Environmental Protection and Management PDF (21CV753) - Module 1

Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 Environmental management standards The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as “part of the management system used to manage environm...

Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 Environmental management standards The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as “part of the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfill compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities.” Unique characteristics of Environmental Problems 1. Genetic Modification Of Crops Environmental issues caused by man-made chemicals are becoming clearer. For example, there has been a 90% reduction in the Monarch butterfly population in the United States that can be linked to weed killers that contain glyphosate. There is also some speculation that genetically-modified plants may leak chemical compounds into soil through their roots, possibly affecting communities of microorganisms. 2. Waste Production The average person produces 4.3 pounds of waste per day, with the United States alone accounting for 220 million tons per year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, which generate enormous amounts of methane. Not only does this create explosion hazards, but methane also ranks as one of the worst of the greenhouse gases because of its high global warming potential. 3. Population Growth Many of the issues listed here result from the massive population growth that Earth has experienced in the last century. The planet’s population grows by 1.13% per year, which works out to 80 million people. This results in a number of issues, such as a lack of fresh water, habitat loss for wild animals, overuse of natural resources and even species extinction. The latter is particularly damaging, as the planet is now losing 30,000 species per year. 4. Water Pollution Fresh water is crucial to life on Earth, yet more sources are being polluted through human activities each year. On a global scale, 2 million tons of sewage, agricultural and industrial waste enters the world’s water every day. Water pollution can have harmful effects outside of contamination of the water we drink. It also disrupts marine. VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 5. Overfishing It is estimated that 63% of global fish stocks are now considered overfished. This has led to many fishing fleets heading to new waters, which will only serve to deplete fish stocks further. Overfishing leads to a misbalance of ocean life, severely affecting natural ecosystems in the process. Furthermore, it also has negative effects on coastal communities that rely on fishing to support their economies. The sometimes altering reproductive cycles and increasing mortality rates. 6. Deforestation The demands of an increasing population has resulted in increasing levels of deforestation. Current estimates state that the planet is losing 80,000 acres of tropical forests per day. This results in loss of habitat for many species, placing many at risk and leading to large-scale extinction. Furthermore, deforestation is estimated to produce 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Urban Sprawl The continued expansion of urban areas into traditionally rural regions is not without its problems. Urban sprawl has been linked to environmental issues like air and water pollution increases, in addition to the creation of heat-islands. Satellite images produced by NASA have also shown how urban sprawl contributes to forest fragmentation, which often leads to larger deforestation 8. Acid Rain Acid rain comes as a result of air pollution, mostly through chemicals released into the environment when fuel is burned. Its effects are most clearly seen in aquatic ecosystems, where increasing acidity in the water can lead to animal deaths. It also causes various issues for trees. Though it doesn’t kill trees directly, acid rain does weaken them by damaging leaves, poisoning the trees and limiting their available nutrients. 9. Ozone Layer Depletion Ozone depletion is caused by the release of chemicals, primarily chlorine and bromide, into the atmosphere. A single atom of either has the potential to destroy thousands of ozone molecules before leaving the stratosphere. Ozone depletion results in more UVB radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. UVB has been linked to skin cancer and eye disease, plus it affects plant life and has been linked to a reduction of plankton in marine environments. VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 10. Ocean Acidification Ocean acidification is the term used to describe the continued lowering of the pH levels of the Earth’s oceans as a result of carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated that ocean acidity will increase by 150% by 2100 if efforts aren’t made to halt it. This increase in acidification can have dire effect on calcifying species, such as shellfish. This causes issues throughout the food chain and may lead to reductions in aquatic life that would otherwise not be affected by acidification. 11. Air Pollution Air pollution is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem, particularly in heavily-populated cities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found that 80% of people living in urban areas are exposed to air quality levels deemed unfit by the organization. It is also directly linked to other environmental issues, such as acid rain and eutrophication. Animals and humans are also at risk of developing a number of health problems due to air pollution. 12. Lowered Biodiversity Continued human activities and expansion has led to lowered biodiversity. A lack of biodiversity means that future generations will have to deal with increasing vulnerability of plants to pests and fewer sources of fresh water. Some studies have found that lowered biodiversity has as pronounced an impact as climate change and pollution on ecosystems, particularly in areas with higher amounts of species extinction. 13. The Nitrogen Cycle With most of the focus being placed on the carbon cycle, the effects of human use of nitrogen often slips under the radar. It is estimated that agriculture may be responsible for half of the nitrogen fixation on earth, primarily through the use and production of man-made fertilizers. Excess levels of nitrogen in water can cause issues in marine ecosystems, primarily through overstimulation of plant and algae growth. This can result in blocked intakes and less light getting to deeper waters, damaging the rest of the marine population. 14. Natural Resource Use Recent studies have shown that humanity uses so many natural resources that we would need almost 1.5 Earths to cover our needs. This is only set to increase as industrialization continues in nations like China and India. Increased resource use is linked to a number of other environmental issues, such as air pollution VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 and population growth. Over time, the depletion of these resources will lead to an energy crisis, plus the chemicals emitted by many natural resources are strong contributors to climate change. 15. Transportation An ever-growing population needs transportation, much of which is fueled by the natural resources that emit greenhouse gases, such as petroleum. In 2014, transportation accounted for 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation also contributes to a range of other environmental issues, such as the destruction of natural habitats and increase in air pollution. 16. Polar Ice Caps The issue of the melting of polar ice caps is a contentious one. While NASA studies have shown that the amount of ice in Antarctica is actually increasing, these rises only amount to a third of what is being lost in the Arctic. There is strong evidence to suggest that sea levels are rising, with the Arctic ice caps melting being a major contributor. Over time, this could lead to extensive flooding, contamination of drinking water and major changes in ecosystems. 17. Climate Change The majority of the issues previously listed contribute or are linked to climate change. Statistics created by NASA state that global temperatures have risen by 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880,which is directly linked to a reduction in Arctic ice of 13.3% per decade. The effects of climate change are widespread, as it will cause issues with deforestation, water supplies, oceans and ecosystems. Each of these have widespread implications of their own, marking climate change asthe major environmental issue the planet faces today. Systems Approach to corporate environmental Management A system approach is identifying, understanding, and managing integrated and interdependent processes and their risks that contribute to the organization's environmental management system effectiveness. Reviewing the inputs and outputs of each process as only a section of the company as a whole contributes to understanding the effects on other processes within the organization. This approach helps managers avoid analyzing problems in isolation. The most common system model used for environmental management is the ISO 14001. There have been other models, such as the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 and the Responsible Care model, developed by the American Chemical Council (ACC). Many organizations, when implementing their environmental management system (EMS) to ISO 14001 requirements, have used the PDCA methodology, based on Deming's “Plan-Do- Check- Act,” implemented in post-WWII Japan. The focus in the twenty-first century has been on the environmental revolution, and the ISO management system's emphasis has been on continual improvement. In 1995, I developed the Three-Step Process: Identify, Insure, Improve™ for management system implementation. These three steps can be applied not only to quality but also to implementation of an environmental management system (see Figure below). Environmental impact reduction efforts Use energy more efficiently. Producing electricity and natural gas and delivering it to your door generates greenhouse gas emissions. Installing energy-efficient building systems and VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 equipment can save energy and reduce your environmental footprint. See the Commercial or Industrial energy efficiency tools for recommendations that are tailored to your business segment. Install renewables. Clean, renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, can reduce your impact on the environment significantly while lowering your energy bill. A variety of federal, state and local incentives are available to make installing renewable energy more affordable. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for information about incentives available in your area. Conserve water. Energy is used (and emissions generated) to heat the water used in your facility and process waste water. Reduce water heater temperatures and repair leaks. Install low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets to reduce the amount of water used; this can be especially effective in lodging and multi- family facilities. Facilities with high hot water demand, such as hospitals and restaurants, should consider heat recovery to capture the energy from waste fluids to heat or preheat water. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Your environmental footprint goes beyond energy use and your business. All of the materials and equipment in your facility must be produced and shipped there, and then disposed of—all of which impacts the environment. Look for ways to use less; it could be something as simple as printing on both sides of paper or developing a better preventive maintenance program to make equipment last longer. Establish a companywide recycling program. Travel less. Employees driving to and from work produce a substantial amount of air pollution. Encourage (or subsidize) employees to use public transportation or organize car pools, and allow employees to work from home whenever possible. Minimize business travel through web conferencing, email and other low-emission communications. If you maintain a fleet of vehicles, use them only when needed and look for fuel-efficient models. Consider near sourcing. All businesses require resources to function, whether it is office supplies or raw materials for manufacturing. Transporting these resources to your door uses energy and creates emissions. Near sourcing—using vendors close to your business—is a growing trend that can reduce your environmental impact and may save you money as well. Ship goods more efficiently. If your business delivers products, consider ways to reduce your shipping emissions. Ground shipments, by rail or truck, are generally more fuel-efficient than shipping by air. Fewer, full ground shipments will use less fuel than frequent light loads. If VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 you do not have enough goods for full shipments, consider teaming up with other local businesses. Business charter for sustainable production and consumption Sustainable economic growth provides the foundation and resources for societies to develop andprosper, and for people to meet their needs and pursue their aspirations. It helps enable economic empowerment and poverty eradication, advance environmental stewardship; and contribute to dealing with the trans-boundary global challenges highlighted by the UN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals. At the heart of economic growth are innovative, successful, and responsible businesses operatingwithin strong, forward-looking governance and policy frameworks. Now more than ever, sustainable development depends on the solutions, capabilities, contributions and engagement of business. ICC believes this entails:  Innovation in all dimensions of sustainable development so as to develop more integratedstrategies, policy and decision-making.  Leadership and collaboration to leverage the mutually-reinforcing and cross-cutting elementsof integrated policy-making.  Integrated governance structures fostering greater policy coherence between economic, environmental and development objectives.  Efforts by all actors to reconcile short-term pressures with longer-term strategies to deal with the multiplicity of economic, societal, and environmental challenges and opportunities in an integrated manner.  Bottom up and top down actions pursued simultaneously by governments and business in support of sustainable growth. A one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective, nor will policies that work in silos.  Multilateral and cross-cutting approaches across countries and sectors, which are indispensable in the global marketplace. ICC and sustainable development ICC has played a long-standing role in promoting responsible business conduct and remains committed to providing through leadership to deliver sustainabilitysolutions. In 1991, only four years after the milestone Brundtland report ―Our Common Future‖, ICC launched its first Business Charter for Sustainable Development, voicing the first world business position on sustainable development. The Charter was subsequently updated in 2000 and 2015, with the latest version reflecting the new approach to sustainable development and VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 its economic, societal, and environmental dimensions. The 2015 Business Charter for Sustainable Development has been specifically designed to help companies contribute to the SDGs’ implementation. Based around eight guidelines, it sets out a strategic framework to help companies place sustainability at the heart of their operations; it calls on the widest range of enterprises to enhance their sustainability performance; it also calls for enhanced co-operation to support sustainable growth. Sustainable development as a business priority  To recognize the business contribution to sustainable development as a key priority and an enabler for long-term business success.  To build the necessary awareness and understanding amongst its employees, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders.  To clarify and integrate sustainability into its strategies, leadership principles, operations, activities and investments according to each business’ individually relevant context.  To govern its business with integrity, develop best practices in any relevant area of work, andpromote ethical conduct, including fighting corruption. Tools for Sustainable Business Management Specific tools for translation of general requirements of sustainable development into manageabledemands are necessary. The sustainability balanced scorecard is the central tool for the development and implementation of sustainable business strategies. In order to identify the position of an enterprise related to sustainable development the concept of sustainability cube is discussed. With this instrument the social, economical and ecological dimension of sustainable development within an enterprise can be measured. A tool for sustainable design of new productsor services is the sustainable orientated quality function deployment. This concept combines the needs of the market and customers with the principles of sustainable development. Sustainability requirements can be included on all steps of the Qm> process. For the House of Quality (HOQ), the subsystem design matrix and the piece part design matrix the relevant criteriacan be derived from the principles of ecodesign as well as from criteria's concerning social resp. health and safety issues. Eco-Efficiency Criteria and principles of Cleaner Production can be integrated into the process design matrix, but it has to be noted, that these principles will also havean impact to matrix 1 - 3 (see Table 2). Eco-Efficiency means creating more value with less impact. The goal of the concept of Cleaner Production are VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 environmental sound processes, in order to avoid harmful emissions and waste which have to be cleaned up with so called end-of-pipe technologies. The objective of Eco-Design is to maximize the benefit and to minimize the environmental impact of a product or service. Additionally requirements of corporate strategy areimportant. Therefore tool employment has to be seen in the light of the general objectives which are management for example with a SBSC within a Generic Management System. What is Environmental Stewardship  Human responsible consumption, protection of the natural environment or corrective activities that could be achieved through conservation efforts and sustainable practices.  The responsible use and management of natural resources in a way that takes a full and balanced account of the interests of society, future generations, and other species while accepting significant answerability to society for these actions.  Reduce the number of bags you use for shopping. Use reusable bags.  Reduce water usage and waste by closing taps and lower the flow to the smallest needed to do the job in reasonable time.  Reduce the amount of fuel you use by choosing smaller, lighter vehicles. Carpool. Live close to where you work. Use public transit if you can. Environmental stewardship ties in with land stewardship and good agricultural practices which farmers would not truly practice if they care about obtaining optimal yields for an infinite VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 period of time. It includes things like:  Planting trees around fields to act as wind break barriers which reduce soil erosion due towinds blowing across cultivated ground.  Reduced tillage or no tillage methods of growing crops. This also helps reduce soil erosionby wind because less or nose bare soil is left open to the elements.  Incorporation of plant waste, such as stems, back into the soil to add organic matter. This means healthier soil and corresponding increased yields. It also can mean soil which is more open allowing for better drainage.  Not using equipment on soil when it is too wet resulting in compaction. This can mean reduced yields and reduced drainage. Also using suitable equipment to match the soil suchas tracked equipment versus just plain wheels on muck type soil.  Applying the correct amount of fertilizer or manure at the correct time to achieve optimalgrowing results without having run off issues. Allowing fertilizer or manure to leach into waterways is harmful to the environment as well as a waste of the resource. As part of this,incorporating the fertilizer or manure into the soil Drivers of sustainability The business case for sustainability has been at the forefront of much of the literature. Some of the most commonly mentioned drivers/benefits of sustainability include: competitive advantage, reduced costs, increased sales, improved image and reputation, and increased employee motivation (FSC, 2010; Jenkins, 2006; KPMG, 2008; Makower, 2010; Masurel, 2007; Morsing, 2006; Simpson, Taylor, & Barker, 2004; Werbach, 2009; Willard, 2005). In December 2010, the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA), Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) released a report on drivers to sustainability. This report looked at the evolution of CR practices in Canada, the US and the UK; The top three drivers to sustainability for large organizations were: (1) Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (2) Managing risk to the reputation of your brand and (3) Achieving competitive advantage and long-term profitability (see figure 6) (AICPA, CIMA, CICA, 2010, p.5). BARRIERS Sustainable development has been widely promoted as a holistic concept which aims or targets VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 to integrate social, economic and cultural policies to ensure high-quality growth. However, there are barriers combating the implementation of sustainable development. These barriers are, according to an UK essay and other materials, the following: Economic and financial barriers: Economists observed that the dominating development model tends to focus on economic growth as precedence rather than people's rights or welfare, and environmental processes and limits. This requires a shift in the worldview from treating the environment as part of the economy to treating the economy as part of the environment; strategically this means the economy should be adapted to ensure environmental services are maintained. Innovational Barriers: In the educational sector there is a lack of innovation-oriented research. This means that there has to be a closer connection between research institutes and the economy, which would also overcome problems concerning the knowledge transfer to applications in real life. Social barriers: Population growth, paired with unsustainable consumption and production patterns among the wealthy, are the biggest social challenges to achieving sustainable development in the world. Absent of a significant change in human behavior, sustainability will not be potential. There are other social barriers which are: The marginalization of the poor and entrenched inequities Limited awareness about sustainable development. Environmental issues among both politicians and the wider public fragmented civil society. Inadequate interaction between civil society and government. Insufficient incentives to for the private sector to pursue sustainable development. Political barriers: Inadequate economic, social and environmental methods for policies, plans and projects are the major barrier combating the implementation of sustainable development. Poor monitoring and evaluation systems: A basic problem is lack of specific targets (globally, nationally and at local level), measurement and data to track progress, resulting in a lack of information available to decision-makers. It is suggested for strengthening monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development strategies in order to establish a dynamic improvement process, with an objective of increasing their effectiveness. It is recommended that governments should turn up deeper and assess the socio-economic impacts of developmental projects, rather than the outcome alone. Institutional barriers: Institutional barriers as a result of lack of institutional experience to operate all the mechanism of democratic system has been combating and frustrating sustainable development in many developing countries. VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 Trade barriers Environmental Management Principles Principles of environmental management are a set of rules and guidelines that help attain desirable environmental outcome. Principles of environmental management, refers to procedure, government, industries and people should follow. Environmental management principles have been drivers, in response to economic and social problems which may arise as a result of any economic undertaking. This includes agriculture, mining, industries and natural disasters likely to damage the environment. Key Principles Of Environmental Management Below are the main principles of environmental management important for environmental decision making and any undertaking, likely to damage the environment. 7 main principles of environmental management, which play major role in economic, social and environmental decision making, including policy formulation. 1. Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) Most economists around the world suggested for many years that the only to ensure clean safe environment was through this principles of environmental management. Experts suggested that firms producing hazard chemicals and pollutants affecting the environment must pay After many countries embarked on measuring damage, through environmental impact assessment (EIA). It was noted that pollution must be linked to damage and pollution caused, therefore prices must be according to damages caused the industry. Polluter pays principle, ensures absolute liability for any damage and harm caused by the industry and firms. It makes the process and procedure for compensation easy in an event where there victims affected. Another important aspect of this among principles of environmental management is that the cost gets shared and its easy to repair or reduce damages. 2. User Pays Principle (UPP) This principle has been derived from the polluter pays principle which gives the responsibility to users for them to pay for any long run cost and marginal environmental damage or pollution. It includes users bearing the costs for utilizing resources, services and treatment services whenever the resources are consumed and been used. For instance consumption of water which comes from rivers, each household is required to pay certain fee towards the service. Farmers are required to pay land fees, which part of the money VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 goes towards cleaning and budgetary funding for developing EIA systems to help predict, protect and prescribe measure s to protect the environment from economic activities 3. Precautionary Principle (PP) This proposes protecting the environment through precautionary measures, especially for heavy activities that might cause more damage to the environment. Precautionary principle has major objectives which include measuring primary and secondary activities posing a threat to the environment. 4. Principle of Responsibility Among principles of environmental management, this states each person and firm needs to be held accountable and take responsibility to maintain safe, clean and sustainable development. Ecological sustainability should be attained by ensuring the use of resources is properly managed and not wasted, people must go about knowing that one of there duties is to protect the environment, safe applies for firms and corporations extracting and committing gasses polluting the environment. 5. Principle of Effectiveness and Efficiency It the responsibility of government in every country, city or state to ensure, well structured policies and procedures are put in place for essential waste management. Failure to properly mage waste can lead to diseases, soil problems, chemical build ups, water born diseases. Hence its essential that through the principle of effectiveness and efficiency, major agencies and council do everything possible to reduce waste building up and control dump sites for garbage. 6. Principle of Proportionality This refers to striking a balance between development and protecting the environment. Building of basic essential infrastructure through development has been considered major part for Human development, therefore, protecting the environment but so does development. Without the environment which provides for land, man would not have where to build homes. 7. Principle of Participation Every citizen, person, government and firms have a responsibility to participate in environmental decision making and protection policies. Through collective collaboration in the affairs of the environment its easy to foster a shift and wave reflecting need to protect the environment. Every individual should take a major step and contribute to issues relating to solid waste management, garbage collection, construction, chemicals, gaseous omission and demolition materials which are likely to affect the environment and how to reduce the impact. VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 National Environment Policy (NEP) The National Environment Policy (NEP) by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) aims at mainstreaming environmental concerns into all developmental activities. It emphasises conservation of resources, and points that the best way to aid conservation is to ensure that people dependent on resources obtain better livelihoods from conservation, than from degradation of the resources. It argues that environmental degradation often leads to poverty and poor health outcomes among populations. The document goes on to highlight the principles underlying the policy that emphasise the  Important role of human beings in the sustainable development processes  The non negotiability and incomparable value of environmental resources  Right to development for all  Equity in the use of environmental resources and The need for the decentralised and multi-sectoral approach in dealing with environmental issues. The objectives of the policy include:  Conservation of critical environmental resources Intra-generational equity  Livelihood security for the poor Inter-generational equity  Integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development Efficiency in environmental resource use  Environmental governance  Enhancement of resources for environmental conservation VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 Abatement of pollution and conservation of resources Pollution Abatement Pollution abatement refers to any measure taken to reduce, control or eliminate pollution from a given environment. Abatement measures can be technological, like catalytic converters on vehicles to reduce air pollution, or they may be regulatory, like laws limiting the amount of solid waste a sewage management facility can release into a waterway. Abatement measures may also be behavioral, like turning down a home thermostat a degree or two in winter to reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions Air Smog, ground-level ozone pollution, acid rain and climate change influenced by greenhouse gas emissions are all products of fossil-fuel combustion, whether for industrial processes, electricity generation or gasoline-powered vehicles. Examples of contemporary abatement strategies include requiring smoke-stack scrubbers on coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur and nitrogen dioxides and placing caps on carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gases. Soil Land pollution can come from a variety of sources. Landfills, chemical and fuel refinery leaks or spills and industrial agricultural techniques that require heavy use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers all contribute to soil pollution. Abatement measures include eliminating lead from fuels to reduce lead pollution of the soil, requiring underground liners for landfills, voluntary recycling programs, regulating fuel and chemical production to minimize risks of spills or leaks and exploring alternative agricultural methods to reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. Water Water pollution usually comes in one of two major forms, point source pollution and nonpoint source pollution. Point sources include specific release of pollutants into waterways, like industrial effluents or untreated sewage. Nonpoint sources are not locally specific and include pollution from storm water runoff in urban areas and pollutant leaching from contaminated soils. Abatement measures include requiring treatment of sewage waste water solids, installation of storm runoff retention systems (also called wet ponds) in areas with a high density of impervious surfaces and educating the public about the dangers of storm water pollutants to streams, rivers and aquifers. VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 Energy Conservation Another basic but important pollution abatement strategy includes what many call reducing your carbon footprint. More people using fewer resources and less energy reduces pollution impacts on a larger scale. Examples of conservation include: using cleaner-burning fuels and renewable sources of energy like solar or wind power, using public transportation or carpooling, recycling and reusing paper, plastics and metals, insulating your home to make it more energy-efficient, installing energy-efficient appliances, and buying locally produced goods to reduce the need for shipping of products over long distances. The focus in the twenty-first century has been on the environmental revolution, and the ISO management system's emphasis has been on continual improvement. In 1995, I developed the Three-Step Process: Identify, Insure, Improve™ for management system implementation. These three steps can be applied not only to quality but also to implementation of an environmental management system CHARTER ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (CREP) Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) launched the Charter on "Corporate Responsibility forEnvironmental Protection (CREP)" in March 2003 with the purpose to go beyond the complianceof regulatory norms for prevention & control of pollution through various measures including waste minimization, in-plant process control & adoption of clean technologies. The Charter set targets concerning conservation of water, energy, recovery of chemicals, reduction in pollution, elimination of toxic pollutants, process & management of residues that are required to be disposedoff in an environmentally sound manner. The Charter enlists the action points for pollution control for various categories of highly polluting industries. The Task Forces were constituted formonitoring the progress of implementation of CREP recommendations/ action points. Action Points under CREP for Tannery Sector 1. Chrome Recovery i) All the chrome-tanning units in the country will have the Chrome Recovery Plant either on individual basis or on collective basis in the form of Common Chrome Recovery Plant and use the recovered chrome in the tanning process. By December 2004 ii) Common Chrome Recovery Plant is to be installed and commissioned at Kanpur, for which the Feasibility Report has already been prepared. All the chrome tanning units will make VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 their financial contribution to the extent of 10% By June 2003 ii) Recovered Chromium is to be utilized in tanning process By December 2005 2. Waste Minimization Measures i) Waste minimization circles will be formed in all the clusters of tanneries in the country to implement waste minimization measures and for adoption of clean technologies March 2004 ii) Waste minimization measures as identified by the Task Force to be implemented in all the tanneries By December 2005 3. Reduction of Water Consumption in Tannery Units i) All the tanneries will install water meters and flow meters to measure actual consumption and waste water discharge. By December 2003 ii) Water consumption rates will be brought down to 28 m 3 /tonne of hides by taking water conservation measures. By December 2003 4. Compliance of standards All CETPs and ETPs will take the following measures: i) Deployment of qualified and well trained staff for O & M of the ETPs/CETPs. By December 2003 ii) Installation of automatic monitoring instruments by CETPs/large tanneries. By December 2003 iii) Separate Energy meters for ETPs/CETPs By December 2003 iv) Replacement of open anaerobic lagoons with cleaner technology options will be implemented By December 2005 v) Implementation of guidelines developed by CPCB for Health & Safety of worker employed in the industry / ETP/ CETP. vi) All large tannery units (processing more than 5 tonne/day of hides/skins) will undertake Environmental Auditing on annual basis. By June 2004 vii) Modification/up-gradation of the CETPs/ETPs wherever necessary will be taken up by tannery units and CETP management By December 2005 5. Management of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) For TDS management the following methods will be adopted: i) Manual/mechanical desalting By December 2003 ii) Use of cleaner technology for less use of salt By December 2005 iii) High Rate Transpiration System for effluent treatment will be adopted wherever VCET, Puttur Environmental Protection and Management [21CV753] Module 1 feasible By December 2004 iv) Treated wastewater will be mixed with the sewage wherever feasible and further treated and the treated combined effluent will be used on land for irrigation. By December 2005 6. Solid Waste Management For solid waste management the following methods will be adopted: i) Utilization of process sludge for by-product recovery. By December 2004 ii) Resource recovery from process sludge and ETP sludge in the form of Biogas By December 2004 iii) Safe disposal of hazardous sludge and non-hazardous solid wastes By December 2005 7. Salts from Solar Evaporation The following methods will be adopted depending on the site specific conditions: i) Reuse of recovered salt. By December 2005 ii) Safe land disposal or Sea disposal 8. Use of Boron bearing compounds will be dispensed with. By December 2003 9. Ground water quality monitoring to be strengthened wherever the treated effluents are applied on land for irrigation. By December 2004 10. Implementation of recommendations of the Task Force constituted by the MOEF, Govt.of India will be commenced by June 2003. By June 2003 VCET, Puttur