FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

ACTIVITY 1.
1. Explain sustainability- in the context of interaction between business organisations
and the environment. 100 words
 Sustainability is about cherishing biodiversity and human wellness, equity, and
freedom. It means maintaining economics security without contaminating the
water, soil, and air. It requires creating economics and social systems that
concurrently meet human physical needs.Sustainability is achieved when we
understand the economic, environmental, and social consequences of our
actions and make deliberate choices that allow all people to lead healthy,
productive and enjoyable lives.

Sustainability is not something that just happens, it is something that should

be planned, communicated and integrated into an organisation’s culture from
the very top of the structure, down through all the layers. Sustainable
workplace policies build on an organisation’s commitment to sustainability
through developing the capacity of staff members to become active
contributors to local workplace solutions to the pressing global environmental
problems, such as climate change, environmental pollution and the
degradation of natural resources.

2. These days it is unexpected that business organisations will develop and implement
sustainability policies. What things might be covered in the scope of a sustainability policy?
130-150 words.
 The environment you work in can have an impact on how well you do your job
and how well you feel. Working in a safe, comfortable environment helps to
keep you focused on what is important: doing your job. But if your work
environment causes stress or makes you feel ill, you are likely to focus more
on what is causing the discomfort than working.

 Stress
A high-stress work environment can lead to health problems and work errors. These
issues are compounded if employees feel pressured into skipping vacations or
working through illnesses rather than taking sick days. Fatigue and frustration can
set in, reducing the quality of work getting done. Safety can also be affected when
mistakes become accidents. It is not just the employees who suffer from high-stress
environments. Their employers are also impacted. Companies in which stress-related
problems are a cultural norm could suffer financially from poor-quality work and high
rates of employee turnover.

 Air quality
Poor air quality isn’t just a problem in manufacturing or heavy-duty work sites than
emit pollutants. Office buildings that are sealed up tight and rely on air circulation
systems can end up circulating viruses, molds, allergens and even gases or residue
from toxic cleaning chemicals. Environments with low humidity levels contribute to
sinus and dry eye issues, while high humidity introduces biological pollutants. As
with a high-stress environment, a work environment with poor air quality can affect
the health of employees and, subsequently, their quality of work.

 Noise
A noisy work environment can cause headaches in the short term. Repeated exposure
over a long period of time can lead to hearing loss and heart disease. As with a high-
stress environment, employees can find it hard to concentrate when noise levels
reach the point where normal conversation becomes difficult, and the quality of work
being done can suffer as a result.

 Ergonomics
Insufficient lighting and uncomfortable desk chairs are examples of workplace
ergonomics that can lead to health problems, fatigue and reduced productivity and
work quality. Poor lighting causes eye strain and can also affect employee decision
making. If an employee must visually inspect products, poor lighting can lead to
judging a bad product good or a good product bad. Uncomfortable desk chairs can
lead to poor posture and the development of musculoskeletal disorders, which could
increase health care costs and employee absenteeism.

3. A number of green or sustainability practices might be considered when developing

policies. Suggest six practices that could be of value.

Sustainability and ethics relate to people, the environment and legislative compliance.
They are directly linked to business operations. Business ethics or ethical business
practice is business practice which exploits neither people nor the environment.
Relevant laws and regulations can include international, Commonwealth,
state/territory, industry and organisational.

Stakeholders Organisational impact

People Educate internal people is the beginning. Makes an organisation be

reliable.

Policies Are necessary to align the organisation and stakeholders in

environment objectives.

Customers An organization not committed to the environment could lose

customers.

Society A committed organization will be appreciated by society and is a

way of educating society.

Elements Taking care of the environment creates less pollution, that way the
organisation protect the elements.

Resources For example a recycling culture generates a decrease in the use of

resources.

Activity 2.
It will be necessary to gather sustainability information from a number of sources. List 12
useful sources.

SOURCES
1. Chamber of commerce
2. Professional network for ideas
3. Website of world business council for sustainable development
4. An association of about 200 major international corporations
5. Check government websites on sustainability
6. Monash university have several pages on these policies
7. Relevant government departments
8. Climate count rate search page
9. www.global100.org
10.www.sustainability/you/green-office
11.Communicate expectations
12. Map your supply chain

Activity 3.
Who are stakeholders for an organisations sustainability policies and practices and should
they be identified and consulted? 250-300 words.

Employees Consultation with employees and giving employees the opportunity

to participate in planning equals ownership, understanding of and
support for plans and initiatives. It motivates employees to improve
and to contribute to continuous improvement, because it shows
that the organisation values employee opinions, expertise and
experience.

Customers Competition for market share means that the public and customer
approval reflects greatly on the organisation’s ability to maintain
current business activities and generate future business
opportunities.

The local Individuals and groups in society have become more assertive
community about challenging failures in duty of care and the ethical and
environmental interactions of corporations. They are willing to
withdraw financial support, in terms of stockholding, purchasing
and boycotting unethical organisations. For all organisations,
whether they are industrial, commercial, private or public sector,
stakeholders, and in particular, customer needs and expectations,
are of paramount importance. These do not only relate to
product/service but also to perceptions of the organisation’s ethics
and sustainability activities.

Suppliers All organisations are part of a supply chain. A world-wide network

of business entities, suppliers, factories, warehouse, distribution
centres, and retailers through which raw materials are acquired,
transformed, and delivered to customers along the chain, until they
reach the consumer or end-user -customer. The resources that flow
between these various entities, each of which strives for profit
maximisation, are materials and information.
 Other Stakeholders or stockholders who are the beneficiaries or financial
stakeholders successes are, in many instances prepared to support
sustainability, they can sometimes have a different priorities from
those of others stakeholders (our banking systems are good
example of the disparity between stockholders and stakeholders).

Activity 4.
1. In a short sentence explain what a strategy is.
 Strategy is the direction and scope of an organisation over the long-term: which
achieves advantage for the organisation through its configuration of resources
within a challenging environment, to meet the needs of markets and to fulfil
stakeholder expectations".. A method or plan chosen to bring about a desired
future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem.

2. Develop and list six strategies that might be implemented to support sustainability.
a)Communicate expectations
 Focusing on sustainability within your supply chain is a great way to
communicate corporate values and culture to your suppliers and customers.
Establishing and communicating expectations through a supplier code of
conduct is a critical step in involving suppliers in your sustainability efforts.
b) Develop training and capacity building programs
 This is an important step in improving sustainability and driving behavioral
changes throughout your supply chain. Many external resources are available
to support these efforts and some are tailored to specific sector needs.
c)Develop and/or deploy robust tracking tools, including software solutions, to
monitor supplier performance and improvement over time
d)Perform a logistics assessment to determine where sustainability improvements
can be made
e)Integrate supply chain sustainability criteria into the procurement process
f)Create a shift towards supply chain sustainability by leveraging your buying power
and influence
g)Expand your sustainability goals beyond your direct operations across your
supply chain
h)Encourage innovation

Activity 5.
1. There are three different aspects of sustainability. These need to be considered
when developing policies and business plans. Explain what these aspects are and
when they mean in terms of policy planning and business planning. 250-300 words
 There are three interconnected spheres of sustainability that describe the
relationships between the environmental, economic, and social aspects of our
world. These spheres are a related set of concepts that, when taken together, can
form a solid ground from which major decisions and actions can be made.
Examples of such decisions could include land use planning, surface water
management, building design and construction, and even law making. When the
 concepts contained in the three spheres of sustainability are applied to real world
situations, everybody wins. Natural resources are preserved, the environment is
protected, the economy isn't harmed, and the quality of life for our people is
improved or maintained.

Environmental Sustainability
a. In a truly sustainable environment, an ecosystem would maintain populations,
biodiversity, and overall functionality over an extended period of time. Ideally, decisions that
are made should promote equilibrium within our natural systems and seek to encourage
positive growth. Unnecessary disturbances to the environment should be avoided whenever
possible. If there is a disturbance, it should be mitigated to the maximum practicable extent.
When decisions are made, one part of the discussion should always be the environmental
impacts of the proposed outcome or result.

Economic Sustainability

b. Similar to environmental sustainability, economic sustainability involves creating

economic value out of whatever project or decision you are undertaking. Economic
sustainability means that decisions are made in the most equitable and fiscally sound
way possible while considering the other aspects of sustainability. In most cases,
projects and decisions must be made with the long term benefits in mind (rather than
just the short term benefits). Keep in mind that when only the economic aspects of
something are considered, it may not necessarily promote true sustainability.

Social Sustainability

c. Social sustainability is based on the concept that a decision or project promotes the
betterment of society. In general, future generations should have the same or greater
quality of life benefits as the current generation do. This concept also encompasses
many things such as human rights, environmental law, and public involvement &
participation. Failing to put emphasis on the social part of decision or action can result
in the slow collapse of the spheres of sustainability (and society as well).

2. What strategies might you recommend for the industry sector in which you work, or
intend to work? (These recommendations should be different from those listed in the answer
to the previous question.) Explain why you would make these recommendations. Consider
time frames, likely effectiveness and costs. 200-250 words.
 In a business context, sustainable development often translates to minding the
‘triple bottom line’:

● Environmental sustainability: Making sure current processes of interaction with the

environment are pursued with intent to maintain the long-term health of the natural
environment.

● Socio-political sustainability: Undertaking social actions and legal compliance to

promote sustainability and social justice. From a business perspective, this may
mean complying with relevant legislation and, for example, providing fair working
conditions and remuneration.

● Economic sustainability: Making sure current processes of interaction with the

environment are economically viable. From a business perspective, this may mean
reducing costs through reduced wastage.
Organisations with an eye on sustainability will ensure they set goals and report on
the above aspects of sustainability in addition to traditional measures of business
success. To support these goals, organisations need to develop policy and strategies
as a way of articulating and promoting organisational sustainability aims. Approaches
to sustainability in a business context may not be the same as sustainability from a
government policy-making perspective, or the perspective of the environmentally
aware or well-meaning individual or consumer.

From a business perspective, economic measures of sustainability tend to

predominate. This means that, in organisational strategic planning, social and
environmental sustainability may not always be treated as ends in themselves, but as
means to drive cost-cutting, profitability, or long-term workforce capacity.

However, businesses are not just about making money: taking into consideration
stakeholder interests beyond owners and investors means seeing the business as
part of and dependant on fulfilling social needs and the business and society as both
dependant on a sustainable environment.

3. What is life cycle management approach?

 A life cycle management is a tool for identifying and measuring the
environmental impact of resource and energy used in the entire life cycle of a
product, including production, distribution, consumption and disposal. This
allows a company to examine the full range of environmental and social
impacts resulting from its products and services, and assists in choosing the
least damaging route. An environmentally conscious organisation will
incorporate life cycle analysis into decisionmaking processes, and manage
materials and products across their life cycles. The procedures of life cycle
assessments are a part of the ISO 14000 Environmental management
standards. Software packages are available to aid in these complex
calculations.

4. In approximately 250 words explain how organisations can be benefit if sustainability

is an integral part of business planning, with agreement on appropriate methods of
implementation, outcomes and performance indicators. Can sustainable business operation
contribute to an organisation's competitive edge?
 Any sustainable business model is more valuable than short term focused
ventures. Value of any venture depends on expected returns and risk
associated with returns. Sustainable businesses have lesser risks associated
with their future earnings. Triple bottom line reduces uncertainty in availability
of factors of production and also accessibility to potential customers. Hence in
long term, a sustainable business would always comes out as a winner.

 One can argue that investors can move from one short term gain to another to
maximize their profit, but such an approach assumes that such investment
options would be available all the time. Market forces make sure that returns
from any investment are proportional to the risk it carries. Some investors may
make quick bucks in short-term focused business but there are always risks of
losing such profits if they do not exit at right time or if they put wrong bet in
their next investment.

 For a collective good, we need to spread the awareness that sustainability is

essential for long term prosperity of the individuals. Some of us would
continue to believe that social benefits are different from individual benefits,
but market would prove otherwise. Good sustainability practices help
companies gain a competitive edge. Learn to tie sustainability to the core of
your business.
Activity 6.
1. Explain how a business can promote its workplace sustainability policy, including the
expected outcomes, to key external stakeholders. 100 words.
 Continuous improvement is an ongoing cycle of review and evaluation of your
processes and procedures in your organisation. Having a continuous
improvement policy helps you to refine the way you do things to make it as
effective and efficient as possible.Having an improvement process means that
all volunteers (and staff) can contribute to the improvement of the way you
work.

Having a continuous improvement process can also help to:

 Encourage participation from staff and volunteers

 Improve communication between volunteers, staff and management
 Reinforce your commitment to creating a positive work environment
 Provide an objective basis for decision making
 Create a proactive and planned approach to improving how things are done.

Stakeholder Promoting policy through

Employees Meetings, email, training.

Suppliers Email

Other council agencies Video conference, email, phone

Local community Web site, local journal, promote on streets

Local businesses Website, email

2. How can employees ( internal stakeholders) be informed about their roles and
responsibilities with regard to implementation, activities to be undertaken, and the expected
outcomes? What information will they require? 200-250 words

 In order to improve the efficiency of resources procedures are developed and

reported to check that the policy is stated and followed as it is meant.
Procedure is a series of actions which is meant to followed in the way they are
accomplished so as to get the same results under the same situations. They
give hand in helping the people and the system work better. Well written
procedures helps in improving the quality work within the organisation,
reducing the number or errors and negligence and performing complex tasks
quickly and effectively.
Activities to be undertaken:
 Train employees so they can implement and promote the new policy correctly
 Inform suppliers about the new policy
  Inform the new policy and the benefits of this to others council agencies, local
community and local businesses
 Educate community and local businesses about the importance of policy for
the environment
- Give stakeholders tips so they can help the environment and feel involved

Responsibilities:
 The mayor councillor will inform employees and other council agencies about
the policy.
 The community committee will inform the suppliers, local community and local
businesses about the policy. This includes email, website, promote on streets,
etc.

Activity 7.
What are organisational procedures and how can they be communicated to employees?
200-250 words
Procedure:
-Gather information: gather detailed information on the process you are making into a
procedure. Collect all the information necessary about how the initiatives (waste
minimisation, recycling of natural resources, reductions of material and energy
consumption, and actions to prevent accidental pollution) can be implemented by the
organisation and employees.

-Write: select necessary information collected and write the procedure at an

appropriate reading level, with actions out in order in which they happen.
-Assess design elements

Communicate:
-Prepare a written document detailing the policies and procedures that you wish to
implement. Include information about their purpose and the objectives they are
intended to accomplish. Provide a step-by-step instructions regarding how to
implement them, as well as criteria for assessing whether they are achieving their
intended results.

-Hold meetings at which you introduce your staff to the policies and procedures that
you wish to implement. Start with a general staff meeting at which you provide an
overview. Proceed to smaller meetings amount different departments with more
specific instructions regarding how the policies and procedures apply to them, as
well as any special responsibilities and instructions that they need to know.

-Explain why you are implementing these policies and procedures, and how they will
benefit both the organisation as a whole as well as individual departments and
employees. Allow plenty of time for questions and feedback and, if possible, provide
hand-on demonstrations.

-Schedule assessments of your policies and procedures at regulars intervals-evaluate

how your staff are implementing them and they are the right measures to achieve
your stated goals. Make changes as necessary, and provide your employees with
honest feedback regarding their performances.

Activity 8.
Explain continuous improvement and apply it to resource efficiency. 180-200 words.
  Strategy:
-Production Efficiency through optimization of productive use of natural resources
(materials, energy, water) at all stages of production cycle
-Environmental Management through minimization of adverse impacts of industrial
production systems on nature and the environment
-Human Development through minimization of risks to people and communities, and
support to their development

 Implementation strategy:
-Prepare a written document detailing the policies and procedures that you wish to
implement. Include information about their purpose and the objectives they are
intended to accomplish. Provide a step-by-step instructions regarding how to
implement them, as well as criteria for assessing whether they are achieving their
intended results.
-Hold meetings at which you introduce your staff to the policies and procedures that
you wish to implement. Start with a general staff meeting at which you provide an
overview. Proceed to smaller meetings amount different departments with more
specific instructions regarding how the policies and procedures apply to them, as
well as any special responsibilities and instructions that they need to know.
-Explain why you are implementing these policies and procedures, and how they will
benefit both the organisation as a whole as well as individual departments and
employees. Allow plenty of time for questions and feedback and, if possible, provide
hand-on demonstrations.
-Schedule assessments of your policies and procedures at regulars intervals-evaluate
how your staff are implementing them and they are the right measures to achieve
your stated goals. Make changes as necessary, and provide your employees with
honest feedback regarding their performances.

Continuous improvement process (CIP)

Identify The organisation recognises that there is a problem to solve

Define Define it more clearly

Explore Explore ways to solve it

Select Selection of the most promising solutions to try out

Implement The selected option is then put into practice

Review Results, successful or otherwise, reviewed

CIP involves basic tools such as:

-Problem-solving cycle
-Brainstorming
-Cause and effect diagrams
-Check sheets
-Flow diagrams
-An outline of policy deployment
Activity 9.
Why is it important to establish and assign responsibility for recording systems that will track
continuous improvements of sustainability approaches? 200-220 words.
 Process documentation is not about writing a final report, but about an
ongoing documentation of the process during the execution of the programme
or project. The basic aim of process documentation is to learn from
implementation experience, and, in the light of this, modify the strategy and
ultimately, policy of a program, project or organisation.

In particular the following activities are the aim of documentation process:

-Capturing the perceptions of stakeholders (see also stakeholders analysis), and the
changes in these perceptions develops.
-Using this information to support reflection and learning so as to improve the
process.
-Helping those looking at the process from outside to understand the changes in
knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that were necessary to achieve results.

Tools for process documentation can be divided into four broad groups. These are:

-Tools for capturing the process (e.g. field worker diaries, group discussions,
interviews, photography and videos).
-Tools for organising the information (and initial dissemination); It is necessary to
avoid chaos. All the information needs to be stored (information can be summarised
in articles, photo books, video bites, written portraits or case studies).
-Tools for analysing information; several tools exist, e.g. “Most Significant Change”
or “Outcome Mapping” (see also Further Readings: DAVIES & DART and JONES &
HEARN).
-Tools for disseminating information include channels or media for dissemination;
where will the concluded information be published? Channels managed by project
staff such as internet and email or channels which could be mobilised by the project
(local TV, radio, newspaper).

-Materials
-Energy
-Water
-Biodiversity
-Emissions, effluents and waste
-Products and services
-Compliance
-Transport
-Overall

Activity 10.
1. Why is it necessary to document and record the outcomes of sustainability policy
implementation? 100-120 words
 Measuring the effectiveness of an intervention. How do you know if a program
was effective? If a program was not effective, would you want to know so that
it could be improved? It is unlikely that we build capacity simply for the sake of
building capacity, and because of this, we need to know whether or not our
programs are effective, just as the nonprofits we serve need to know if their
services are achieving the desired results.
  Identifying effective practices. With the information you collect, you can
determine which activities to continue and build upon. Some practices might
be modified and replicated for other programs or initiatives based on your
results.Some activities may need to change in order to improve the
effectiveness of your program.

 Proving your value to existing and potential funders. The climate for funding
social services and capacity building has undergone some radical
transformations in the last few decades. Funders are keenly aware of the need
to document the success of programs.

2. Explain to whom it might be necessary to give feedback, what feedback might be

required and in what form might be feedback be given. 150-200 words
 It is very important to give feedback as it helps them to get valuable
information about their performance so this will help them to improve their
work.These feedbacks motivates and leads to good and increased results and
also raises the relationships.Effective and timely feedback is a critical
component of a successful performance management program.Feedback
should be given to key personnel and the stakeholders. This can be given via a
written online report, in hard copy, face-to-face in a discussion or through
email.This can be positive and negative as well. When giving negative
feedback to the key personnel use constructive feedback rather than a
negative discussion.

 Having regular surveys

 Organising focus groups or more formal feedback sessions
 Collating any feedback sent through your complaints or compliments systems
– or if you don’t have these systems think about making a form available
through your website or intranet
 Completing a volunteer exit interview when a volunteer leaves, or a feedback
session when their probation period comes to an end
 Making it a part of your performance management process
 Holding a consultation phase and speaking to people in your organisation and
key clients
 Conducting regular internal audits
 Having an external agency conduct a full service audit for you.

Activity 11.
1. Recorded data and information might indicate trends that require remedial action.
What is a trend and what types of trend might be indicated by performance data that
is collected within the organisation? 100-120 words
 The trends requiring the remedial actions must be repaired in order to enhance the
sustainability performance. To improve the performance
 Set clear, obtainable and reformed goals.
 The link between the quality and sustainability should be easily understandable by
everyone. Also, specify and report the quality requirements. 3. Go on with two way
assessment processes between suppliers and customers, management and
employees.
 Scan and check the performances constantly.
 Search for the data and information related to your processes which can give hand in
sustainability.
 Keep in mind that sustainability information should go through the complete
organisation's culture.
  Each employee should check the processes by their own upright and environmental
practices as a part of their own self monitoring of performance.
 Keep a regular check on the most quality problems.
 To determine and avoiding risks act intensely.
 Make improvement plans that unite with the other organisational activities.
 Check that the current improvements are succeeding and also search for new
improvement areas.
 Also monitor the continuous changes in the world like changes in stakeholders,
customer perceptions and opinions.
 At last, the improvements which can be built as a new search are joined into
organisational activities.

2. How can trend analysis be used to identify opportunities for remedial action and
continuous improvement?
 There is continuous improvement process (CI) which helps in improving the
products, services and processes.Strategies would include:

1.Observing the processes by self i.e. Feedback

2.Identification, reduction and elimination of unsatisfactory processes i.e. Efficiency
3.The focus of (CI) is on incremental, continuous steps rather than giant leaps i.e
Evolution.

Implementation could be achieved :By training and guidance, the employees learn
how to think about potential areas of improvement. They turn the improvements into
reality through appropriate structure. This include:
1.Organising a companion committee to overlook the implementation.
2.Identifying the areas of improvements.
3.Finding the solutions of identified problem areas.
4.Developing a detailed solution for one of the problem areas.
5.Implementing the plan.
6.Evaluating the solution.
7.Repeating with increasing frequency.

Communication could be achieved by:Holding meetings is the best to communication

by introducing the policies and procedures to the staff.Progress to smaller meetings
between different departments with more specific instructions related to the policies
and procedures, special responsibilities and instructions they need to know.

Summative Assessment 1
Question 1.
Managers should be able to outline the environmental or sustainability legislation,
regulations and codes of practice applicable to the organisation for which they work. This will
be dependant on the type of organisation and the industry sector.

From what internal and external sources might information be gathered and why is it
necessary for managers to be informed about sustainability legislation, regulations and
codes of practice? 480-500 words,

A sustainable policy is in place to have a company to have and follow environmental legislation.
In the policy of sustainable there should be the purpose of the policy, the scope, legislation and
the responsibilities. A good policy should include some policy underpinnings option to be
successful. Here I will discuss three different options of policy underpin. With the support of
these factors, the policies can be implemented by manager and everyone in the organisation
will commit to it.
1) Consultation

To have your policy accepted by others and understand well by other, the management should
collect information and input from others. The consultation should be value and should
approach to all internal and external people in a business. You need to communicate with all
people that are affected to have their input and acceptance

2) Compliance

The sustainable policy should be created with the knowledge of relevant legislation that is
related to sustainability. Relevant policy legislation and acts for example to be following are
environmental protection act, clean energy legislation and also environment protection and
biodiversity conservation act. This legislation can help the business to draft the sustainable
policy with more knowledge on the best practice of the industry to be sustainable.

3) Capacity

An overview of the requirements, terms and resources for the policy should be conducted. The
policy should have show the responsibilities, elements and resources required. The outline of
description on employee training should also outline if possible for a clear overview.

An effective sustainability policy must be understood, agreed to and adhered to at all levels of
the organisation. Therefore, the policy must be communicated clearly to all stakeholders, and
opportunities must be provided for feedback and clarification. Methods of achieving this
include:
 Staff training on the policy and its set objectives, held as part of an induction, or
on specified training days.
 Checklists, such as resource usage audits and purchasing checklists
 Signs around workplace (eg ‘Switch off before you leave’)
 Using email to send sustainability messages from relevant people in the
organisation, such as the manager or Sustainability Officer.

Examples of external information sources are: Government, trade groupings, commercially

provided information, database and research. If a company uses external sources of
information then they must be sure of the reliability of the data sources. Here are some
examples of how the company could use information supplies by external sources.

Government: Information supplied by the government is definitely coming from a reliable

source as this is the governing body that they business operates within. Companies need to
use important legal information from the Government to help run the business successfully
and legally. For example if a company had over 1,000 employees that were being paid the
minimum hourly rate as outlined by the Government and the rate changes then the company
needs to take this information on board and increase the wages for the staff on this wage
range. Another example would be if the Government offered businesses grants for opening
manufacturing plants in areas of high unemployment a company might use this information to
their advantage to set up a new plant at a lower cost than in another area.

Databases & Research: Companies can research information that might help them increase
the sales and level of interest in their business. The key thing to researching information that
helps run your business to ensure it is accurate and reliable. Some companies will pay to
access commercially available databases that offer a range of information directly based on
their business sector. Many companies can make money creating this information by
analysing currently available sales stats in particular business sectors. When using any
external information source it is absolutely essential to be sure about the reliability of the data
sources and sometimes it is worth paying to access relevant information.
 Question 2.
Write 500 words to explain what a sustainability policy is and how policies, processes and
practices are developed. What might be covered included in an organisation’s environmental
policies and procedures?
 Sustainability focuses on the concept of interdependence, meaning that life on earth
exists due to a delicate balance of ecosystems. If part of the system is disrupted, all
life on earth experiences repercussions. In recent decades it has become clear that
human beings are living beyond this natural balance, using up the planet’s resources
at a rate that cannot be maintained. Sustainability in an organisational context is
therefore about reducing water and energy use, reducing waste and pollution, and
switching to renewable sources of energy, raw materials and products. A holistic
approach requires that actions be considered on individual, organisational, national
and global levels. The fundamental premise of sustainable thinking is that the future is
not somewhere we are going, but something we are creating through our choices
today

 It is important to develop policy that reflects the organisation’s commitment to

sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity.
Use the information gathered as the basis for developing and writing a policy on
sustainable practices for your organisation or section. Your policy should include a
Sustainability Statement, which will state the target, how this will be achieved, who is
accountable, commitment by upper management.

An explanation on how you developed a sustainable policy

1) Understanding the trend and best practice

Research on the sustainability trends, impacts and Concerns. With the information, tiny opera
can develop issues and opportunities to tackle on.

2) Consult
The company consults with members both internal and external to understand and determine
the sustainable issue.

3) Develop sustainable vision

Definition and principles of sustainable policy help to focus future issues for the company.

4) Develop industry plan of practice

Keep ahead of government regulation and relevant legislation to develop mandatory
environmental and social practice.

5) Analyze and draft policy

After consultation and collect all information needed, a policy can be draft out.

6) Progressive policy
The company will reach out to government to support the development of effective policy that
advances sustainability.

Description of best practice models

The plan do check act cycle is a four-step model. The circle has no end and the cycle should be
repeat again and again for better output of improvement.

Plan:
Established the objectives necessary to be deliver with expected output or goals. By knowing
the goal of output, it can be a targeted improvement.
Do:
Implement the plan, collection of data and analyzing.

Check:
Study the actual results and compare to the expectation of the output goals. To see if everything
go according to plan.

Act:
If everything is according to plan then the company can continue and act moving forward but if
not the company should think of a way on how to improve for a better plan and the cycle repeat
all over again.

This model can help the company to establish their policy well and review the policy results and
always find a way to improvise it while the policy is still implemented.

Question 3.
You will need to understand the organisational systems and practices that relate to and
support sustainability in the organisation for which you work. What does this mean and why
is a necessary? 200-300 words

 There are a number of best practices that foster business sustainability, and help
organisations move along the path from being behind to being leaders. These
practices include:
 Stakeholder engagement - Organisations can learn from customers, employees and
their surrounding community. Engagement is not only about pushing out messages,
but understanding opposition, finding common ground and involving stakeholders in
joint decision-making.
 Environmental management systems - These systems provide the structures and
processes that help embed environmental efficiency into a firm’s culture and mitigate
risks. The most widely recognised standard worldwide is ISO 14001, but numerous
other industry-specific and country-specific standards exist.
 Reporting and disclosure - Measurement and control are at the heart of instituting
sustainable practices. Not only can organisations collect and collate the information,
they can also be entirely transparent with outsiders. The Global Reporting Initiative is
one of many examples of well-recognised reporting standards;
 Life cycle analysis - Those organisations wanting to take a large leap forward should
systematically analyse the environmental and social impact of the products they use
and produce through life cycle analysis, which measure more accurately impacts.
Businesses that are sustainable have been shown to attract and retain employees more easily
and experience less financial and reputation risk. These businesses are also more innovative
and adaptive to their environments.

Question 4.
What barriers might affect the implementation of sustainability policies and procedures in an
organisation? List at least 12. What strategies might be used to address them? List at least
10.

1. Lack of Organisational Support

 A mismatch between what is espoused and what is practiced. Policies not
being carried through to implementation.

Strategies: Integrate sustainability into councils management plans, job descriptions

and induction training. Build momentum by doing the little things right. It is better to
excel in a few targeted areas rather than have average performance across a wide
range of areas.

2. General manager and senior management support

 The level of personal commitment, knowledge and leadership provided by
senior management, in particular the General Manager of the council.

Strategies: Recognise staff achievements in the area of sustainability. The intranet

and staff newsletters are possible tools. Reward staff achievements in the area of
sustainability e.g. Staff Awards Program

3. Mayor and councillor leadership

 Strong leadership from the elected council. Simply having one or two new
councillors who are open to, and positive about, sustainability can be a key
driver

Strategies: Harness councillor support by inviting them to pilot and champion council
sustainability initiatives. Use your mayor as a speaker for council events. Encourage
councillors to become representatives on sustainability committees.

4. Gap between Theory & Practice

 A mismatch between what is espoused and what is practiced. Policies not
being carried through to implementation
Strategies: Integrate sustainability into councils management plans, job descriptions
and induction training. Build momentum by doing the little things right. It is better to
excel in a few targeted areas rather than have average performance across a wide
range of areas.

5. Sympathetic organisational structure

 The level of openness of staff to change can affect how sympathetic they are
to the sustainability agenda. A council motivated to come up with new and
improved ways of doing things. A history of strong leadership and a policy of
recruiting people with these values and skills can contribute to a sympathetic
organisational culture.

Strategies:Make the most of a positive organisational culture by involving staff from

across the organisation in sustainability planning and actions. Create opportunities
for staff to exchange ideas about sustainability. Start an internal sustainability
committee or host lunch time sustainability discussions.

6. Lack of staff capacity and high staff turn over

 Staff with responsibilities for engaging their organisation or community in
sustainability, feel the pressures of their wide ranging responsibilities and the
types of skills required of them. There is a need for increasing skills of staff
more generally. High staff turnover and loss of corporate knowledge

Strategies:Improve staff capacity to work on sustainability issues by developing an

internal sustainability committee made up of staff from different divisions. Support
professional development opportunities around sustainability. Consider
implementing a mentoring program to give staff additional support.
7. Dedicated sustainability staff
 Having a sustainability position or a sustainability team was identified as a
major enabler. However regardless of a person’s job title or position within
council, staff who are highly motivated and possess skills in motivating others
are extremely important.

Strategies: Recognise dedicated staff by offering incentives such as staff bonuses

and awards. Encourage sustainability staff to speak at conferences.

8. Competing priorities
 A lower priority for environmental or social equity issues was often a reflection
of prevailing community attitudes, or lobbying by particular interest groups.

Strategies: Host sustainability workshops to raise community awareness and build

community support. Use community expectations and concerns to highlight the
importance of sustainability issues.

9. Media coverage of global and local issues

 Increased media coverage of sustainability issues can increase the level of
understanding and support for issues such as climate change and other
environmental issues.

Strategies: Use an interesting angle and eye catching pictures. Link local
sustainability programs and events to current and dominant issues in the media.

10. Active and engaged community

 Active communities can have a major influence on the policies and priorities of
the elected council. For example the influence of letters advocating action on
particular issues.

Strategies: Involve community champions in workshops; e.g. to give a short

presentation on a topic of their interest. Popular social media tools such as Facebook
and YouTube can be used to harness community support.

11. Inadequate systems for managing information

 For many councils, data management and IT systems present real challenges.
The problems of complex and incompatible systems, or lack of automation,
can add to the time involved in planning, coordination and reporting.

Strategies: Use internal financial management systems to track sustainable

procurement. Investigate the use of external companies to monitor your water and
energy consumption.

12. Effective management systems

 Internal management systems that break down silos and ensure easy access
to information can help achieve sustainability outcomes.

Strategies:If you are using good systems for sustainability outcomes promote their
use both internally and externally.

Summative Assessment 2
Project
Design and develop a proposal for improved sustainability practices in the organisation for
which you work or intend to work. You might address a specific issue or a total
environmental management process.

State the industry sector in which the organisation operates, the issues or practices to be
addresses and develop and document a proposal that could be submitted, for approval, to
senior management.

The project aims the implementation of an efficient lighting system. Efficient lighting
systems not only reduce energy consumption but improves the working environment,
increase safety and enhance staff well-being.

To achieve the goal it will be necessary to start with the implementation of a few
changes
such as:
-Replace existing luminaires with efficient lighting system
-Encourage staff to switch off monitors when away from their desks for more than five
minutes and to shut computers down when they leave the office

The benefit of the implementation of the project aims to contribute to the environment
with the reduction of energy use. In turn the benefit to the organization will be the
reduction in energy expenditure and commitment to the environment, which
generates a better vision of the organization by the stakeholders and customers.
Organisational ethics reflect on the effects of products/services, relationships with
stakeholders (including employees) and with relationships between the organisation
and its environment.

Organisations need to adhere to ethical principles because it is seen to be socially

responsible behaviour and because it is good business. When organisations do not
adhere to ethical principles, the people who work in the organisation and those of the
wider community (including shareholders) become disillusioned and can withdraw
support for the organisation.

Switching to a more efficient lighting system can:

-Reduce your electricity bill
-Reduce the need for costly maintenance
-Improve safety and conditions at your premises

Costs

Operating costs per 100 luminaires

Energy consumption kWh p.a. 23,400

Energy cost $ p.a. 4680

Maintenance material costs $ p.a. 325

Maintenance labour cost $ p.a. 380

 Total cost $ p.a. 5385

Energy savings and financial return per 100 luminaires

Electricity savings kWh p.a. 14,040

Energy cost savings $ p.a. 2802

Maintenance lamp savings $ p.a. 223

Maintenance labour savings $ p.a. 261

Total cost savings $ p.a. 3292

Capital cost inc. installation $ 12.000

Payback period yr 3.7

The project manager will be in charge of developing, implementing and monitoring

the project.

The project needs the authorisation of the general manager to be carried out.

Reducing energy costs and pollution generated from electricity is the cheapest and
quickest way to create a sustainable environment. There are small changes you can
do that will make a huge difference, and there are major changes that can be carried
out that will result in large scale electricity sustainability.
Cities are growing rapidly, and the need to reduce their carbon footprint grows with
them as well.

Reference sources :
https://services.anu.edu.au/.../Environmental_Management_Plan_2017-2021
https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/environmental-management
www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Managing.../Safety_and_Health_Management_Systems/