RECENT ASSIGNMENT

Details of Assessment
Term and Year Time allowed 3 Weeks
Assessment No 1 Assessment Weighting 100%
Assessment Type Written Response
Due Date Week No. Room
Details of Subject
Qualification SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management
Subject Name Sustainability
Details of Unit(s) of competency
Unit Code (s) and Names BSBSUS501 - Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability
Details of Student
Student Name
College Student ID
Student Declaration: I declare that the work submitted is my own, and has not been copied or plagiarised from any person or source. Signature: ___________________________
Date: _______/________/_______________
Details of Assessor
Assessor’s Name
Assessment Outcome
Results
0Competent 0Not Yet Competent
Marks /100
FEEDBACK TO STUDENT
Progressive feedback to students, identifying gaps in competency and comments on positive improvements:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Declaration: I declare that I have been assessed in this unit, and I have been advised of my result. I am also aware of my right to appeal and the reassessment procedure.
Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____/_____/_____ Assessor Declaration: I declare that I have conducted a fair, valid, reliable and flexible assessment with this student, and I have provided appropriate feedback
0 Student did not attend the feedback session.
Feedback provided on assessment.
Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____/_____/_____
Purpose of the Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to assess the student in the following learning outcomes: Competent
(C) Not yet Competent
(NYC)
Performance Criteria : BSBSUS501 - Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability
1. Develop workplace sustainability policy
1.1 Define scope of sustainability policy
1.2 Gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy
1.3 Identify and consult stakeholders as a key component of the policy development process
1.4 Include appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use and employing life cycle management approaches
1.5 Make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost
1.6 Develop policy that reflects the organisation’s commitment to sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity
1.7 Agree to appropriate methods of implementation, outcomes and performance indicators
2. Communicate workplace sustainability policy
2.1 Promote workplace sustainability policy, including its expected outcome, to key stakeholders
2.2 Inform those involved in implementing the policy about expected outcomes, activities to be undertaken and assigned responsibilities
3. Implement workplace sustainability policy
3.1 Develop and communicate procedures to help implement workplace sustainability policy
3.2 Implement strategies for continuous improvement in resource efficiency
3.3 Establish and assign responsibility for recording systems to track continuous improvements in sustainability approaches
4. Review workplace sustainability policy implementation
4.1 Document outcomes and provide feedback to key personnel and stakeholders
4.2 Investigate successes or otherwise of policy
4.3 Monitor records to identify trends that may require remedial action and use to promote continuous improvement of performance
4.4 Modify policy and or procedures as required to ensure improvements are made
Assessment/evidence gathering conditions
Each assessment component is recorded as either Competent (C) or Not Yet Competent (NYC). A student can only achieve competence when all assessment components listed under “Purpose of the assessment” section are recorded as competent. Your trainer will give you feedback after the completion of each assessment. A student who is assessed as NYC (Not Yet Competent) is eligible for re-assessment.
Resources required for this assessment
• Computer with relevant software applications and access to internet
• Weekly eLearning notes relevant to the tasks/questions
Instructions for Students
Please read the following instructions carefully
• This assessment has to be completed 0 In class 1 At home
• The assessment is to be completed according to the instructions given by your assessor.
• Feedback on each task will be provided to enable you to determine how your work could be improved. You will be provided with feedback on your work within two weeks of the assessment due date. All other feedback will be provided by the end of the term.
• Should you not answer the questions correctly, you will be given feedback on the results and your gaps in knowledge. You will be given another opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to be deemed competent for this unit of competency.
• If you are not sure about any aspect of this assessment, please ask for clarification from your assessor.
• Please refer to the College re-assessment for more information (Student handbook).
Assessment - Written
Ibis Sydney World Square Sustainability Project (100%)
Ibis Sydney World Square has the head office for the Hotel group in NSW located within it. The IBIS company (IBIS) has been in business for seven years and employs numerous staff ranging from administration of the Hotel group, information technology and other personnel.
Environmental sustainability is a critical issue for companies in this century. Increasing number of corporations are adopting standards and implementing initiatives to improve the environmental performance of their operations by reducing energy, transportation and waste. These standards and initiatives include green building standards, environmental management systems and environmental initiatives. They do this not only to comply with environmental regulations, but also to remain competitive in the marketplace.
In view of this, IBIS and Ibis Sydney World Square is rethinking its fundamental approaches to use of resources in its business including the processes involved in its practices.
The company wants to design and manage its resources to enhance worker productivity and satisfaction while reducing its demands on the environment. They also want to look at their current business practices and discover ways for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing lifecycle management approaches.
IBIS believes that the successful integration of information technology, networking and building operations systems will result in workplace environments that both empower its workforce and reduce resource consumption. This is their first step in achieving their overall goal of creating an ultimate ‘green head office’ and becoming an industry leader in sustainability.
After numerous consultations with various personnel, specialists and relevant stakeholders, the company came up with the following goals for the new sustainability initiative:
• Reduce consumption of materials and equipment.
• Improve energy efficiency.
• Increase space utilisation.
• Reduce electronic and office waste.
In order to accomplish these goals, they would like to develop approaches to sustainability in the workplace, including the development and implementation of sustainability policies and procedures which require access to industry information and applicable legislative and Work health and safety (WHS) guidelines.
The proof-of-concept for the workplace sustainability project was located in the Administration floor inside the Ibis Sydney World Square premises. Designed for general head office administration, the project addressed environmental sustainability by reducing the number of
The electronic devices per employee, leading to reduced equipment wattage and, eventually, less e-waste disposal.
The Administration and other departments occupies ground floor, supports 40 employees. IT department is located on the 1st floor of the building is designed to support 40 employees. Both floors have a wireless LAN (WLAN) and IP telephony systems. Employees on both floors primarily use laptop computers.
At this stage, the individual consumption, including the environmental and cost impact of computer and networking equipment over its entire lifecycle, including extraction, processing, manufacture of product, distribution, use or reuse, or recycling or disposal are still unknown.
IBIS has identified sustainability as an area of growth for the business. The management has decided they want to introduce sustainable practices at the workplace in order to improve company usage and reduce paper resource wastage.
Below is a partial view of IBIS Administration work environment.
IBIS- Environmental Office Based Policy
IBIS will focus on sustainability as a key driver in its own activities. We are committed to improving the environmental performance of our office-based activities and to being leaders in best practice environmental management of these. This forms a key component of our commitment to demonstrate good environmental practice in our own operations.
To do this we will establish appropriate procedures and practices to minimise the consumption of energy, water, paper and other material inputs, and minimise the generation of waste associated with our office-based activities. These will include:
• Reducing the energy, water and paper intensity of our office-based operations
• Purchasing Green Power
• Reducing the amount of waste we produce and maximising the amount reused and recycled
• Separating our office wastes into reusable, recyclable, compost and true waste components
• Making environmentally sound purchasing decisions for capital items and consumables
• Adopting a pollution prevention approach to our activities
• Adopting an environmental management system based on ISO 14001
• Communicating our environmental performance through regular reporting
• Striving for continual improvement in our environmental performance
Recognising that all IBIS staff have a responsibility to meet these commitments, empowering staff to minimise our environmental impacts through generating staff awareness, and encouraging participation and feedback.
IBIS Sustainability Initiatives
IBIS addresses the sustainability initiatives through reference to standards, guidelines and approaches such as:
• Ecological foot printing
• Energy Efficiency Opportunities Bill 2005
• Green office program
• Green purchasing
• Greenhouse Challenge Plus (Australian government initiative)
• ISO 14001:1996 Environmental management systems life cycle analyses
• Life cycle analyses
• Triple bottom line reporting
• Integrated approach to sustainability which includes environmental, economic and social aspects, or a specific approach that focuses on each aspect individually
• Investigating particular business and market context of the industry/organisation
• Meeting relevant laws, by laws and regulations or best practice to support compliance in environmental performance and sustainability at each level as required (such as Environmental Protection or Biodiversity Conservation Act):
o International
o Commonwealth
o State/territory
o Industry
o Organisation
Task 1: Develop workplace sustainability policy
Background information
You are required to do some external research and make assumptions on the most likely consumption costs of the equipment as listed below:
IBIS Hardware and network devices
Devices Ground Floor 1st Floor
Printing and copying equipment 2 8
Desktop PCs 10 10
Laptops 30 20
Audiovisual equipment 4 1
Networking equipment
Switches with dual power supply
Access points
4 1
Total number of devices 50 40
Number of staff 40 40
The role of Sustainability Manager has recently been created by management and is responsible for the development and implementation of workplace sustainability policy.
Requirements
1. You are hired in the role of the Sustainability Manager at IBIS. A copy of the organisational schedule, with members of the sustainability committee and your various roles and responsibilities in the organization must be submitted as part of the evidence.
As per the information provided above, define the scope of sustainability policy at IBIS Submit a Scope Statement explaining what the sustainability initiatives you are trying to address. [5 marks]
For example: To ensure compliance to environmental regulations by meeting relevant laws, bylaws, regulations and best practice standards in environmental sustainability.
2. In a table (see sample below), list and identify the type of information you will gather from a variety of sources to plan and develop policy. [5 marks]
For example:
Source of information Information
Government departments Relevant laws, bylaws, regulations pertaining to workplace sustainability
3. Discuss appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing lifecycle management approaches. You should identify the roles of stakeholders in the company. A copy of meeting agendas and minutes must be produced which serves as the evidence of the discussion process. [5 marks]
4. Gather feedback and solicit ideas as part of the policy development process. In the report, make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, cost and timeframes.
For example: Using Lifecycle Analysis techniques, assess the environmental and cost impact of computer and networking over its entire lifecycle, including extraction, processing, manufacture of the product/s, distribution, use or reuse, or recycling or disposal. In this scenario, you are only required to assess the lifecycle impact of computers and computer related peripherals, including how to properly dispose of the hazardous by-products of this equipment. A copy of meeting agendas and minutes must be produced which serves as the evidence of the consultation process. [5 marks]
5. List down methods for how you can implement the workplace sustainability policy at IBIS. [5 marks]
Create an Implementation Strategy, which includes the following elements:
• Activities to be undertaken
• Outcomes expected
• Assigned responsibilities.
Task 2: Communicate workplace sustainability policy
Requirements
1. Design a simple poster to promote your new workplace environmental sustainability policy. [10 marks]
Poster requirements:
• Must be at least A4 in size
• Must use recycled materials
• Must promote the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Program at IBIS head office
• Must be interesting and eye-catching
2. Write an email to your trainer a copy with information about the activities to be undertaken in the program, the target dates, target numbers and contact details of the person responsible for the program. [5 marks]
Task 3: Implement workplace sustainability policy
Requirements
1. Develop procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program to encourage environmentally responsible disposal of IT equipment at the office.
After developing the procedures, prepare a 10 minute presentation to all office staff to communicate your procedures. You should incorporate a 5 minutes question and answer portion where you will have to demonstrate an effective way to handle stakeholder objections to recommended sustainability procedures. A copy of the developed procedures needs to be submitted as evidence. [5 marks]
2. Develop a plan of action (strategy) for continuous improvement in resource efficiency, specifically in the IT Department. A copy of the plan needs to be submitted as evidence. [10 marks]
3. Establish a recording system to track and record continuous improvement outcomes related to sustainability programs initiated in the workplace. [10 marks]
For example: Develop an Excel spreadsheet template to record and keep track of expenses incurred in buying toners and maintaining the office printers and photocopiers within a 6 month period. The template must include relevant headings and labels appropriate to the data to be entered (see sample below). The information later entered into the spreadsheet will be converted into graphs/charts to be used to make informed decisions about how to further improve processes and reduce costs. Also assign a member of your group as a person responsible for monitoring, recording and reporting the outcomes.
A copy of the blank template including procedures on how to fill it with data must be submitted as part of the evidence.
Sample template Item Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Photocopier pages
Laser printer pages
MFD Pages
Total reams paper
Ream of paper
Cost of paper
Laser printer toners
Printer toner cost
Photocopier toners
Photocopier toner costs
MFD Toners
MFD Toner Costs
Cost p.p. for servicing
Cost of servicing
Total print costs
Task 4: Review workplace sustainability policy implementation
Requirements
After six months of implementation, you sat down with your staff to investigate the success and/or failure of the sustainability policy implementation.
IBIS has been purchasing remanufactured toner cartridges with great success.
For the past 6 months, the company has purchased 220 remanufactured laser toner and inkjet printer cartridges from their supplier Green Business Products. Cost savings range from 25% - 60% of the price of new cartridges. New cartridges typically cost $98-$158 each. The company also gets $5 credit for each recycled cartridge.
In terms of lighting, the company has replaced all 60W light bulbs with 13W 6400-kelvin high-efficiency bulbs in the entire ground floor. A single 60W light bulb burns $5.96 worth of electricity per month. This is doubly the case with down lights, which typically consume 50W - which equates to 200W in an average four-light office, costing $0.03 per hour or $0.72 a day to run.
On the other hand, a 13W 6400-kelvin high-efficiency bulb consumes just $0.03 per day-one-sixth the cost of incandescent. There are 28 four-light offices in the ground floor, a library equivalent to four offices, a kitchen and dining area approximately the same size as the library and eight four-light toilets each.
1. Make a memorandum then email to stakeholders and key personnel for the review and feedback about the positive results of the company sustainability initiatives. [15 marks]
In the memorandum, make sure you summarise the savings listed above in an easy-to-read table comparing previous expenses over a 6 months period with the total savings to date (see sample below).
July – Dec 2011 Item Jan Feb Mar Apr May June TOTAL
Laser toner cartridges @ $158 each 40 25 18 35 25 15 $24,964
Inkjet printer cartridges @ $98 each 15 5 8 5 15 12 $1,224
2. Reading the existing Environmental Sustainability Policy of IBIS head office (see Page 6), you realised that it lacks procedures for how to reduce paper and printing wastage
Modify the procedures to include procedures for how to reduce paper and printing wastage in the company. The new and revised procedures must be submitted as part of the evidence. [10 marks]
Report Requirement:
• Microsoft Word, Single spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman
• Header containing, Student Name, Number, Subject Name and Assessment number. Page number in the footer at the bottom right corner
• Provide references where applicable
Note: Refer the Sample Report provided below.
SUSTAINABILITY IN WORKPLACE
REPORT FOR IBIS Head Office
SUBMITTED TO: __________________
Managing Director
Ibis Sydney World Square Pty Ltd
SUBMITTED BY: __________________
Sustainability Manager
DATE: DD/MONTH/YYYY
Table of Contents
Task 1: Develop workplace sustainability policy 16
1. Scope of sustainability policy 16
2. List and identify the type of information 16
3. Meeting agendas and minutes 16
4. Recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, cost and timeframes 16
5. Implementation Strategy 16
Task 2: Communicate workplace sustainability policy 17
1. Promote your new workplace environmental sustainability policy 17
2. Communicate the Sustainability policy 17
Task 3: Implement workplace sustainability policy 18
1. Procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program 18
2. Action (strategy) plan for continuous improvement in resource efficiency 18
3. Record Keeping for Sustainability program 18
Task 4: Review workplace sustainability policy implementation 19
1. Presentation 19
2. Modify the procedures 19
Marking Guide
Report should include below components: MARKS
Task 1: Develop workplace sustainability policy
1.Scope of sustainability policy /5
2.List and identify the type of information /5
3. Meeting agendas and minutes /5
4. Recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, cost and timeframes /5
5. Implementation Strategy /5
Task 2: Communicate workplace sustainability policy
1. Promote your new workplace environmental sustainability policy /10
2. Communicate the Sustainability policy /10
Task 3: Implement workplace sustainability policy
1.Procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program /10
2.Action (strategy) plan for continuous improvement in resource efficiency /10
3.Record Keeping for Sustainability program /10
Task 4: Review workplace sustainability policy implementation
1. Training slides /15
2. Modify the procedures /10
Total /100
Task 1: Develop workplace sustainability policy
1. Scope of sustainability policy
Example:Sustainability Policy Template
Sustainability Policy
Policy Code: XXXXX
Table of Content
Purpose
Scope
Definitions
Policy Statement
Responsibility
Legislative Context
Associated Documents
Implementation
Purpose
To make a clear statement of the commitment by the IBIS head office to:
• Point 1
• Point 2
• Point 3
• Point 4
Scope
This policy applies to all activities of the IBIS head office, to its XXXXX at XXXXXX.
Definitions
Example: Sustainability: Operating and behaving in a manner, which equally considers environmental responsibility alongside social and financial responsibility, to meet the needs of the present and create a foundation for future generations to meet their own needs.
XXX XXX
XXX XXX
XXX XXX
Policy Statement
Example:
XXXXX is committed to improving the sustainability performance of the organisation through promoting a culture of sustainability, managing our operations in a manner that minimises our environmental and social impacts and enabling the integration of sustainability principles and practices into research and community engagement.
The XXXXX will meet this commitment by:
• Ensuring sustainability is reflected in XXXX's strategic documents.
• Developing an annual Sustainability Reporting framework.
• Incorporating the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) into all capital and infrastructure projects.
• Undertaking research, which will develop and strengthen regional partnerships that address sustainable development.
• Partnering with the community to respond to the regional needs for a sustainable future and provide leadership in our region.
Responsibility
The XXXXX or nominee of the XXXXX will have responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented.
The XXXX, XXXX & Support will have responsibility for monitoring and reviewing the Policy.
Legislative Context
Example:
• Environmental Protection Act 1970.
• OTTE Energy Management Reporting.
• Annual Reporting Requirements, Report on Environmental Performance.
Associated Documents
? Nil
Implementation
Example:
The Sustainability Policy will be implemented and communicated in the following ways:
• Presentation to XXXXX Forum.
• Email to all staff.
• Information workshops to be held with Sustainability Champions network.
• Meetings and presentations to key stakeholders.
• Section on Sustainability @ website.
• 'Current News' on the website and the 'What's New' page on the 'Policies and Procedures @ website.
Approved and version
Approval Authority: Original Issue
Policy Sponsor: Current Version:
Policy Code Review Date:
2. List and identify the type of information
• Refer Ibis Sydney World Square’s Sustainability Initiatives on page 7
• Website resource:
? Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan
See Mandatory Environmental Standards section
? https://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/government/ictplan/guidance-materials
? Department of Environment and Energy
https://www.environment.gov.au/energy/efficiency
? GRI Standards
https://www.globalreporting.org/standards
? Energy Efficiency Opportunities Bill 2005
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2005B00167
Source of information Information
Example: Government departments Relevant laws, bylaws, regulations pertaining to workplace sustainability
3. Meeting agendas and minutes
Sample: Minutes of meeting
4. Recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, cost and timeframes
Note: The sustainability policy recommendations should evaluate the following factors:
? Effectiveness at reducing the resource use
? Timeframe
? Budget
Example:
Likely Effectiveness: How likely is it that the idea will actually work? Not all ideas will be effective. On first impressions, some may seem like they will be very effective at reducing resource use; but even these ideas should be carefully examined to ensure that they will be effective at applying the principles contained in your policy statement.
Timeframes: When examining ideas, look first at those ideas, which can be implemented quickly. Those ideas are likely to be the ideas that will have an immediate impact at improving the organisation’s sustainability.
Budget: When examining ideas and strategies, ensure that you consider the budget. The amount of money that it will cost to implement the strategy should reflect the effectiveness of the strategy. If a given strategy will cost a lot of money, but will provide very little improvement, carefully consider whether it should be implemented.
5. Implementation Strategy
Website resource:
? Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan
See Fact sheets section: Fact sheet 4 - ICT Sustainability Scorecard (PDF - 108KB)
https://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/government/ictplan/guidance-materials
? Global Reporting Initiative
https://www.globalreporting.org/resourcelibrary/G3.1-Guidelines-Incl-Technical-Protocol.pdf
Guideline:
What are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when developing and implementing a sustainability strategy?
1. Every company operates differently, has a unique organizational structure, supply chain, employee base and geographic footprint, therefore sustainability strategies must be catered to each company in its own unique way as no two companies are the same3. References can be made to other companies in the industry or region, but it is important to remember that what works for someone else might not work for you.
2. Identify and prioritise material issues to focus resources. Companies with successful sustainability strategies connect their sustainability efforts with issues and activities that are material to the business3.
3. Develop a sustainability strategy that will create value for the company and communicate that to shareholders. A major hurdle for many companies is crafting an approach that improves the environmental and social impacts of their operations while simultaneously producing business value3. Demonstrating that the strategy can create value from a business perspective is the key to getting support from shareholders. This is also the bridge that links sustainability to profit instead of cost.
4. Engage and consult with middle management. Middle management is often an important but under-represented group when developing and implementing a sustainability strategy. Failure to engage them can doom a sustainability effort. This group often times ends up doing the heavy lifting to implement the strategy, which is why they are most likely to resist. Communication, patience and persistence is essential to get middle management board.
5. Establish KPIs tied to important tangible goals with clear assignment of responsibilities. This is important for managing and monitoring sustainability progress, without it, efforts will founder. Consideration should be given for establishing a separate function in the company to conduct this task.
Task 2: Communicate workplace sustainability policy
1. Promote your new workplace environmental sustainability policy
Poster requirements:
• Must be at least A4 in size
• Must use recycled materials
• Must promote the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Program at Ibis Sydney World Square
• Must be interesting and eye-catching
Example: Poster
2. Communicate the Sustainability policy
Write an email to your trainer a copy with information about the activities to be undertaken in the program, the target dates, target numbers and contact details of the person responsible for the program.
Task 3: Implement workplace sustainability policy
1. Procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program
? Develop procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program to encourage environmentally responsible disposal of IT equipment at the office.
? After developing the procedures, email to all office staff to communicate your procedures.
? You should incorporate a question and answer portion where you will have to demonstrate an effective way to handle stakeholder objections to recommended sustainability procedures.
Example:
Reduce
Want to help the environment? The most effective way is to reduce your waste before it becomes rubbish.
? Become informed about the environmental impacts of products. If not satisfied, search for better alternatives
? Bulk buy when possible, but don't buy more than can be used
? Choose products with less packaging
? Choose products with recyclable or reusable packaging
? Carry reusable shopping bags or boxes
? Say 'no' to unnecessary plastic bags and other packaging
? Re-use plastic bags and all types of containers over and over again
? Buy quality goods that will last
? Encourage manufacturers to play their part.
Buy recycled goods
Recycled goods have already saved resources and raw materials and helped reduce the overall quantity of waste. Remember, `recycled' means the product is made partly or wholly from recycled materials and `recyclable' means the product is capable of being recycled. If an effort isn't made to buy recycled goods, it's not really recycling.
Reduce energy and water use
Reducing waste also means saving resources. Energy Information Centres can give information on reducing energy consumption in the home by switching to high-efficiency fluorescent light bulbs, using cold water for washing, and cooking efficiently.
Large amounts of water can be saved at home by fixing leaking taps, using dual-flush toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, turning the tap off while cleaning teeth, and using a control nozzle on the hose when washing the car or the dog. Design gardens to be water-efficient.
Re-use
? Look for products in reusable, refillable or recyclable packaging when shopping.
? Donate unwanted clothing, furniture and white goods to charities.
? Enquire if goods can be repaired rather than replaced.
? Hold a garage sale.
? Use rechargeable batteries rather than single-use batteries and ask the local council about how to dispose of batteries properly.
? Use retreaded tyres if they are appropriate.
? Use glass bottles and jars, plastic bags, aluminium foil and take away food containers over and over again before recycling or disposing of them.
? Carry lunches in a reusable container rather than disposable wrappings.
? Re-use envelopes and use both sides of paper.
Recycle
Recycling recovers materials used in the home or in industry for further uses. Only recycle after trying to reduce and reuse.
Why recycle?
Recycling has environmental, economic and social advantages.
? Recycling generates civic pride and environmental awareness
? Recycling helps prevent environmental pollution
? Recycling saves natural resources
? Recycling conserves raw materials used in industry
? Making products from recycled ingredients often uses much less energy than producing the same product from raw materials
? Recycling reduces the amount of material dumped in landfill sites
? Goods are used productively and prevented from becoming litter and garbage.
How do I recycle?
Recycling is easy. First, call the local council to find out what recycling facilities exist locally. There may be a kerbside collection system, or a community drop-off system. Kerbside collection of recyclables involves placing recyclables out on the footpath for collection on a set day-just like a normal garbage collection.
Council will provide a recycling container and will details what can and cannot be included for collection. The usual items include all glass jars and bottles, aluminium and steel cans, PET plastic soft drink bottles and HDPE plastic milk and detergent bottles. It may also be possible to include paper, light cardboard, newspapers and 'junk' mail, and milk and fruit juice cartons.
Community drop-off centres require a little more effort. Store recyclables at home and then take them to the drop-off centre. Remember to take boxes and bags home from the drop-off centre to prevent litter, and do not mix any non-recyclables with the recyclables.
? Separate recyclables such as glass, plastic, paper and metal from other rubbish - depending on what your local council will collect.
? Do not put recyclables in the bin in a plastic bag.
? Recycle kitchen and garden scraps, which can make up almost 50% of garbage, as compost.
? Get involved in local school and community recycling schemes.
? Keep potentially hazardous household waste such as motor oil, batteries, pesticides and paint out of landfill sites-council will provide information about how to dispose of them safely.
? Encourage friends and family to get involved in recycling at home, at school and in the workplace.
What can I recycle?
Most items can be recycled, but only when there's a market for the finished product. So, choose products that foster the recycled market.
Glass
100% recyclable household bottles and jars are made from a melted mixture of silica (sand), soda ash and limestone. Glass manufacturers can use your old glass in this process.
Multi-fill bottles such as some beer bottles can be rewashed and refilled. Single-fill containers, made of thinner glass, are separated into clear and coloured glass and broken down for cullet (used broken glass).
When recycling glass:
? recycle all glass containers, not just bottles
? rinse containers
? remove contaminants such as lids, corks and caps - labels can remain
? sort glass into refillable and recyclable (check message on bottles to see which type they are)
? find out if local schools or community groups collect glass for fundraising
? take glass to collection points or support kerbside schemes
? place only glass in bins-contaminants such as ceramics china plates and cups can ruin a batch of glass because they melt at a different rate to glass and can weaken the recycled glass.
Plastic
More than 60 types new plastics and uses, constantly being developed.
Different types of plastic must generally be kept separate for recycling. The Plastics Industry Association has introduced a voluntary system of product coding to help recyclers and the public.
? PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
? HDPE High Density Polyethylene
? UPVC Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
PPVC Plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
? LDPE Low Density Polyethylene
? PP Polypropylene
? PS Polystyrene
EPS Expanded Polystyrene
? Includes all other resins and multi materials (eg. laminates)
The two types of plastic most commonly recycled in Australia are PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high density polyethylene). PET is commonly used for soft drink packaging (the rocket bottom bottle) and HDPE is used to make plastic milk and detergent bottles. Other types of plastic can be recycled, but are not recycled in the same quantities.
When recycling plastic:
• first, re-use plastic containers and bags
• sort plastic into different types-follow the instructions at the drop-off centre or the instructions provided for kerbside collection
• rinse containers and remove lids (lids are often a different type of plastic)
• ask the supermarket to recycle plastic bags
• look for the code number on any plastic item and try to choose those which can be recycled in local recycling programs.
Packaging waste such as plastic bottles, bags and other consumer plastics are priority wastes under Queensland’s waste strategy.
Aluminium
Can be recycled over and over again.
Much energy is used to produce primary aluminium from bauxite. Once in metallic form, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely.
Recycling aluminium uses only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium. This saves coal in energy production in power stations and reduces emissions to the atmosphere.
Around Queensland, sell cans at 'Cash for Cans' and 'Cash-a-Can' centres or put them in kerbside collections or drop-off centres. Find out if local schools collect cans for fund raising.
Currently, the industry recycles 55 per cent of the steel cans Australians use every year.
When you recycle aluminium:
? place aluminium cans in a recycling bin, not the wheelie bin
? encourage schools or workplaces to recycle aluminium cans
? remove foreign objects (e.g. straws) that could ruin new aluminium.
Other metals
Metal recycling has been around for centuries.
Salvaging and reusing metals such as lead, copper and steel makes economic sense.
Metal recycling also makes environmental sense. Processed metals and many alloys require less energy to recycle than to mine and process. This conserves our raw material resources for the future.
Lead can be recycled from old car batteries. Service stations and car battery retail outlets will generally accept car batteries for trade-in, or take them to a metal recycler for recycling. Do not empty out battery acid before delivering the batteries to a collector.
Don't throw away copper from hot water systems, copper pipes or old car radiators-take them to a scrap metal dealer. Electric cabling and wiring contains copper and aluminium, which can be recycled. The plastic coating found on some wiring can be removed by metal recyclers in a process called 'granulation'. Using this process, the plastic is removed and the copper, aluminium and any steel present are separated magnetically for recycling.
Brass retrieved from old household fittings can be restored for use in old houses.
Steel and iron can be reclaimed from car bodies and engines, disused household or industrial equipment and building materials. Most household steel scrap is in the form of human and pet food cans. Scrap metal dealers may take clean, de-labelled cans but may not be able to offer payment for them. Steel cans, including aerosol, are accepted in many kerbside recycling programs.
When you recycle metal:
? take it to a scrap metal dealer or local drop-off centre
? ask if money is paid for returned metal goods
? remember that old car bodies and old fridges and freezers look better in a scrap metal yard than dumped in bushland
? don't include fire extinguishers, gas bottles, or shock absorbers-they have the potential to explode.
Paper
Plantation timber, not native forests, is the source of most paper-making pulp. Stronger, better quality paper is made from hardwoods. Softwoods produce shorter fibres suitable for paper such as newsprint.
2. Action (strategy) plan for continuous improvement in resource efficiency
? Develop a plan of action (strategy) for continuous improvement in resource efficiency, specifically in the IT Department.
Example: Action plan
No. Strategy Responsibility Target Date
1 Conduct bush regeneration and weed control in sensitive environmental areas at colleges Department 1 Jan
2 Give preference to native indigenous plants and water wise gardens when landscaping around colleges Department 2 Feb
3 Control feral animal and pest species using environmentally-sound methods Department 3 Mar
3. Record Keeping for Sustainability program
? Develop an Excel spreadsheet template to record and keep track of expenses incurred in buying toners and maintaining the office printers and photocopiers within a 6 months period.
? The template must include relevant headings and labels appropriate to the data to be entered (see sample below). The information later entered into the spreadsheet will be converted into graphs/charts to be used to make informed decisions about how to further improve processes and reduce costs.
? Also assign a person responsible for monitoring, recording and reporting the outcomes.
Example: Excel spreadsheet template
July – Dec 2011 Item Jan Feb Mar Apr May June TOTAL
Laser toner cartridges @ $158 each 40 25 18 35 25 15 $24,964
Inkjet printer cartridges @ $98 each 15 5 8 5 15 12 $1,224
Laser printer toners @
$90 1 1 1 1 2 2 $720
Photocopier toners @ $120 1 1 1 1 1 1 $720
Ream of paper @ $30 20 25 25 15 20 25 $3900
Cost of servicing @ $100 2 3 1 2 2 1 $1100
Example:Responsibility for monitoring, recording and reporting
Monitoring, recording and reporting Responsibility Date Progress Checked Comment Action required (Who & When)
Records of monitoring of noise at appropriate intervals and in response to complaints during construction. Records include information on recurring or major exceeding of noise goals. Environment and Sustainability Manager
Records of monitoring of light pollution to confirm relative to its particular mounting orientation, 95% of external public lighting luminaries within the project boundary have an Upward Light Output Ratio less than 5% Environment and Sustainability Manager
Task 4: Review workplace sustainability policy implementation
1. Email the memorandum of sustainability policy for review and feedback
? Document all these positive outcomes and prepare and send email to stakeholders and key personnel to provide feedback about the positive results of the company sustainability initiatives.
? In the email, make sure you summarise the savings listed above in an easy-to-read table comparing previous expenses over a 6 months period with the total savings to date (see sample below).
? Refer to appendix for your answer.
2. Modify the procedures
? Modify the procedures to include procedures for how to reduce paper and printing wastage in the company.
Appendix 2
? Refer Task 3.1 Procedures for the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle environmental sustainability program
APPENDIX:
Sample Memorandum
Note for Student:
• For reference only. Don’t copy the memorandum. Create your own.
MEMORANDUM
City Clerk Department
Month X, 20XX
To: Commission Secretaries
From: Mark Numainville, City Clerk
Subject: New “Environmental Sustainability” Section in Reports to City Council
Starting with the Month X, 20XXCity Council meeting, all reports to the City Council from City staff will include an “Environmental Sustainability” section. The report templates for City Commissions and City Councilmembers have been updated to include the new section as well. The purpose of the new section is to identify environmental considerations associated with the item being addressed in the report, thereby allowing the City Council to include those considerations in making decisions.
Commissions should use the new report section to summarize considerations of how their recommendation to the City Council affects the City’s environmental sustainability goals and meets City environmental requirements. These goals and requirements are identified in the attached “Additional Guidance for completing the ‘Environmental Sustainability’ Section of City Council Reports.” This document is designed to assist staff with completing the new report section quickly and effectively. Your commission may find it helpful in completing the new section as well.
City Council report templates have been updated to include the “Environmental Sustainability” section. Commission Secretaries will provide those templates to commissioners as needed. Please direct any questions regarding the new report section to the Commission Secretary.
cc: Ann-Marie Hogan, City Auditor Christine Daniel, City Manager
XXXX, Position