Environmental_Management

Environmental Management Assignment 1 Tutor: Rajesh Kanhai School of Business and Computing Sciences Table of Contents Segment(s) Particulars Page Numbers 1.0 Introduction 3 – 6 2.0 Historical Perspective 6 – 8 3.0 Identifying Environmental Aspects/Impacts 9– 14 4.0 Legislation and Regulations 15 - 16 5.0 Determining risk significance 16 - 21 6.0 Findings 22 - 26 7.0 Conclusion 30 8.0 Referencing 31 - 32 Tables and Diagrams Figure 1 Relationship between activities/aspects/impacts 4 Figure 2 Process Flow Diagrams - receiving of goods 7 Figure 3 Process Flow diagram –distribution of goods 8 Table 1 Major activities at the centre 9 Table 2 Aspect/Impact Identification 10 - 14 Table 3 Legislation and regulations 15 - 16 Table 4 Risk Ranking 17 Table 5 Severity/Likelihood determination 18 Table 6 Risk Level Ratings 19 Table 7 Risk Rating descriptors 19 Table 8 Traffic Cones Scheme 20 Table 9 Risk significance of identified aspects 21 Table 10 Mitigation measures 27 - 30 Table 11 Residual Risks 30 1.0 Introduction To develop and survive, progressive development needs to occur. Development means a transformation of the economy and society through the actions of people and organizations. Business activities, products, and services though considerable, can negatively affect the benefits of progress. The actions of people and organizations have affected all life systems crossing boundaries both globally and locally. In achieving growth, the support system, which sustains life on earth, the atmosphere, the water, soil, and living beings, should not be endangered. A significant environmental aspect (SEA) is one that has significant environmental impact (SEI) or has the potential to cause significant impact. ‘Significance is a relative term and is determined by assessing the relative risks of various activities, products, or services’, Resource Smart Government. These may include discharges and emissions, raw materials and energy use, waste recycling, noise, dust and visual pollution. The environmental impact is the change that takes place from the occurrence of any given aspect. Figure 1. Relationship between Activities, Products and Services and Aspects and Impacts To determine Environmental Aspects (EA) sustainable development, life cycle development, and continuous improvement must be addressed. Management practices must address the minimization of all adverse EIs from the design phase of a product, service, or activity. ‘The focus must be on the minimization of pollution, waste, and resource consumption at all levels in the organization, Martin (1998). Commitment of organizations must include ‘recovery, recycle, and reuse, encouragement of environmental management systems in suppliers and contractors and sharing of technical expertise’, Martin (1998). The relationship between EIs and EAs is causal, that is, the impact is the result if an environmental aspect, is not properly identified, controlled, and managed. Aspects identification is critical since it is from this identification of the potential to affect the environment, which the rest of the system develops (Zobel 2001, 2002: Mazzarra 2009: Lundberg 2005). If improperly identified or managed the results can be of major significance and impact. Stringency and transparency are crucial in aspect identification. Zobel (2002) and Lundberg (2005) have reinforced this through studies. These researchers have reported on difficulties, which arise in establishing EAs and the lack of transparency and reproducibility in aspect identification, (Zobel 2001, 2002: Mazzarra 2009: Lundberg 2005). Gernuks et al (2006) identified the lack of a systematic approach to EA identification and the level of subjectivity and lack of expertise by users. There are two kinds of aspects: those that are a direct result of facility operations and those that are indirect results of facility operations. ‘EA is a key component in environmental management; it describes the relevant issues that management needs to address irrespective of level of abstraction e.g. waste management, global warming, and resource extraction lack of knowledge about process emissions, toxic material management, and biodiversity’, Flemstrom (2003). The identifying of environmental aspects will then define the scope of responsibility to which an organization becomes responsible and which addresses the actions needed for sustainable strategic development. 2.0 Historical Perspective Holiday Snacks Limited (HSL) is a manufacturing company of snacks sited at two locations in Trinidad. The plant is located approximately twenty miles from the distribution centre, which is the topic of this discussion. The administrative offices and warehouses are located at the distribution centre. The primary activities at this location include the receiving of goods from the plant and the loading and offloading of these materials to sales trucks and containers for shipping. The staffing includes almost two hundred personnel consisting of warehouse, sales and office personnel. HSL has thirty-nine trucks on the local markets and on a weekly basis ships twenty containers to the islands. Goods and services are received on a daily basis from both the plant and external customers. Incoming materials are transferred to site using trailer trucks between the hours of 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. Sales trucks services customers during the same period. When materials are received on site, they are transferred to a platform for identification and inspection using forklifts. Goods are segregated and placed in the main warehouse based on its destination. Non-conforming materials are transferred to a separate location for return to its senders. All documents are examined, authorized, and sent to the administrative offices for processing. During these hours, containers will also be filtering into the system for loading and shipping to the islands. Between the hours of 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm, sales trucks would also be returning to the yard, loading for the following day. Preprinted orders generated by the administrative department are used for the loading of all containers and trucks. Advertising materials identified as p.o.p (point of purchase) materials will also be provided for all containers and trucks on a daily basis. Figure 2. Process flow diagram - Receiving of goods and services Figure 3. Process flow diagram -Distribution of goods and services 3.0 Identifying Environmental Aspects and Impacts at the Distribution Centre The approach used in identifying EAs involved communication with all relevant stakeholders at the distribution centre. Upon completion of this exercise, there existed commonalties, which were then grouped for the final list of all EAs at the centre. The following are critical activities of the distribution centre: - Table 1 identifies all major activities at the distribution centre. Table 2. Activity/Product / Aspect Impact Service 1. Packaging Material use Generation of waste from Increased disposal to landfill sites Packaging-shrink wraps Landfill sites pollutes the air, surface and cartons. plastic bags ground water, affects the scenery and point-of purchase represents a risk to human health. materials Disposal from incineration releases toxins into the air. 2. Transportation of goods to the Generation of emissions Pollutants to the atmosphere which distribution centre CO, NOx, VOC’s and affects personal and urban air quality particulates Vehicles are a major source of carbon monoxide, the primary global-warming gas. This pollutant has multiple effects from pests and diseases but increasing the likelihood of fires and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts. Pollutants may chemically react in the atmosphere to produce secondary pollutants such as acid rain and ozone. Generation of noise and Risk to human health, dependent on vibration concentration and duration of exposure Impacts is affected by magnitude and frequency of noise and vibration. Health effects may range from noise – induced hearing loss to high blood pressure The growth and spread of traffic have exacerbated the noise problem. Waste generated from road and These wastes may impact the environment traffic sources by causing pollution of surface and ground waters and land. . Consumption of huge quantities of gasoline leads to offshore oil spills, expansion of oil drilling, toxic leaks from underground storage tanks. Fallout from acid rain, and runoff from roads and highways. Table 2. Activity/Product / Aspect Impact Service 3. Energy Use Energy used in buildings Carbon dioxide causes global warming. Releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane collects in the earth’s atmosphere and traps the sun. This results in multiple effects including pests and diseases. It also results in devastating climate changes accelerated by harms to seas forests and ice. 4. Use of air-condition Use of Chlorofluorocarbons Emission of ozone depleting substances (CFC’s) and Hydroflurocarbons. such as CFC’s into the atmosphere. (HFC’S) as refrigerants, Depletion of ozone will increase ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth’s surface with adverse effects on human, plant, and animal life. Ozone depletion substances will have global warming effect. Global warming has multiple effects from pests and diseases but increasing the likelihood of fires and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts. 5. Vehicle Maintenance Generation of wastes Oils, lubricants, and hazardous wastes generated from fleet maintenance. These wastes may impact the environment by causing pollution of surface and ground waters and land. 6. General Lighting Use of fluorescent light bulbs Spent light bulbs may contain hazardous waste. Older fluorescent light bulbs contain high concentrations of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are toxic chemicals with a history of persistent and . potential ecological damage The mercury used in light bulbs represents a small part of the total mercury potentially entering the environment. Increased disposal to landfill sites Landfill sites pollutes the air, surface and Ground water, affects the scenery and Represent a risk to human health Disposal from incineration releases toxins into the air. Table 2 Activity/Product / Aspect Impact Service 7. Data Preparation Use of paper & inks Increased disposal to landfill. Land fill sites Pollutes the air/land and waters. It Represent a risk to human health. Disposal from incineration releases toxins into the air. Depletion of non-renewable resources. Oil used in inks is petroleum based thus impacting on available resources Chlorine bleaching used for paper brightening creates a toxic bio-accumulative waste by-product called dioxin. Dioxin is a proven carcinogen. When paper rots or compost it emits methane gas 25 times more than carbon dioxide contributing to global warming and ozone depletion Inks used for printing emit Volatile organic compounds.VOC’s can be a threat to human health. When inks dry the isopropyl alcohol used as a damping solution evaporates at room temperature releasing VOC’s into the atmosphere. VOC’s are odorless colorless gases, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. Excess water use in pulp processing can lead to depletion of a finite supply of natural resources Global warming has multiple effects from pests and diseases but increasing likelihood of fires and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts. The greenhouse effect of fossil fuel derived methane, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides must be considered. Activity/Product / Aspect Impact Service 8. General Trash Generation of solid waste Increased disposal to landfill sites Landfill sites pollutes the air, surface and Ground water, affects the scenery and Represent a risk to human health Disposal from incineration releases toxins Into the air 9. Maintenance of grounds Use and discharge of water for Impact may include excess water use and ground maintenance depletion of a finite resource. Hazardous wastes generated from cleaning agents may pollute soil, air, surface, and ground waters systems. Use of herbicides and fertilizers The main chemicals contained in fertilizers are nitrogen and phosphorus. These two chemicals can cause accelerated growth of aquatic plants leading to oxygen depletion and large fish kills Pesticides and herbicides contain toxic materials that pose risks to environment and humans. Humans, animals, aquatic 8. organisms, and plants can be severely threatened. Pollution of soil may affect people who live on it, plants, that put roots in and animals , which move over it. Air may become contaminated by direct emissions of hazardous wastes. . Table 2 Activity/Product / Aspect Impact Service 10. Disposal of IT Equipment Electronic equipment Disposal of electronic and IT equipment is containing hazardous materials a direct land pollutant. Mercury, cadmium, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)’s, beryllium oxide, lead, tin, copper are some of the metals found in computer equipment. The health effects to humans can be detrimental. Cadmium from cathode ray accumulates in the environment and is toxic to humans affecting the kidneys and Bones. Plastics including PVC is used for circuit boards when burnt in landfills releases dioxins, which are harmful to the reproductive systems. Represent a risk to human health. Disposal from incineration releases toxins into the air. Global warming has multiple effects from pests and diseases but increasing the likelihood of fires and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts 11. Discharge of water Water Usage Add to strain on natural water resources. from toilets Environmental impact of treating sewage. Spillages can pollute the air, surface and Ground water, affects the scenery and Represent a risk to human health. 4.0. Identifying legal regulations for environmental aspects. Research was completed on legislations and regulations existing in Trinidad with relevance to the environmental aspects identified. Table 3. Aspect Legal Regulations 1. Packaging Waste Environmental Management Act 2000. Sections 49-51, 52-54, 59-60, 55-57. Litter Act, CH 30-52 (Rev. 1980) as amended by the Litter (Amendment) public Authorities Act (1981). Sections 136 and 232 (j) of the Municipal Corporations Act (1990). Air Pollution Rules 2009. Water Pollution Rules 2001. Section 18 (1) of the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act Chap 54:4 (Rev. 1980). Section 53 of the Water and Sewerage Act, Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 73 of the Summary Offence Act Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 60F, G, H, I of the Public Health Ordinance Chap.12:04 (Rev 1980). 2. Company Vehicles Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, made pursuant to the Motor & vehicle maintenance Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chap 48.50 (rev 1960) Regulation 38, Rule 13. Public Health Ordinance Chap.12:04 (1950) Sections 69 and 70. Environmental Management Act 2000. Sections 49-51, 52-54, 59-60, 55-57. Noise Pollution Control Rules 2001. Air Pollutions Rules 2009. Section 53 of the Water and Sewerage Act, Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 18 (1) of the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act Chap 54:4 (Rev. 1980). Section 73 of the Summary Offence Act Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 60F, G, H, I of the Public Health Ordinance Chap.12:04 (Rev 1980). 3. Energy Use Environmental Management Act 2000. Sections 49-51, 52-54, 59-60, 55-57. And AC use Air Pollution Rules 2009. Table 3. Aspect Legal regulations 4. General Lighting/ Environmental Management Act 2000. Sections 49-51, 52-54, 59-60, 55-57. Waste/ground mtce/ Litter Act, CH 30-52 (Rev. 1980) as amended by the Litter (Amendment) public Paper and printing/ Authorities Act (1981). IT & electrical equipment Sections 136 and 232 (j) of the Municipal Corporations Act (1990). Air Pollution Rules 2009. Water Pollution Rules 2001. Section 18 (1) of the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act Chap 54:4 (Rev. 1980). Section 53 of the Water and Sewerage Act, Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 73 of the Summary Offence Act Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980). Section 60F, G, H, I of the Public Health Ordinance Chap.12:04 (Rev 1980). 5. Discharge of water from Environmental Management Act 2000. Sections 49-51, 52-54, 59-60, 55-57. Toilets Section 18 (1) of the Waterworks and Water Conservation Act Chap 54:4 (REV. 1980) Section 73 of the Summary Offence Act Chap. 54:40 (Rev 1980) Section 60F, G, H, I of the Public Health Ordinance Chap.12:04 (Rev 1980) Water Pollution Rules 2001. 5.0 Determination of Risk Significance An aspect is considered significant if it has or can have a significant impact on the environment. The determination of risk significance is critical. It identifies the critical areas to be addressed by the organization to reduce the effect of the aspect through ranking and prioritizing .The aim is to manage the EA through prevention compliance and continuous improvement. Risk significance was determined by adoption of risk ratings for aspect identification. The two variables identified as (a) Consequence (the intensity of the impact is the measure of damage severity) and (b) Relative Probability (frequency of occurrence). Table 4 identifies how these two variables were expressed in order to determine risk ratings and Table 5 explains the consequence rating versus relative probability ratings. Table 4. Risk ranking descriptors Yes Table 5. Determination of Consequence (Severity) Rating/Likelihood (Relative Probability) Rating Degree of severity Description of consequence or severity Consequence (Severity) Rating Likelihood of Occurrence Description of Rating Likelihood Rating Massive Impact Very high intensity, high extent and or duration 5 Certain Occurs regularly at site 5 Major Impact High intensity high extent and or duration or very high intensity, low extent and duration 4 Very likely Occurs several times per year at site 4 Moderate Impact Moderate intensity, low extent or duration or high intensity, low extent and duration 3 Likely Incident has occurred at site 3 Minor Impact Low intensity, high extent or duration or moderate intensity, low extent and duration 2 Unlikely Suspected or known to occur in the sector 2 Negligible Impact Low intensity, low extent and duration 1 Very Unlikely Unheard of in the sector 1 Courtesy of Environmental Management System (EMS) Implementation Guide for the Meat Processing Industry, pages 4 -6 of 23. Table 6. Risk Level Ratings LIKELIHOOD Likelihood Very unlikely 1 CONSEQUENCE SEVERITY RATING Negligible Impact Minor Impact Moderate Impact Major Impact Massive Impact Trivial Risk 1 Trivial Risk 1 Tolerable Risk 2 Substantial Risk 4 Substantial Risk 4 Unlikely 2 Trivial Risk 1 Tolerable Risk 4 Tolerable Risk 4 Substantial Risk 8 Substantial Risk 8 Likely 3 Trivial Risk 1 Tolerable Risk 4 Moderate Risk 6 Substantial Risk 8 Substantial 8 Very likely 4 Tolerable Risk 4 Moderate Risk 6 Moderate Risk 6 Substantial Risk 8 Intolerable Risk 9 Certain 5 Moderate Risk 6 Moderate Risk 6 Substantial Risk 8 Intolerable Risk 10 Intolerable Risk 10 Table 7. Risk Rating descriptors Risk Rating Levels Actions Trivial No action necessary Tolerable No further action necessary ,monitor to ensure that controls are maintained are still effective Moderate Implement measures to reduce or eliminate risks but cost of prevention or controls can be a consideration Substantial Urgent efforts needed to reduce risks: although reduction costs may be high prevention and or control measures should still be implemented Intolerable Work activity should not be started or continued until the risk has been reduced: prevention and or control measures are to be implemented regardless of cost constraints if the activity is to be carried out. A Traffic Cone Scheme in Table 8 is used to establish the importance of the environmental aspects identified at the distribution centre. Table 9 shows the colored indicators for the determination of the significance of the identified aspects. Table 8 . Key to Traffic Cones Scheme Red – Aspect is controlled weakly and poses great threat or opportunity to the environment or organization Amber –Aspect is controlled but poses a great threat or opportunity to environment or organization Green – Aspect is controlled and poses only a moderate threat Blue – Aspect requires further research to establish the extent of any threat or opportunity to the organization or the environment. Blank Poses little or no threat Each EA is categorized based on risk significance of the following key elements:- O Air O Water O Land O Human O Reputation O Legal Ratings are applied to determine the likelihood and severity based on coded indicators for risk significance. Table 9. Risks significance for identified aspects. Aspect Identification Air Water Land Human Rep. Legal Likelihood Severity Risk Rating Risk Type Waste Packaging 3 4 12 Tolerable Company Vehicles 4 8 32 Substantial Energy usage 4 8 32 Substantial Air conditioning 3 4 12 Tolerable General Lighting 3 4 12 Tolerable General Trash 3 4 12 Tolerable Noise Exposure 3 4 12 Tolerable Maintenance of Grounds 2 2 4 Tolerable Water usage 2 2 4 Tolerable Paper and Printing 4 4 16 Substantial Disposal of IT and Electrical Equipment 4 3 12 Tolerable TOTAL SCORE LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE 1-9 Low level of Concern 10 – 15 Medium Level of Concern 16 -20 High level of concern The overall risk rating was determined by multiplying the Consequence rating x relative probability and highlights significant environmental aspects. 6. 0 Findings The risk analysis of EAs at the site has been completed and numerical values have been assigned. The significance of values determines whether the risk can be deemed ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ ALARP. Two major levels can be defined (a) an intolerable risk –where the risk is not acceptable under any circumstances and must be reduced, or, (b) negligible/trivial risk, that is, the risk is so low that efforts to reduce the risk would be meaningless. Between these levels is where the ALARP principle will be applied, where cost benefit analyses is performed to evaluate the level of risk reduction. Three activities are deemed to be of high concern. Those areas identified include energy usage, company vehicles, paper, and printing. All others aspects have been assigned the designation of ‘tolerable risk’ where monitoring is important to ensure existing controls are maintained. Mitigation measures have also been identified for all existing aspects in Table 10. Some of the measures are already being used at the establishment. Others require further research and financial assessment of costs. Energy Use: - In order to reduce our carbon footprint it is necessary to develop a sustainable strategic plan for all energy users, that is, the development of renewable energy, (RE). Because the government of Trinidad and Tobago subsidizes our petroleum product prices, the islands experience the lowest charges for fuel and electricity in the Caribbean. However clean energy production and energy efficiency have become a priority for the government and initiatives have been offered both at a domestic and corporate level to stem the tide of our carbon emissions and maintain sustainable development. (Greaves 2011). With respect to electricity generation the renewable technologies, which are most feasible, are solar, wind and waste to energy. There are many advantages in developing RE technologies:-conservation of a finite resource, increased exports, energy security, the mitigation of climate change and employment opportunities. (Greaves: Campbell 2011) Solar energy supply is a good option due to the country’s geographical location and can be used for other applications such as solar thermal energies as an efficient energy alternate. Waste to energy, which is the conversion of solid waste to energy, can not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions but also complement waste management strategies. Wind energy is the most feasible option since it is cost competitive when compared to electricity generation via combined cycle natural gas generation. Trinidad also has significant acreage for this development and the island is suited for the construction of wind farms. (Greaves 2011) Greaves: Campbell & Renwick (2011) identifies some of the government 2010-budget offerings to both consumers and business operators. . :- Internally at HSL, other steps can be taken to conserve energy:- O High speed cabling between buildings so offices can operate wirelessly. This allows more flexibility in the workplace but also uses less energy. O Integrated phones on laptops to reduce the number of desk phones in use. O Reduce the number of printers and copiers in offices. O Use power management features on computer and monitor, to save energy , O Unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn energy off equipment and lights at the end of the day. O Install print audits to inform the demand and use of printers. O Ensure purchasing of new printers meet demand. O Address future printing needs by incorporating pull printing jobs. requiring staff to swipe staff badges to select prints. O Equip meeting rooms with audio conferencing and internet software. O Replace computer desktops with thin client PC’s which are more energy efficient. O Use natural ventilation for cooling. O Install motion sensor lighting and timer switches. O Use of natural light through building design. O Apply external shading to the building to aid coolness and internal ceiling fans to circulate the air. (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency & Gordon (2009). Paper and Printing: - HSL can set targets for creating an almost ‘paperless’ environment through recycling, reuse and reduce policies or elimination and substitution. Paper can be eliminated from invoicing, goods receipt, purchase order, processes, and financial reporting. Business analytics software that automates manual reporting and analysis and electronically distributes reports over the Web can be installed. Business processes can be realigned by automating and streamlining business processes among people and systems. Paper consumption can be reduced by eliminating unnecessary paper trails and content storage costs. Business tasks can be converted to electronic formats. Monitoring and regulation of printing should be encouraged: edit and review should be carried out in electronic form... Eliminate the unnecessary printing of documents. Use software to make requirements an electronic process. Increase data center capacity. Collaboration tools, which allow employees to share links, can be used instead of hard copies or attachments thereby reducing storage and paper requirements. (Gordon 2009). Mobile devices can be used for reviewing and reading work documents both on and off sites. Double-sided printing should also be encouraged. Used paper can be reused in plain paper fax machines. Instead of printing from internet save data to hard, drive until needed. Use reusable inter and intra offices envelopes. Reuse old paper for notepads, they can be cut into custom sizes and bound with staples. HSL can install print audits to monitor use of copiers and printers and staff badges for swiping and regulating prints. Audio conferencing and internet software can reduce the need for paper trails. The company can also reduce the number of printers and copiers in the organization which will support the objective of achieving a ‘paperless’ environment. (Gordon 2009: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). Company Vehicle Usage:- The initiative needed to reduce the impact of company vehicles on the environment requires changes from all users. Initiatives are needed from both the government and all domestic and corporate users. The government has identified the transportation sector as one of the main areas for the development of a domestic bio-fuel industry, which would significantly reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels. The development of alternative fuels (biomass, biogas, biodiesel, and bio-ethanol) and promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for all motor vehicles are two tangible initiatives being promoted. Additionally incentives have been offered for motor vehicles using CNG. (Greaves 2011). Additionally HSL can set its own targets for reducing EAs from company vehicles:- O Installation of emission monitoring equipment to record levels of emission. O Target a reduction in car business mileage. O Change in purchasing policy – cars with lower emission ratings O Establish a car personal allowance to encourage car sharing between staff. O Establish a cycle allowance to encourage staff to use bicycles, mopeds etc. O Vehicles to be fitted with efficient exhaust silencers O Avoid revving engine to reduce noise in neighborhoods O Use horns only in emergency O Service vehicles regularly for quietness. O Keep volume of car entertainment at a minimal level. (HSE Executive: Environmental Protection UK Noise Pollution). Table 10. Mitigation measures for reducing the impact of environmental aspects Aspects Mitigation Measures 1. Packaging waste Recycling of cartons for additional use. Providing financial incentive to encourage returns to the center that is of cartons. Racks and stands to be refurbished rather than disposed. Rejected racks and stands to be donated as scrap rather than waste. Segregation of waste to encourage recycling. Customized pallets by enclosing three sides with removable barriers. This will remove the need to use excessive shrink-wrap to stabilize boxes and encase cartons for transport of goods to center. Customize racking system to allow the above to be stored at varying heights 2. Company vehicles Reducing our carbon footprint through:- Promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas for motor vehicles by granting incentives to users and suppliers. Conversion of vehicles to CNG use which will lead to 30 to 40% reduction in liquid fuel volumes and 29% less greenhouse gas emission. Installation of emission monitoring equipment, to record the levels of emission Target a reduction in car business mileage Encourage the use of cars with lower emission ratings Establish a car personal allowance to encourage car sharing between staff Encourage the use of a bicycle allowance through a cycle allowance, cycle shelters, showers and locker provision 3. Energy usage Develop and encourage renewable energy initiatives:- Solar, wind, hydro geothermal and biomass Provide incentive measures to encourage the use of renewable energy technologies such as fiscal incentives, regulatory measures, financial mechanisms, and government investment programs. Reduce carbon footprint by through electricity generation techniques of solar and waste to energy that is, converting solid waste to energy, which would affect waste management strategies. Purchase environment friendly equipment, e.g. ENERGY STAR. Courtesy Environmental Protection Agency-Climate Change –What can you do: Environmental Protection UK Noise Pollution' 3Gordon 2009 –Nine Ways IT can help organizations ‘go green’ and reduce paper consumption: Health and Safety Executive-Noise at work: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency-Reducing Waste in the Workplace Table 10. Mitigation Measures Aspects Mitigation Measures 3. Energy Install high speed cabling between buildings to operate offices wirelessly, which allows more flexibility in the workplace but also uses less energy. Integrated phones on laptops to reduce the number of desk phones in use. Reduce the number of printers and copiers in offices. Use power management features on computer and monitor, to save energy, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Install print audits to inform the demand and use of printers. Ensure purchasing of new printers meet demand. Address future printing needs by incorporating pull printing jobs. requiring staff to swipe staff badges to select prints Equip meeting rooms with audio conferencing and internet software. Replace computer desktops with thin client PC’s which are more energy efficient. 4. Air Conditioners Use natural ventilation for cooling Develop of renewable energy sources e.g. solar, wind Use of timer 5. General Lighting Lighting in offices will also be affected by adoption of new techniques for renewable energy. Install motion sensor lighting and timer switches Use of natural light through building design Apply external shading to the building to aid coolness and internal ceiling fans to circulate the air. Turn of lights when not in use 6. General Trash Separation of waste into categories for recycling Compost bins for food or green waste Support markets by buying products made from recycled materials 7. Noise Exposure Authorities can designate areas as noise abatement zones. This is intended to control noise from premises in the long term by preventing an increase in noise levels. Development of noise maps to manage noise in mapped areas and to prevent quiet areas from getting noisier. Vehicles must be fitted within efficient exhaust silencer. Avoid revving engine unnecessarily. Use horn only in an emergency Carry out noise repairs in daylight Service vehicles regularly for quietness Check that brakes are properly working and adjusted. Keep volume of car entertainment at a minimal level. Fit silencers to air exhausts and blowing nozzles Table 10. Mitigation measures Aspects Mitigation measures 8. Maintenance of Grounds 9. Water Usage for toilets When using bathroom turn tap off when brushing teeth. Do not use the toilet as a dustbin, will use more water in flushing Use the left over water from your nigh time drinks to water houseplants Invest in a water tank connect to drainpipe to collect rainwater that falls off the roof each year. Install a cistern displacement device in the toilet to reduce the volume of water being used for flushing. 10. Paper and Printing Create a ‘paperless’ environment Eliminate paper in our invoicing, goods receipt, purchase order processes, financial reporting Using business analytics software that automates manual reporting and analysis and electronically distributes reports over the Web. Realign business processes by automating and streamlining business processes among people and systems, reduce paper consumption by eliminating unnecessary paper trails and content storage costs. Move business tasks to an electronic format. Monitor and regulate printing-encourage edit and review in electronic form while promoting a paper free environment. Eliminate the unnecessary printing of documents. Use software to make requirements an electronic process. Increase data center capacity. Introduce collaboration tools that let people share links instead of attachments or hard copy documents reducing storage and paper requirements. Use mobile devices where review, read, and work documents can be accessed reducing the amount of forms that require paper printing. Increasing double-sided (duplexing) printing Once used paper can be reused in plain paper fax machines Instead of printing from internet save data to hard, drive until needed. Use two way or send a return envelope, the outgoing envelope is reused for the return trip. Use reusable inter and intra offices envelopes Reuse old paper for notepads, they can be cut into custom sizes and bound with staples. Aspects Mitigation measures 11. Disposal of IT and electrical equipment Reuse equipment such as cables, plugs. Repair rather than purchase. Recycle electrical equipment. Arrange with local authorities for proper collection of bulky discards. Working with local charities for distribution of older model equipment 7.0 Conclusions Table 11 identifies the residual risks if mitigation measures are applied. Energy use and vehicle usage will require a huge outlay of capital, legislative, and regulatory reforms. Additionally, intensive research is also needed for developing RE technology. Time also becomes a critical factor in the application of mitigation measures. Even with the application of recommendations, company vehicles and energy usage are still areas of concern. Table 11. Residual risk for significant aspects identified Aspect Residual Risk Likelihood Severity Risk Rating Company Vehicles Generation of emissions Noise and Vibration Waste from road and traffic sources Waste from vehicle maintenance 3 6 18 Energy Usage Noise Emissions of ozone depleting substances Global warming 4 6 24 Paper and Printing Disposal to landfills Risk to human health 3 4 12 Words 2197. 8.0 Referencing:- 1. Campbell P. (2011). 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