Published and printed in Australia
The paper used in producing this work book is produced from Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp
and is fully recyclable, which helps reduce landfill.

4. Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Workbook introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
How to use this Workbook .. ................ ........ ... .. ........ .......... ........ ...... ...... .... ................ ..... ...... ..... ....... ....... ....... .......... ........ ....... 1
Notes for teachers and trainers .. ....... .. ..... ........ ........ ....................... ... .. ..... .... .. .......... .... ....... ............ .. ....... ..... ...................... ... 1
Participant assessment ... ........... .. ....... ....... .............. ....... .... .... .. ..... .... .. .. .... .. ............. .... .... .. ..... ......... ............... ........ ........ ........ 1
Tasks ......... ...... ................ ........ ....... .. ........ ... .. .... ........ .... ..... .. ..... ........... ......... ....... .... ......................................................... .. ..... 1
Performance Criteria ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Unit Competencies ... .. .................... ... ............ .................. ................................. .............. ............ ....... .. ............. .............. .... ...... 3
Required Skills and Knowledge .............. ... .. ........ ............................ ......... ... ... ........ ........ .. .. ...... ... ........... .................. ... .. ........ ... 5
Range Statement .. ....................... ........... .......... ... .. .. ..... ....... ..... .. ........ ................. ........... .. ..... ...... ......................... ......... ....... .. .. 6
Evidence Guide .............. ................ ... ............. ........ .................. .. ...... .. ... ................ ............ .. ........ ... ................... ............ .. ......... 8
1 Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage .................................................................................. 11
1.1 Environmental regulations .............. .... ..... ...... ......................... ..... ..... .. ... .. .. ..... .......... ................................ ................. 12
1.2 Procedures for assessing compliance .. ........... .......... .... .... .... .. .. ...................... ..... .. ............. ....... ..... ......... ..... .......... .... 18
Commonwealth laws ...... .............. .... .. ........ ................ .. ................. .................. ...... .. .......... .............. ... ........ ... .. .. ...... .. ........ .... 20
States and Territories ........ .. .... ...................................................... .............. .... ... .... ... ... ... ... ... .. ....... ..... ... ... ......... .... .... ............ 21
Local government ........................ ...... ........ ..... .......... ....... .. ..... ................ ........ .... ... ........... ..... ................. .......... ..... .. .......... .... 22
1.3 Collect relevant information for the workgroup ... ...... ...... ... ...... ......... ......... ... .......... ............ .... ......... .. .............. ........ 27
Researching resources systems and procedures .. ........ .......... ................... ........ ... ..... ............. ....... .................................... ... . 27
1.4 Provide information and advice for improvement opportunities .... ...... ................ .................... ... .. .......................... 33
How Environmental Management plans are created ....................... ........ ........... .. ...................... ............ .............................. 33
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Operational advice and reporting procedures ........... .............. .. ... .... .... ...... ........ .... ... ................................................... ...... ... 37
1.5 Measuring resource usage ... ......... .... ........ .... .......... ........ ................ ........ .... ........ .... .... .. ....... ................... .................... 39
Energy ................................................. ........ ................ ..... ... ........ ....... ........... ............ ........ .... ............... ........ ..... ............. .. ...... 41
Water ........ ...... .......... ..... ... ... ..... ... ....... ... ..................... ..... ... ...... ..... ............... ..... ..... .. ..... .. ... ... ... ..... ... .. ..... ...... ............ ... .. ... .... 42
Waste ......... ..... .................................................... ......... .. ..... ............. .. ... ........... .. ....... .. ....... ........................... .. ........... ....... .. .. . 43
Employee resources usage .. .. .... ........ ....... .... .............. .. ... ....... ................. .. ..... ..... ............. ....... ............. .... ........ ................... ... 43
1.6 Purchasing strategies .... ................ .. .............. .......... ..... ................. .... .. ...... .......... ............................... .................... ..... 48
Internal purchasing audit ... .. ......... ... .. .. .... ............... .......... ..... ............ .. ................. ...................... .... .... ..... .......... ..... .. ... ....... ... 48
Externa l research ... ................ ...................... .................... ................ .. .......................... .. ..... .... ............. ................... .... ........... SO
1. 7 Areas for improvement ................. ... ............ ......... .......................... .. .............. .... ......... ....... .. ....... .. .... ... ...... ................ 52
Work process audit ....................... ...... ... ...... ........... .......... .. .. .. ... ... .. ... .. ..................... .. ... ........ . ,... ................. ....... ........ ........ ... 52
2 Set targets for improvements ............................................................................................................................... 57
2.1 Seek input .................................................................. .............. ........... ..... ..... .... .... ... ..... ............ ............. ..... .. ...... .. ....... 58
Who are your organ isation's sta keholders? ... ........ ........ .. ... .... ... .... .. .... .... ............ ..... .................., .. .... .. ....... .... .... ........ ..... ... .. 58
Seeking input or consultation .......... ............................... .,............ .... .. ..... .. ........ ..................... .............. .............. .. ................. 59
2.2 External sources of information and data ..... ..... ............ ........ .................. .... ..... .... .... .. .... ....... .. ........ ... .. .. ....... ...... ...... 62
2.3 Evaluate alternative solutions .......... ..... .............................................. .. ............ .......................... ........ .... .. ................. 65
Practicality of solutions ........ .................. .............. ......... .. ....... ......... ......... ..... .. ............... ... .. ....... .......... .. ........ ........ ..... ........... 65
2.4 Efficiency targets .. .. .......... ..... ..... ... ...... ... ...... ........................ .. .... .......... ... .. .......................... .. ...................... .. .............. 68
Communicating targets ......... .. ...... ............. ...... ....... ..... ........ ................ ...... .. ...... .. ...... ....... ...... .. .............. ... ............ ........ ........ 70
3 Implement performance management strategies ................................................................................................ 73
3.1 Techniques and tools ........... ......... ..... .................... ..... .. .. .......... ................................ ....................................... ......... .. 74
Documentation .. ... .............................. ......... .................. ............. ............. ..... ....... .... ... .... ........................ ....... .. ....... ....... .... .... 74
Environmental Management Plan .... .. ...... .... .... .... .............. .. ......... ....... ......... .... ........ ... ... ............... ....... .. .... .. ..... .. ...... ........... 76
3.2 Continuous improvement strategies ........ ......... ...... ... .. ......... .. ... ....... ......... ........... ......... ..... .... ........ .......... ... .. .......... .. 82

5. Table of Contents
3.3 Environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans ... ............................. .......................... .... ...... .... .......... .. 88
Implementation strategy ................ ... ..... ..... ..... ........ ................................................... .. .. .......... ... ...... .. .... ...... ...... ..... ..... ....... 88
3.4 Supervise team members ... ...... ................... .. .... ................................ .... .... .... ......... ................. ........... ............ .... ... ... .. 93
Observing and recognising potentia l improvements .................................... .............................. .... ....................................... 93
3.5 Seek suggestions for improvements .................................. .......... ... ............... .. .... ... ......... ..... .. ... ...... ....... .. .. ........ ....... 96
3.6 Costing strategies ...................... .................. ..... .... .... ........................ ..... .. .................................................................... 99
4 Monitor performance ........................................................................................................................................ 103
4.1 Tools and technology for evaluation and monitoring ................. ........................ ............... ... .... ....... ....... ..... .... ....... 104
Evaluating performance .. .. .................................................. .. ....... .. ....... ... .. .......... .............. .... .. .. ....... ... .......................... .. .. .. 104
4.2 Communicating outcomes .................... ....................... .... .. ............ ............ .. ................ ..... ..... ... .... ... .......... ....... ........ 109
Reports ... ...... .......... .......... .................... .......... ............. ..... ....... .. .... .... ... .. ...... ............. ... ......... ............. ........................ .......... 109
4.3 Evaluate strategies .... .. .... ........ .... .. ....... ....... ............................ ........... ......... ............ .................... ..... ............. .... ...... .. 112
4.4
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New targets, tools and strategies .... ... ........... .... .......................... .... ................... ................... .. ............ ...... ......... ...... 116
Investigate workplace activities to address any conflicts with new target ............. .. ............. ............. ........... ...................... 116
Monitor and evaluate the performance of the target ..... ......... ....... .......... ......... ... .. .... .. .............. ........ .......... .... .. ..... ........... 118
4.5 Promote successful strategies .. .................................................................. .... ... ..... ........... .... .. .... ..... ... .. ..... ........ ...... 120
Internal promotion ......... ................ ... ........ .......... ..... ................ ............. ....... ... ............................ ......... ......................... ..... .. 120
5 Assessment ........................................................................................................................................................ 123
Continuous Assessment against Unit Competencies ........... ....... .......... ........ ..... ......... ....... .... .. ........... ... .......................... 125
Continuous Assessment against Required Skills and Knowledge ..................................................... ..... .......................... 129
Student Assessment Activity .. ..... ........ ... ..... ..... ........ ............... ...... ................................................... .......... .. ..... ... ...... ... .... 133
Student Assessment Submission Form - BSBSUS301A ............. .......... ......... ..... ...... ..... .................. .. .......... ........... ........... 135
Student Declaration ................... .............................. ........... .................. ........................ ... .. ..................... .............. ............... 135
Course Completion Sign-off ........ ............ .......... ........ .................. ...... ...................... ................................................. ... ....... 137
Employability skills matrix .. ... .... ......... .... .. .. .......... .... ...... ... ............. .................................... ...... .... ... ... ......... ...................... 139

6. Workbook introduction
Workbook introduction
How to use this Workbook
Using this workbook is simple . Just follow the instructions. This book can be used for self-paced
learning or in a class. It is always a good idea to learn with others, as you will get many additional
ideas that cannot be covered in a book.
Notes for teachers and trainers
This course material is structured according to the Performance Criteria for the Unit. Each major
heading represents a competency. All tasks under that heading relate to that competency. If the
course is followed in its entirety, tasks will have been completed that demonstrate each of the
competencies.
Participant assessment
Teachers can assess participants in two ways :
• as continuous assessment, by ensuring all the exercises are completed to a satisfactory level
• by requiring a final assessment activity to be completed and submitted
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Resources for both these approaches are provided at the end of this book.
Tasks
Throughout this learner guide, we suggest tasks for you to complete. In many cases, the output of
those tasks will form part of your assessment.
Activities
As you work through the course you will be asked to research some background
issue or gather data in order to do the related exercises or research project.
Case Studies
Occasionally, you will be asked to complete a case study either alone or as part
of a group.
BSBSUS301A- Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices Page 1

7. Workbook introduction
Role Plays
You may also be asked to participate in role-plays. If you are studying alone,
will be provided with alternative activities .
Research or Extension Activities
You may want to find out more about a particular subject. You will have access
to extension materials that give you additional information .
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Resource folder
You w ill be given gu idance on the type of materials you may wish to collate in a
resource folder for use in your workplace .
Group Activity
You will be asked to discuss things as a group or with others if you are working
as part of a class or a group.

8. Performance Criteria
Performance Criteria
Unit Competencies
Competency Element
I Performance Criteria
I
I
Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate
Elements describe the
achievement of the Element. Where bold text is used, further information is
essential outcomes of a
detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or Range Statement.
unit of competency.
Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.
1 Investigate current 1.1 Identify environmental regulations applying to the enterprise
practices in relation to
resource usage 1.2 Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with
en vi ron menta 1/su sta inability regulations
1.3 Collect information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and
procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate
1.4 Collect, analyse and organise information from a range of sources to
provide information/advice and tools/resources for improvement
opportunities
1.5 Measure and document current resource usage of members of the work
group
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1.6 Analyse current purchasing
1.7 Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in
identifying areas for improvement
2 Set targets for 2.1 Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists
improvements
2.2 Access external sources of information and data as required
2.3 Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues
2.4 Set efficiency targets
3 Implement 3.1 Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving
performance efficiency targets
improvement
strategies 3.2 Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of
responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to communicate to
the work group and management
3.3 Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency
improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities
3.4 Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for
improved practices and resource efficiency in work area
3.5 Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency
management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate
3.6 Implement costing strategies to fully value environmental assets

9. Performance Criteria
4 Monitor performance 4 .1 Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring, tools and technology
4.2 Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to
key personnel and stakeholders
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4.3 Evaluate strategies and improvement plans
4.4 Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and
strategies
4.5 Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible

10. Performance Criteria
Required Skills and Knowl edge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
These skills • analytical skills to analyse problems, to devise solutions and to reflect on approaches
must be taken
assessed as part
of this unit
. analytical skills to analyse problems, to devise solutions and to reflect on approaches
taken
• change management skills
• communication skills to answer questions, clarify and acknowledge suggestions
relating to work requirements and efficiency
• communication/consultation skills to support information flow from stakeholders to
the work group
. innovation skills to identify improvements, to apply knowledge about resource use to
organisational activities and to develop tools
• literacy skills to comprehend documentation, to interpret environmental and energy
efficiency requirements, to create tools to measure and monitor improvements and to
report outcomes
• numeracy skills to analyse data on organisational resource consumption and waste
product volumes
• planning and organising skills to implement environmental and energy efficiency
management polices and procedures relevant to own work area
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problem-solving skills to devise approaches to improved environmental sustainability
and to develop alternative approaches as required
• technology skills to operate and shut down equipment; where relevant, to use
software systems for recording and filing documentation to measure current usage;
and to use word processing and other basic software for interpreting charts,
flowcharts, graphs and other visual data and information
• supervisory skills to work effectively with a team
This knowledge • best practice approaches relevant to own area of responsibility and industry
must be • compliance requirements within work area for all relevant environmental/
assessed as part sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice including resource
of this unit hazards/risks associated with work area, job specifications and procedures
• environmental and energy efficiency issues, systems and procedures specific to
industry practice
• external benchmarks and support for particular benchmarks to be used within
organisation, including approaches to improving resource use for work area and
expected outcomes
• OHS issues and requirements
• organisational structure and reporting channels and procedures
• quality assurance systems relevant to own work area
• strategies to maximise opportunities and to minimise impact relevant to own work
area
• supply chain procedures

11. Performance Criteria
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work
environments and situations that may affect performance. Italicised wording in the Performance
Criteria is detailed below.
Compliance may • meeting relevant laws, by-laws and regulations or best practice or codes of
include: practice to support compliance in environmental performance and
sustainability at each level as requ ired (such as Environmental Protection or
Biodiversity Conservation Act) :
• international
• Commonwealth
• state/territory
• industry
• organisation
Sources may include : • organisation specifications
• regulatory sources
. relevant stakeholders
• resource use
Purchasing strategies •WATER suppliers to take up environmental sustainability approaches
influencing
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may include:
• researching and participating in programs such as a supply chain program
to purchase sustainable products
Stakeholders, key
. individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation who have
personnel and direct or indirect interest in the organisation's conduct, actions, products
specialists may include: and services, including:
• customers
• employees at all levels of the organisation
• government
• investors
• local community
• other organisations
• key personnel within the organisation, and specialists outside the organisation
who may have particular technical expertise
Techniques and tools • examination of invoices from suppliers
may include: . examination of relevant information and data
• measurements made under different conditions
• others as appropriate to the specific industry context

12. Performance Criteria
Environmenta l and • addressing environmental and resource susta inability initiatives such as
resource efficiency environmental management systems, action plans, green office programs,
improvement plans may surveys and audits
include:
• applying the waste management hierarchy in the workplace
• determining organisation's most appropriate waste treatment including waste
to landfill, recycling, re-use, recoverable resources and wastewater treatment
• initiating and/or maintaining appropriate organisational procedures for
operational energy consumption, including stationary energy and non-
stationary (transport)
• preventing and minimising risks, and maximising opportunities such as:
• improving resource/energy efficiency
• reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
• reducing use of non-renewable resources
• referencing standards, guidelines and approaches such as :
• ecological footprinting
• Energy Efficiency Opportunities Bill 2005
• Global Reporting Initiative
• green office program- a cultural change program
• green purchasing
• Greenhouse Challenge Plus (Australian Government initiative)
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• ISO 14001:1996 Environmental management systems life cycle analyses
• product stewardship
• supply chain management
• sustainability covenants/compacts
• triple bottom line reporting
Suggestions may include • prevent and minimise risks and maximise opportunities such as :
ideas that help to:
• usage of solar or renewable energies where appropriate
• reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
• reducing use of non-renewable resources
• making more efficient use of resources, energy and water
• maximising opportunities to re-use, recyc le and reclaim materials
• identifying strategies to offset or mitigate environmental impacts:
• purchasing carbon credits
• energy conservation
• reducing chemical use
• reducing material consumption
• expressing purchasing power through the selection of suppliers with improved
environmental performance, e.g. purchasing renewable ene rgy
• eliminating the use of hazardous and toxic materials

13. Performance Criteria
Evidence Guide
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the
Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment
Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for • knowledge of relevant compliance requirements within work area
assessment and
• developing plans to make improvements
evidence required to
demonstrate • planning and organising work group activities in relation to measuring current
competency use and devising strategies to improve usage
• monitoring resource use and improvements for environmental performance
relative to work area and supervision
• ensuring appropriate action is taken within work area in relation to
environmental/sustainability compliance and potential hazards
•
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implementing new approaches to work area in an effort to resolve and improve
environmental
• knowledge of equal employment opportunity, diversity and anti-discrimination
policies and legislation .
Context of and specific Assessment must ensure :
resources for
assessment • access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
• access to a range of environment/sustainability legislation, standards,
guidelines and procedural requirements relevant to specific work area, daily
responsibilities and supervision
• access to a range of information, workplace documentation and resources such
as compliance obligations, organisation plans, work supervision and
responsibilities
• access to reports from other parties involved in the process of identifying and
implementing improvements
• evidence is relevant to the particular workplace role, including work area, staff,
stakeholders, equipment, systems and documentation .

14. Performance Criteria
Method of assessment • direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third
party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
response to case studies
• review of reports of activities of work group in relation to measuring resource
use and developing improvement strategies
• review of work plans outlining approaches to improved practices with
documented benchmarks
• analysis of the way in which advice is sought and suggestions are made about
improvements
• observation over time and in a range of situations in relation to review of
overall work area and staff, to assess and measure resource use, hazards and
compliance
•
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review of checklists to identify and assess resource usage at the beginning and
end of the unit; reports on meetings around procedures and improvement
processes and monitoring within the workplace; lists of environmental
hazards/risks or inefficiencies or opportunities for improvements identified in
the workplace
• analysis of implementation of programs such as a green office program, supply
chain program for purchasing sustainable products, or an environmental
management framework
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of environmental and energy
efficiency issues, systems and procedures specific to industry practice.

15. Element 1 1 Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
When you have finished this section, you should be able
to demonstrate your ability to:
Performance Criteria • Identify environmental regulations applying to the
enterprise
• Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with
environmental/sustainability regulations
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Collect information on environmental and resource
efficiency systems and procedures, and provide to
the work group where appropriate
• Collect, analyse and organise information from a
range of sources to provide information/advice and
tools/resources for improvement opportunities
• Measure and document current resource usage of
members of the work group
• Analyse and document current purchasing strategies
• Analyse current work processes to access
information and data to assist in identifying areas
for improvement

16. Environmental regulations Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
1.1 Environmental regulations
"Analyse procedure's for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability
regulations"
Environmental regulations
Environmental sustainability is the responsibility of every Environment np: It takes 95% less
member of the community, from households to energy to make Aluminium from
businesses to international organisations such as the used cans then to make it from
United Nations. To ensure that this responsibility is taken Bauxite- a non-renewable resource.
seriously and put into effect, rules and regulations have Always think about recycling before
been created as frameworks to encouraging sound disposing of products.
environmental behaviour.
These rules and regulations are often initiated by governments and international regulators, which
have the power and the authority to pass environmental laws. Organisations must abide by these
laws as they carry out their business activities, or face harsh consequences.
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Minimising environmental impact is so important that these regulatory bodies have taken on a
collective responsibility to safeguard the environment on a global level and therefore create
regulations with the aim of minimising harm and preserving resources .
Governments hold themselves accountable for the global environmental impact. For example,
over 178 countries have now signed the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement that commits
participating developed countries to targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions largely through
national guidelines (see http://unfccc.int/kyoto protocol/items/2830.php).
In December 2007, the Australian Government ' ratified' (agreed to) the protocol and this came into
force in March 2008 . The Kyoto Protocol has a compliance agreement with signed partners.
Governments that fail to meet the agreement are penalised, which includes an additional 30%
reduction in emissions in the next reporting period.
To successfully comply with the Kyoto Protocol, the Australian Government will need to work in
partnership with the community and organisations to reduce greenhouse emissions. This support
could be sought by a combination of compliance with laws, regulations and guidelines and by
organisations and individuals voluntarily taking further action to assist emission reduction.
Environmental rules and regulations are very specific and have strict compliance guidelines including
obligations on organisations to report certain incidents with environmental impact, such as chemical
spills. Organisations that do not strictly comply with the rules can face severe penalties, both legally
and financially, and such breaches can also compromise the future of the organisation if licences or
permits are revoked due to a bad environmental record .

17. Investigate current practices in relation to Environmental regulations
resource usage
These regulations also assist in framing the environmental policy of an organisation . By developing
policies and procedures to meet the essential laws and legislation, an organisation can then begin to
broaden its policies to include 'involuntary' policies that will reduce its depletion of resources and
therefore assist the environment.
Why comply?
Organisations comply with environmental regulations and best practices for a number of reasons :
• Legal compliance : they are bound by laws Triple bottom line: An entity's report on its
and regulations. Remember, as an performance, including environmental and
individual you are also held accountable social dimensions, as well as financial.
for adhering to laws.
• Stakeholders: shareholders, investors, Ecological footprint: The full impact an entity
community members, suppliers, (individual/organisation/country) has on the
customers and employees will be environment through its everyday activities-
reassured that the organisation to which from the energy used in the production of food,
they are committing themselves, whether to greenhouse gases emitted, to the use of
investing their money or time, is both water and other natural resources.
environmentally responsible and adheres
to rules and regulations.
• Non-compliance could lead to serious breaches that could affect the community in close
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proximity to the organisation, e.g. contaminated water supply due to oil leakage. Therefore
compliance is important to safeguard the community.
• Protect the environment: by organisations complying with the laws set by these regulatory
bodies, potential harm to the environment is minimised.
• The organisation is seen as a good corporate citizen in the community. It assists their 'triple
bottom line' (communicated in environmental and sustainable development policies as part of
the organisation's official reporting) .
• The organisation is reducing its ecological footprint, therefore preserving the environment.
Identifying workplace environmental regulations
Whether you work in a petro-chemical company that extracts and refines natural oil or gas or a
motor mechanic workshop that fixes cars, your workplace will have an impact on the environment.
Understanding and identifying the environmental im pact your organisation has will allow you to
understand which legislation could be relevant.
Activities in your workplace can affect the following components of the environment:
• air
• water
• noise

18. Environmental regulations Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
• soil- above ground
• non-renewable resources- below ground
• people
• plants
• animals
To minim ise the impacts on the above, organisations need to adhere to different laws, depending on
the ir size and business activities.
For example, a large multinational company such as BHP Billiton with mining as its core business has
the potential to affect the full range of resources listed above . Additionally, it has interests in most
states within Austral ia and has large operations internationally. Therefore, BHP is likely to have many
environmental laws and legislation imposed to minimise the impact on all of the above resources by
many levels of government (Federal, State, local) in each country in which it operates. Its
environmental accountability is large because of its widespread activities.
In contrast, a mechanic/panel beating shop in a regional area may have fewer laws and policies to
follow in order to run its business. However, the process of identifying these laws and policies will be
similar to that experienced by BHP Billiton. In order to identify relevant laws and regulations, the
business will need to :
1. Examine all the operations of the organisation, i.e. mechanic/panel-beating shop with
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petrol bowsers has a number of operational activities it will need to consider.
2. Examine its size, not only in terms of employees but in terms of outlets or affiliated
subsidiaries.
3. Examine the organisation's potential areas of environmental impact, e.g. water, soil,
and air. Remember, even though an organisation is not 'mining' non-renewable
resources such as coal from the ground, it is impacting on these resources. For example,
it is contributing to greenhouse gases by using electricity and can minimise waste and
potential spillages depending on how it deals with waste oil and car parts .
4. Examine permits and licences the organisation currently holds and the laws that govern
these permits. These permits and licences should be filed within the Environmental
Management Plan and should be easily accessed . A yearly audit should be conducted to
ascertain if changes have been made to the permits and licences.
5. Research any new laws that have been released that affect the organisation. This could
include contacting the local council area in which the mechanic shop is located, or by
contacting its relevant industry association i.e . Motor Trades Association of Australia .
6. Be aware of government environmental policies that govern your organisation on all
levels, i.e. Federal, State and local, and be aware of when new laws come into affect.

19. Investigate current practices in relation to Environmental regulations
resource usage
·············---··-····- ····-·····-··--------·-····-··--·---·-····--····----··--- -----··------·-·-······----··--···
Task 1: Environmental regulators
Investigate the possible environmental regulators your workplace or the
organisation that is coordinating your training needs to report to .
Prepare a summary of your findings that identifies the name and contact details
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of the regulator and the organisation's obligations and responsibilities . You
should store this information in your resource folder so that you can refer to it
in your job role .
If you are completing this unit of study in a group learning environment, you
should participate in a discussion with your colleagues, where you compare and
contrast your findings.

20. Environmental regulations Investigate current practices In relation to
resource usage
Task 2: National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, requires
organisations to report on their greenhouse gas emissions, energy
consumption and production of gas emissions.
It is now mandatory for organisations to register and report on their
consumption:
1. If the facility/workspace they control emits 25 kilotonnes or more of
greenhouse gases or produces/consumes 100 terajoules or more of energy
OR
2. As an operational group (i.e. all offices and facilities) the organisation
emits 125 kilotonnes or more greenhouse gases or produces/consumes
500 terajoules or more of energy.
Emissions cover-
• the combustion of fuels for energy
• emissions from the extraction of coal
• WATER
oil and gas MATTERS
• manufacturing processes
• waste management
Corporations that fall under these guidelines needed to collate information
and keep records from 1 July 2008 and w ill need to report in the 2008/2009
financial year.
It is predicted that, by 2010-11, over 700 medium and large Australian
organisations need to include this in their reporting systems.
Observing this Act will depend on the size and nature of the organisation's
operations.
Activity
Refer to the case study above and identify three Australian organisations likely
to be affected by the legislation . Give reasons as to why you believe they need
to comply.
For more information on the Act go to
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/reporting/legislation/index.html
--- · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -...

21. Investigate current practices in relation to Environmental regulations
resource usage
Conclusion
Environmenta l regulators create laws and regulations to ensure everyday workplace practices create
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minimal harm to the environment and commun ities . These regulators affect individuals,
organisations, commun itie? and governments at all levels. Non-compliance could mean tough
pena lties and even cance llation of permits in order for regulations to be taken seriously and
responsibly.

22. Procedures for assessing compliance Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
1.2 Procedures for assessing compliance
"Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with
environmental/sustainability regulations"
Governments and regulatory bodies have devised Environment Tip: Window tinting
environmental laws in order to conserve resources and can reduce sun and heat entering a
protect the environment. These laws have strict guidelines building and heat escaping. This
that organisations, governments and individuals are legally assists in reducing energy required
required to observe and operate under and impose financial to heat or cool and also reduces
penalties and possible legal action if they fail to comply. costs.
As we have seen in Section 1.1, organisations comply not only because of legal requirements
and environmental protection, but also because of their corporate reputation . More and more,
companies see the benefit of reporting their 'triple bottom line' or their environmental record.
A negative environmental record (particularly in the case of significant or recurring breaches)
could damage the organisation's relationship with its stakeholders and the flow-on effect could
be a decrease in profits.
In the case of large organisations, consistently negative environmental reports could mean investors
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or shareholders withdraw their support, thereby affecting the stability of the organisation.
Equally importantly, customers and clients of organisations are becoming more environmentally
aware and will often choose to give their custom to suppliers/organisations that support their views
-loss of custom means loss of money. For example, if your car needed servicing, would you take it to
the local mechanic/panel beating shop that has been repeatedly fined for incorrectly disposing of
non-soluble paints and thinners, or would you consider the shop next door that has an unblemished
record?
Finally, an increasing number of organisations are very serious about the environment and wish to
reduce their 'ecological footprint' and preserve the environment.
Environmental regulations
There is a global recognition of the fragility of the environment by Governments, Non-Government
Organisations (NGOs), businesses and the community. Governments and international regulators
have taken responsible action by devising laws and regulations to minimise the impact society
continues to have on the environment.
Environmental regulations and laws come from a number of different areas- from international laws
to local government perm its. They affect households, communities, organisations and even
governments (see the Kyoto Protocol above) .

23. Investigate current practices in relation to Procedures for assessing compliance
resource usage
Laws and regulations are usually formulated with much consultation and advice from key
stakeholders (NGOs, environmentalists, community groups, indigenous populations, industry bodies
and organisations) . They are devised to protect and preserve the environment whilst taking into
account the needs of industry and commerce and attempt to find a balance where organisations can
operate profitably with minimal environmental affect.
The levels of regulatory bodies follow:
• international
• Commonwealth
• states/territories
• local government
• industry associations
• the organisation itself
International laws WATER MATTERS
International laws and/or protocols ensure that the global environment is protected. There are well
over a thousand existing laws and agreements dealing with environmental matters. These laws can
affect all levels of society from governments to businesses. Some of these are mandatory and some
voluntary. The Kyoto Protocol is one example of a regulation that governments voluntarily ratify or
agree to, but once agreed, the country has to comply or face penalties.
An example is the United Nations' Convention on the law of the sea, which includes provisions
relating to the use of the sea and its resources- from rights to resources of the sea to the
management and conservation of those resources. Such international laws are agreed to at the
highest level of Government of countries, including Australia, and therefore are applicable to
organisations in Australia.
Another important International regulator is the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO),
which sets standards and laws for organisations and business on an international level. One of its
most well known standards is ISO 1400 which outlines environmental management systems and
tools. Most environmentally aware organisations will include ISO 1400 as one of the
policies/procedures it needs to comply with (http://www.iso.org/iso/iso 14000 essentials).

24. Procedures for assessing compliance Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
Task 3: Kyoto Protocol
Conduct some research on The Kyoto Protocol and write a brief summary of:
• its history
• its compliance requirements
• countries that have 'ratified' the law
• any success stories surrounding the Protocol
The following website may be of assistance :
http://unfcc.int/kyoto protocol/items
Commonwealth laws
These laws are made at the highest level of Government in Australia. The department that
administers these laws is the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
(http :/ /www.environment.gov.au/) . There are five Councils that report to the department including:
Nationa l Environment Protection Council (NEPC), Environment Protection and Heritage Council
(EPHC), Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE), National Resource Management Ministerial Council
WATER MATTERS
(NRMMC) and the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC). These councils adm inister legislation
and Acts to conserve the environment. Some of these acts include:
The Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act {1999} is a pivotal Act in the Australian Federal
Government's environmental legislation. The Act allows the Federal Government to work with
Australian states and territories to provide protection for the environment, biodiversity and our
heritage . The Act applies to:
• World and National Heritage sites
• Wetlands of international importance
• Nationally threatened species and ecological communities
• Migratory species
• Commonwealth marine areas
1
• Nuclear actions
The Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act {2007} is another Act passed by the Commonwealth. As
discussed in Case Study 1, this Act calls for organisations to consider their greenhouse emissions and
energy production/consumption and report this data if it is above the threshold amount.
1
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), fact sheet,
http://www.environment.gov.au/) .

25. Investigate current practices in relation to Procedures for assessing compliance
resource usage
States and Territories
States and Territories have their own departments that govern environmental laws . The Department
of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is a relevant department in NSW, for example . This
department' s key environiT!ental regulation is the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
(POEO Act) which enables the NSW Government to set Protection of the Environment Policies or
PEPs. The POEO Act was initiated as the sole licensing requirement relating to air, water and noise
pollution and to waste management.
The act requires organisations that operate in industrial activities to apply for an environmental
protection licence. Conditions of the licence include pollution prevention and cleaner production as
well as other cond it ions. Non-compliance at the most serious level can attract a fine of up to $5
million and a seven-yea r jail term.
Following are some the relevant state government departments that deal with environmental laws
and regulations across Australia:
STATE/TERRITORY DEPARTMENT/WEBSITE
Australian Capital Territory
WATER Municipal Services www.tams.act.gov.au
Territory and
MATTERS
Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure www.dgi.nt.gov.au
New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Department of Water and Energy (OWE)
www.dwe .nsw.gov.au
South Australia The Environment Protection Authority www.ega .sa.gov.au
Tasmania Department of Primary Industries, Water and the Environment
www.dgiw.tas.gov.au
Queensland Environmental Protection Agency www .eQa.gld.gov.au
Victoria Environment Protection Authority www.eQa .vic.gov.au
Western Australia Department of Environmental Protection www.dec.wa.gov.au

26. Procedures for assessing compliance Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
Undertake further research to determine if this affects the organisation
you work in .
Summarise your findings. You should store the information that you gather
and a copy of your summary in your resource folder .
Local government WATER MATTERS
Local Councils also have a number of environmental laws and regulations for constituents, whether
individuals or organisations. For example, Bankstown City Council has a large industrialised area
within its boundaries (www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au ). This Council is ensuring its constituents comply
with The Protection of the Environment Operations Act (as detailed above) and has initiated its
'Environmental Review of Industry Program' which assists in the uptake and understanding of the Act.
The Council has made a commitment to the following to minimise environmental damage within its
area: Auto Dismantlers Environmental Review & Education Project-1997, Urban Stormwater
Management in Local Council Operations -1999, CARE Companies Aware and Responsible for the
Environment Project- 1999/2000, Cooks River Environmental Assessment and Education Project-
2000.
Local governments are themselves required to comply with state or federal laws and regulations .

27. Investigate current practices In relation to Procedures for assessing compliance
resource usage
Case Study: Government reporting to Government -
The Department of Water and Energy has water sustainability campaigns that
affect organisations, government departments and local councils.
One regulation is in the Sydney Water Catchment area where organisations,
councils, government departments with annual water usage greater than 50 ML
must prepare water savings action plans.
To ensure compliance, the Department of Water and Energy have:
• documented guidelines for creating plans
• a template tool to calculate and extract data to complete
the plan
• guide notes and detailed technical information on water
saving plans
• a help desk.
The information OWE provides highlights the point that regulations WANT
organisations and other enterprises to be successful, therefore they provide a
range of assistance to promote this success.
WATER MATTERS
Industry bodies
Industry bodies are formed in most industries to represent collective interests of member
organisations . They provide assistance to organisations in the form of lobbying government and can
also assist organisations by providing guidance on compliance with relevant laws.
For example, the Australian Institute of Petroleum assists in developing legislation and develops best
practice guidelines for its members. The Institute is also working with the Federal Government and
its members to develop sound waste management and recycling programs to ensure minimal
environmental damage.
Case Study: Australian Institute for Petroleum
The Australian Institute of Petroleum has worked with the Federal
Government and its members to develop a program to recycle plastic oil
containers so that they may be re-used as other industrial products. It
estimates that over 30 million motor oil containers are used every year
with most of these containers being disposed of in landfill.
The program encourages end consumers to dispose of these containers
in specifically designated waste collection facilities where the plastic is
recycled and the residual oil is recovered for reuse .

28. Procedures for assessing compliance Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
Assessing needs for compliance
Assessing which permits or licences that an organisation needs to adhere to will require an audit of
the organisation's operations.
An audit of the organisation's operations includes:
• business activity/ies
• size of organisation in terms of human resources and premises
• identifying current energy usage levels
• location of all its premises (locally, interstate/internationally)
• potential environmental impact/s
• pollutants the organisation is likely to emit and proposed methods to
minimise these pollutants
• disposal of waste and proposed methods to minimise environmental
damage
WATER MATTERS
• its commitment to environmental sustainability and to limit its ecological
footprint
Once this been established, the organisation would then go to the relevant authorities to assist with
ensuring that the relevant licences/permits have been obtained and the relevant laws the
organisation needs to operate under. As we have seen above, these include:
• your industry association
• local council
• state government- contact the department that has responsibility for the
environment (as listed above) relevant to your State. Such departments should
also be able to advise what legislation at a Federal level the organisation needs
to comply with .
• Federal Government- as with the State Departments, Federal Government
Departments should be able to advise what laws, regulations and licence the
organisations needs to operate under. They should also advise if there are any
international organisations the company is likely to need to comply with.

29. Investigate current practices in relation to Procedures for assessing compliance
resource usage
.... ··········---------·-···-····-·-········-······-------···-······-·················---------·--···-·····-·-·····--·-
Task 5: Identify environmental obligations
You work at Dubbo Motor Mechanic and Panel Beaters. You have been asked
to research the regulators and the laws and regulations you are required to
co mply with . You need to consider:
• Size: about 20 people work in the business. It has a large workshop for the
mechanic and panel beating area (you are free to decide on the physical
size).
• Mechanic worksh,op : full mechanic service therefore dealing with oils,
petrol, lubricants, spare parts etc.
• Store has two petrol bowsers and sells oils/lubricants to customers .
• Panel beating workshop: Full service, therefore dealing with paints and
sealants, and car panels and replacements
• Office: administration- faxes, photocopiers, printers etc .
• Regulators: local council, industry associations, state and federal
governments.
Write a brief report summarising your findings .
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To illustrate the application of the environmental regulations detailed above, consider that if an
organisation operating in NSW is involved in industrial production, it will need to contact the State
Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) to ascertain if it w ill need to apply for an
environmental licence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act. Further, if it is
producing or emitting greenhouse gas levels that fit into the reporting categories as set by the
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, it will need to gather the relevant data in order
to comply with the reporting requirements . Finally, if it wishes to improve its environmental record
and implement comprehensive environmental management systems, it could implement the
International Standard ISO 1400.
With a multinational company such as BHP Billiton, this exercise will have to be repeated with
respect to each jurisdiction in which it operates .
Ensuring compl iance is essential to every organisation, as failure to comply can lead to harsh financial
penalties and potential damage to its environmental record . For example, Caltex has twelve
environmental protection licences. In 2007, it recorded 21 instances of non-compliance and in four
cases, it breached environmental legislation . These were reported and did not result in infringement
notices. All cases were reviewed and plans put into place to ensure violation would not recur. The
company, however, was fined for a diesel leak from pipe work at a depot in Moree. The company
had to pay $12,000 for polluting the surrounding waters and a further $15,000 for failure to disclose.

30. Procedures for assessing compliance Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
Conclusion
It is vital that an organisation understands its legal obligations in terms of environmental
WATER MATTERS
management. Laws have been created in consultation with various stakeholders, including
government departments, industry organisations and the community, so that organisations can
continue to operate with minimal impact on the environment. The organisation should comply not
only because of lega l impl ications but because of a competitive need to demonstrate environmental
best practice .

31. Investigate current practices in relation to Collect relevant information for the workgroup
resource usage
1.3 Collect relevant information for the workgroup
"Collect information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and
procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate"
It is best practice for an organisation to:
• document policies and procedures
• address environmental obligations
• demonstrate how it will reduce resource wastage
Commonly, this is to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits and licences the
organisation operates under, but can also include other guidelines and policies the organisation has
decided to implement to increase its resource efficiency, thereby being a more environmentally
responsible organisation. Such guidelines and policies will vary from organisation to organisation .
Many will implement an Environmental Management Plan .
An Environmental Management Plan addresses the organisation's business activities and cross
references this with the organisation's likely environmental impacts to determine key resource
WATER MATTERS
depletion issues and ways in which these issues can be addressed within the workplace . It becomes
a blueprint for the organisation to achieve its environmental objectives .
.---------------------------~
An important part of the process is the development of Environment Tip: One tonne of
operational plans to include environmental and resource recycled paper saves 13 trees, 2.5
efficiency systems, reporting and workplace procedures. barrels of oil, 4100 kWh of
electricity, 4 cubic metres of landfill,
The development of these systems and procedures requires and 31870 litres of water.
careful research to ensure that the plan achieves its (www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
objectives.
Researching resources systems and procedures
1. Examine current procedures and systems
Your organisation may have established an environmental file, which should include all the relevant
information on the organisation's environmental performance. It should include the current
legislation and permits it operates under and the systems and procedures that have been developed
to comply with the legislation . This file should also include audits to demonstrate compliance and any
documentation relating to breaches.

32. Collect relevant information for the workgroup Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
It is important to examine this file to ensure that duplication of systems does not occur and also to
ascertain the relevance and quality of the procedures. For example, if there are continual breaches
to established systems and procedures it could mean :
• Training and education on the procedure has not been understood and needs to
be reviewed.
• Employees are not adhering to the strict guidelines therefore compromising the
integrity of the organisation.
• The procedure is flawed and needs reviewing.
Further, when any new law or regulation affects the organisation, it needs to respond. New
procedures and/or systems may need to be developed or existing procedures and/or systems
modified to ensure compliance.
2. Legal reporting mechanisms
Organisations can benefit by having a better understanding of their environmental impact and
potential efficiencies in operation as a result of legislation. Each piece of legislation has set
compliance guidelines, procedures and systems that need to be created by the organisation to
ensure compliance .
WATER MATTERS
For example, the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (administered by the NSW
Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)) has clear licensing conditions which
could require an organisation to monitor the pollutants it emits. A workplace procedure/system
would therefore need to be implemented to monitor its pollution production.
3. Research Environmental Plans of competitors and other companies
Many organisations now report on their 'triple bottom line' and proudly announce their
environmental plans and procedures. This would typically be in their annual report or on their
corporate website .
By studying how these organisations have implemented environmental policies/ procedures and by
analysing their environmental record, you will gain insight into the va lidity of the procedures and
whether these could be relevant to your organisation.
4. Environmental regulators best practice guidelines
Environmental regulators at all levels (from international to local government) will assist
organisation in their attempts to comply with legislation and develop sound environmental policies
and procedures . Whilst seeking information from relevant regulators regarding the legislation your
organisations needs to comply with, you can also enquire as to any suggested policy and procedures
guidelines the department may have.

33. Investigate current practices In relation to Collect relevant Information for the workgroup
resource usage
For example, the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) in New South Wales
regularly conducts compliance and audit reviews on environmental management practices.
Such reviews include an audit of premises, best environmental management practices and the
development of educational material. Government departments want organisations to comply
with legislation and therefore will assist organisations in achieving compliance.
Industry Associations may also have information regarding best practice guidelines that will assist
the ir members to comply with standards, rules and regulations and other initiatives. They can also
advise on environmenta l trends in the industry, both nationally and internationally.
Case Study: BHP Biliton
BHP Billiton has a statement highlighting its commitment to meeting the
climate change challenge (see
www.bhpbilliton .com.au/sustainabledevelopment).
For example, some of the targets include:
• Individual site plans and targets where every site is required to create
and manage a greenhouse gas and energy management plan. Targets
are incorporated into the business plan, are monitored and reported .
• Group targets for energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions
targets of 13% and 6% respectively.
• WATER MATTERS
Working towards understanding full life cycle of products to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions not just in production but in their final end use .
By studying BHP Billiton' s climate change documentation; other mineral
exploration organisations across the globe could learn from BHP' s commitment
and implement similar action plans and targets.
Task 6: Environmental policies
Choose three large-scale multinational organisations in the same industry
(for example, Hewlett Packard, Apple Computers and Dell). Research their
environmental policy and prepare a short presentation on the :
• similarities
• differences
• approach (i.e. is triple bottom line reporting important to them?)
Task 7: Industry Associations
Research your industry association and document any environmental best
practice guidel ines it suggests for your industry.
You should reta in the information that you gather in your resource folder.

34. Collect relevant information for the workgroup Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
TaskS
You are a supervisor at Dubbo Motor Mechanic and Panel Beaters in Central
NSW. Your organisation offers a full range of mechanical repairs and panel
beating services; has petrol bowsers and sells lubricants.
The organisation is a high end user of lubricants and oil. Your customers are
predominantly farmers and some of these customers regularly service their
own vehicles.
Tom, your boss, has recently attended a seminar run by the Australian Institute
of Petroleum where he learnt about the recycling project. He has asked you to
find out more information regarding the program and to make a
recommendation on whether the business should consider promoting the
program as part of its environmental plan.
To assist in your research, the following websites are relevant:
www.aip.com.au ; www.oilrecycling.gov.au
www.vippackaging.com.au/sustainabilityservices
You will need to prepare a report where you discuss your findings and make
specific recommendations . Please refer below for important issues that your
report should address .
In your research and report, you need to consider:
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• This is not a legally binding initiative; does the organisation want to comply?
• Is this an operational procedure the organisation wants to take on or does the
business already comply with legislation regarding the disposal of plastic oil
containers? If it is a new operational procedure, you will need to outline procedures
to be written regarding recycling, i.e . will containers be delivered to the facility on a
daily or weekly basis, for example.
• Who will administer the policy?
• What training needs to be conducted?
• Will the organisation also encourage end users to participate and if so, how will it
be communicated? Is there any supporting material available from AlP?
• Would a survey of customers help in deciding whether the business will participate?
• Is there any industry reporting mechanism encouraging end user participation?
• Is the local council involved in the program? If so, what support does it provide?
• Is there a waste collection facility in the local area to encourage customer
participation? Remember that customers could be within a radius of 100 km, given
it is a farming community. Could your business be a collection point and deliver the
containers on behalf of customers to encourage participation? If so, what
procedures will need to be created?
• Will the organisation have a target for engaging customers and how will it measure
and report this? (Note a positive article about the business environmental initiative
in the local paper could bring more custom to the business!)

35. Investigate current practices in relation to Collect relevant information for the workgroup
resource usage
5. Customers/clients and other stakeholders
As you are no doubt aware, society is becoming increasingly environmentally aware, including your
customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Suppliers are an important. source of information regarding trends in products. Some of the valuable
information they can give could relate to more energy efficient methods of production, inclusion of
recyclable products and more environmentally sound disposal methods of these products. By talking
to suppliers, new purchasing procedures could be implemented to reduce resource usage.
Additionally, business practices can be analysed and more efficient work practices can be introduced.
For example, water and energy utility companies have very valuable information to impart. For
example, we saw in an earlier Case Study that the Department of Water and Energy passed
legislation that affects entities in the Sydney Catchment area . In order to assist organisations comply
with this, Sydney Water altered its Every Drop Counts program (introduced in 2001) to work in
tandem with the OWE action plans. Although the Every Drop Counts program is voluntary, over 300
businesses have incorporated the plan in their water management systems. The tools for the
program includes software that enables an organisation to measure and rate its water management
plan, which reduces costs and improves environmental performance .
WATER MATTERS
The electricity sector is the biggest contributor in Australia to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore,
this sector is extremely aware of the need to reduce their impact and to assist consumers to similarly
reduce their usage . They, therefore, can advise households and business on available programs or
alternative energy solutions that will reduce their ecological footprint. One such program is
Greenpower- an initiative by the Federal Government that gives entities the opportunity to buy
renewable energy through their energy supplier from biomass, hydro and wind power sources. You
will find further information at www.greenpower.gov.au .
Visy Close Loop is a supplier of recyclable and environmentally sound packaging for food in large
venues and food outlets. It also has waste recycling capabilities and can suggest and implement
educational programs to assist in training employees on these new recycling procedures. You will
find more information about this organisation at www.visyclosedloop.com .
This is but one example of how suppliers can impart sound environmental information on a variety of
products. Other examples exist across a broad range of industries.
Customers are also important, as they keep the doors of the business open . They can also make a
business more environmentally accountable. For example, by surveying customers on their likelihood
of becoming involved in the recycling of plastic oil containers, you may find that participation in the
initiative could bring Tom's business (refer Activity 8 above) more business!

36. Collect relevant information for the workgroup Investigate current practices in relation to
resource usage
6. Environmental websites and media
The Internet is an invaluable research tool, as it allows you access to information across the globe.
Websites such as www.energyrating.gov.au which gives information on the most energy efficient
machines and equipment, are easily found. The information it provides could reduce resource
consumption in businesses and therefore improve their environmental impact.
Environmental media such as www.wme.com.au/magazine/ reports on current environmental issues
within the business community and can give great ideas on environmental and resource efficiency
systems .
7. Environmental consultants and not-for-profits
There are many organisations whose core purpose is to assist businesses with their environmental
reporting systems . The Global Reporting Initiative (www.globalreporting.org) is one such
WATER MATTERS
organisation. It gives organisations guidelines on environmental reporting (over and above
compliance with legislation) on a global scale, and gives direction as to why such reporting is
important.
There are many Australian-based organisations that also assist businesses to form an Environmental
Management Plan under which to operate.
Conclusion
As society becomes more environmentally aware, organisations are forced to find new methods
and strategies to carry out their workplace practices whilst minimising harm to the environment.
With this new awareness has come a plethora of new products and systems to assist organisations
in their endeavours. These come from all levels of government, industry, and suppliers. Therefore,
consultation with these stakeholders is important to enable organisations to make sound
environmental decisions.

37. Investigate current practices in relation to Provide information and advice for improvement
resource usage opportunities
1.4 Provide information and advice for improvement opportunities
"Collect, analyse and. organise information from a range of sources to provide
information/advice and tools/resources for improvement opportunities"
After collecting information from a range of sources, an organisation is then able to consolidate its
findings and develop policies and procedures best suited for its individual needs and to further
improve its own Environmental Management Plan . By documenting a plan to meet environmental
legislation and to implement a more environmentally sound work practice, the organisation is
formalising its environmental commitment.
Why create plans?
Environmental Management Plans enable organisations to formally document their policies and
procedures, to address their environmental obligations and demonstrate how they will reduce
resource wastage .
In the first instance, these are usually policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable
environmental legislation, permits and licences.
However, Environmental Management Plans can also include other guidelines and policies the
organisation has decided to implement to increase its resource efficiency, thereby being a more
WATER MATTERS
environmentally responsible organisation. Such guidelines and policies will vary from organisation to
organisation.
For example, the project to recycle plastic oil containers in Activity 8, above is not something that
Dubbo Motor Mechanic and Panel Beaters needs to comply with, but including it in the business's
Environmental Management Plan assisted in its 'triple bottom line' reporting. Another example: a
coffee shop may start to use recyclable cups and food containers after consultation with its waste
disposal suppliers .
How Environmental Management plans are created
Environmental Management Plans take time to create, as the completed plan establishes how the
business will be run in the future. It is a very important document, and to ensure it is relevant,
technically and legally sound, is credible and achievable, will require a considerable investment in
time and effort. This could include:
1. Information Gathering
Information may be gathered from a variety of sources. As you have discovered in Section 1.3, this
can include :
• examining current procedures and systems
• examining legal compliance requirements
• researching environmental plans of competitors and other companies