1
Improve environmental performance continuously, using a systematic
approach that links to the best practice of health, safety and quality.
The
environment does not stand alone from other parts of an organisation.
The best practices of any organisation should be included systematically
in the environmental improvement process. Health and safety based
on regulation and consultation, with quality based on team working,
enable organisations to develop systematic approaches.
2
Enhance legal compliance with voluntary action
While
some people complain there is too much regulatory interference,
there needs to be a level playing field to ensure everybody to ensure
others do not undermine the best environmental practices. Voluntary
systems should help organisations achieve legal requirements and
enhance their performance beyond the basic requirement and not become
a replacement or undermine the law.
3
Work as social partners and consult with stakeholders
At
work, there are different interests,
which must be satisfied if improvements
to the environment are to be achieved.
Management, Employees and their trade
union representatives should work
together in social partnership to overcome
such differences. Together they can consult with other stakeholders,
such as customers, suppliers and community to provide a more sustainable
future.
4
Develop process of environmental practice that can apply to all environmental
aspects.
Environmental
practice turns 'awareness' into 'active learning' about environmental
issues. Environmental Practioners progress to develop skills in
environmental risk assessment, recognising environmental principles
to suggest improvements and achievement, the first steps to develop
in a sustainable way. This process applies to all aspects of the
environment, whether waste, energy or chemicals.
5
Take Step by Step Approach
Achieving
sustainble goals of an organisation will not be made overnight.
There are serious long-term goals, relating to life cycle analysis
and design. For people to be actively involved, there must be proper
planning to enable a step-by-step approach where individuals can
gain motivation, be part of improvement and gain a sense achievement
in order to progress.
6
Encourage employee involvement to help the work organisation, environment
and candidates.
Employees
can play a key role as evidenced by studies, particularly those
based toxic release inventory in the USA. They found that the most
dramatic improvements in toxic waste reductions are made by employee
participation through formal consultation systems. The best resource
investment is capacity building
of the workforce. The environment provides ideal media for discovery-based
methods of active learning.
7
Apply preventative approach based on the Precautionary Principle
Health
and safety, environment and sustainabilty issues all benefit from
preventative approaches - like those of industrial hygiene and cleaner
production. The Precautionary Principle is the ultinmate form of
prevention - dont use the substance or process if there are significant
risks.
8
Promote sustainable development for all, combining social, economic
and environmental objectives
All
organisations exist not just in the environment, but in a wider
social, political and economic world. Sustainble practice should
demonstrate the need to balance economic gains, social considerations
and environmental improvements. They are all inter-linked and necessary
for each other. Working with other organisations locally, nationally
and internationally can promote a world that future generations
can enjoy.
9
Encourage collective responses and individual responsibility
The UN Agenda 21 promotes working in partnerships between government, business, trade unions, NGOs and other key groups in order to secure a future fit for all. No individual can hope to save the world, but individuals can realise their contribution to improved environmental performance through collective action. Working together can achieve much more than working alone.
10
Demonstrate Holistic approach
The
environment is everything around us. We need to approach environmental
issues in the same all encompassing way. We should deal with environmental
matters as a whole, meaning practically, socially and economically,
encouraging diversify of opinion and ensuring no discrimination
in any form.
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©
2003 EP@W Publishing Co Ltd
