Sustainable Development

Introduction
 Definitions
Environment is the physical and biotic habitat which
surrounds us; that we can see, hear, touch, smell and
taste
System can be defined as a set or arrangement of things
so related or connected as to form a unit or organic
whole; as, a solar system, irrigation system, supply system,
the world or universe
Pollution can be defined as an undesirable change in
physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the air,
water, or land that can harmfully affect the health,
survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms
Interactions of Systems:
Water-Land-Air

Environmental problems: Air, Water, Solid waste,

Land etc.
Interactions between the systems Acid rain
harmful to aquatic life, agricultural fields, forests -
local
Atmospheric Carbon dioxide global
Example DDT which is now ubiquitous
 Major Improvements
Standard of living - may be attributed to application of
Science & Technology
Production of more and better quality of food
Creation of housing better living space
Fast & Reliable means of transportation
Invention of good communication
Major Improvements.
Invention of machines replace human /animal
power
Supply of safe drinking water & disposal of wastes
Elimination of many infectious diseases
Elimination of waterborne diseases
Improvement in productivity
Protection from natural disasters: floods, droughts,
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Environmental Disturbances/Side effects

Loss of fertile agricultural land

Disappearance of forest land
Environmental pollution
New organisms resistant to control
Many problems nuisance are now potential
threats to nature and to humans
History people lived essentially in harmony with
the nature Agrarian
Waste cycle in an Agrarian Society
 Agrarian Society: raising food, gathering firewood, making tools
and clothing from land
Wastes returned to the soil as fertilizer, few, if any problems of
land water, or air occurred no sever environmental problems
Roman Empire Systems to supply water and to dispose of
waste; Aqueducts safe water from Apennine Mountains, Cloaca
Maxima for Sewerage system
Europe forgot this basic principles of water supply and waste
disposal Municipal Technology ---- Sanitary Engineering ----
Environmental Engineering
Outbreak of several waterborne diseases Dysentery, Cholera,
Typhoid --- 80%
Middle of 19th. Century improper waste disposal polluted water
supplies with disease causing microorganisms
Industrial revolution 19th century Britain, Europe & North
America the Environmental problems aggravated
It was concluded that increased Urbanization and Industrialization
WERE & ARE causes of Air and Water pollution cities that time
unable to handle
Environmental Disturbances/Side effects.
Urbanization & industrialization 19th. century
Rapid advances in Water treatment & partial treatment of
sewage decrease in waterborne diseases next few decades
Post Word War II industrialized countries experienced
economic boom, advance technology, rapid rise in energy
consumption
During 1950s & 60s quantity of waste discharged into
environment, new chemicals including insecticides & pesticides
impact on human health and environment
Problem worsened more pollutants released into atmosphere,
while capacity of our air, water and land systems to assimilate
the waste is limited
Waste Cycle in Industrial Society
 Public awareness & Action
Public awareness - a few voices begin to speak about the new problem
Finally in 1960s public attention was directed to pollution for unusual reason ---
There could be no great society if Water, Air and Dumps were dirty
Legislation to control pollution especially the Western world late 1960s late
1970s
USEPA 1970 to administer environmental problems, India Water (Prevention &
Control) Act 1974
UN conference on Human Environment 1972 in Stockholm, 1992 UN Earth
Summit on Environment & Development in Rio de Janeiro 182 countries, 102
heads of state participated key issues including global warming, forest
protection, ocean pollution & population control were not resolved
UN focused on Population, Food, Womens rights, Desertification
UN Population & Development 1994 Cairo
 Third World Countries
Task force by Third World countries continued to emphasize
on Environment
More than half of the people do not have safe drinking water
and sanitation facilities . Backdrop of this UN declared
1980s International Drinking water and Sanitation Decade
Financial implications: Increased 3-5 folds compared to 1979 -
80 which was about $6 -7 Million one-third was provided as
international fund
Water & Sanitation - $80 Million per day, Cigarettes - $250
Million per day and Arms $1.4 Billion
Difficult times of 1980s and early 90s forced the government to
change the priorities Inflation, Un-employment and Energy
breakup of Soviet Union .1992
So priority for Environment took back seat public concern for
Health & Safety aspects of toxic & hazardous waste continued
to bother for long time
 Role of Technology
21st century use of technology to solve environmental problems
Sustainable Development dealing with global problems and
Preventive technology designed to reduce environmental effects of
process, operations and products
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet
their own needs
Concept of SD challenged society to change from its destructive,
exploitive philosophy to one that fosters long-term protection of
environment and its inhabitants
Shift from past practices when technological developments were
guided by Efficiency, Productivity, Profitability etc. concerns about
Health and Environmental impacts, Resource & Energy Conservation,
Waste Management and Social impact Public inconvenience,
Unemployment and Crime
 Preventive Technology
Until the mid 1970s even in the 2000 in Eastern Europe and many under
developed countries Development are guided by Market & Profit, little
consideration was given to Environmental and Social impacts
Unacceptable in society government passed laws that forced the adoption of
Pollution Control Measures STP, ETP, Emission control for incinerator stack and
safe landfill for MSW were created to control Air, Water and Land Pollution
End of Pipe or After the fact philosophy for last 20 years
Objections to Traditional approach was on the rise how Processes, Operations
and Products of industrial systems can be Re-designed or adjust to
avoid/minimize the production of Waste in the first place
Viewing as increase in cost reduced profit longer implication of avoidance of
After the fact pollution control measures . Possible cost saving
Benefits from reduction in energy and maintenance cost, reduction in natural
resource requirements, reduction or elimination of pollution control cost, reduced
need for occupational health and safety measures
Cleaner Production process reductions in risks flowing from accidental spills or
discharges, improved worker morale as they take pride in their Green products
and better acceptance by consumers for green product
These efforts by companies embracing new philosophy can help reduce
Nations expenses Health care and Environmental cost reducing deficits & tax
loads
Preventive Technology: Pollution Prevention Pays Program
3M

1.Product Re-formulation
2.Process Modification
3.Equipment redesign
4.Recovery of waste product for Reuse
5.Total savings $ 30 in 3 years
Sustainable Development
 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

World Commission on Environment and

Development (WCED 1987):

Development that meets the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs
 Rio Earth Summit (1992)
The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), June 1992.
o 172 governments
o 108 heads of state or government.
o 2,400 representatives of NGOs.
o 17,000 people at the parallel NGO "Global Forum"
Issues addressed :
Production of toxic components, such as lead in gasoline, or poisonous waste
including radioactive chemicals
Alternative sources of energy to replace the use of fossil fuels
Encouraging the use of public transportation systems
The growing scarcity of water
Kyoto Protocol:
Another agreement was to "not carry out any activities on the lands of indigenous
peoples that would cause environmental degradation or that would be culturally
inappropriate".
The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Summit

http://blogs.statravel.com/journal/region_images/south_america_brazil_rio_de_janeiro_statue_brazil.jpg
 Rio Earth Summit (1992)

The Earth Summit resulted in the following document

1. Convention on Biological Diversity
2. Agenda 21
3. Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development
4. Forest Principles
5. Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
Convention on Biological Diversity and Framework Convention on Climate
Change set as legally binding agreements
The Green Cross International founded to build upon the work of the Summit.
Critics, however, point out that many of the agreements made in Rio have not
been realized regarding such fundamental issues as fighting poverty & cleaning up
the environment.
 Agenda 21
Agenda 21 aims to prepare the world for the challenges of the next century.
Aim: To develop detailed proposals for action in social and economic areas such
as:

a. Poverty,
b. Changing patterns of production and consumption and
c. Addressing demographic dynamics
d. For conserving and managing the natural resources that are the basis for life
protecting the atmosphere, oceans and biodiversity; preventing
deforestation; and promoting sustainable agriculture
Need:
Governments agreed that the integration of environment and development
concerns will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved standards for all,
better protected and better managed ecosystems and a safer and a more
prosperous future.
No nation can achieve this on its own.
The programme of action also recommends ways to strengthen the part
played by major groups Like women, trade unions, farmers, children and
young people, indigenous peoples, the scientific community, local authorities,
business, industry and non- governmental organizations (NGOs) in
achieving sustainable development.
 UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)

The Earth Summit called on the General Assembly to establish

the Commission under the Economic and Social Council as a
means of supporting and encouraging action to bring about the
social and economic changes needed for sustainable
development.
Each year, the Commission reviews implementation of the Earth
Summit agreements, provides policy guidance to Governments
and major groups involved in sustainable development and
strengthens Agenda 21 by devising additional strategies
It promotes dialogue and builds partnerships between
Governments and the major groups which are seen as key to
achieving sustainable development worldwide.
It was supported by numerous inter-sessional meetings and
activities initiated by Governments, international organizations
and major groups.
In June 1997, the General Assembly will hold a special session to
review overall progress following the Earth Summit.
 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development

Principles of Rio Declaration on Environment and Development

supports (Agenda 21 ):

1. Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable

development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life
in harmony with nature
2. Scientific uncertainty should not delay measures to prevent
environmental degradation where there are threats of serious or
irreversible damage.
3. States have a sovereign right to exploit their own resources but
not to cause damage to the environment of other States
4. Eradicating poverty and reducing disparities in worldwide
standards of living are indispensable for sustainable
development
5. That the full participation of women is essential for achieving
sustainable development
6. Developed countries acknowledge the responsibility in the
international pursuit of sustainable development
Forest Principles
The Statement of Forest Principles, are the nonlegally
binding statement of principles for the sustainable
management of forests.
It was the first global consensus reached on forests.
Among its provisions:
1. All countries, notably developed countries, should make an
effort to green the world through reforestation and
forest conservation
2. States have a right to develop forests according to their
socio-economic needs, in keeping with national sustainable
development policies
3. Specific financial resources should be provided to develop
programmes that encourage economic and social
substitution policies.
 Financing Sustainable Development
At Rio, it was agreed :
1.That most financing for Agenda 21 would come from within a
countrys own public and private sectors.
2. New and additional external funds were considered necessary
if developing countries were to adopt sustainable development
practices.
3.Of the estimated $600 billion required annually by developing
countries to implement Agenda 21, most $475 billion was
to be transferred from economic activities in those countries.
4.further $125 billion would be needed in new and additional
funds from external sources, some $70 billion more than current
levels of official development assistance (ODA).
5. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), between 1992 and 1995, levels of ODA fell
from about $60.8 billion to $59.2 billion, despite a call at Rio for
donor countries to more than double their official assistance
 Rio de Janeiro and Agenda 21

The conference took place at the Earth Summit in Rio

de Janeiro in 1992.
178 countries represented; more than 100 prime
ministers, more than 1000 NGOs.
Five different documents were signed and agreed
upon.
Agenda 21 was one of these documents.
Agenda 21 and Business
Agenda 21: a comprehensive action plan for achieving
Sustainable Development in the 21st century:
Concern for the natural environment
Concern for labour (employees)
Concern for human rights
Concern for the wider community
Stakeholder involvement

Sustainable development does not require the survival of any

particular business, but that of the community (including a
business community) and the system as a whole.
 CONVERSION TO SUBSTITUTES- Montreal protocol
Many industrial sectors are opting for substitute products which do not
have ozone depleting potential (ODP).
Multilateral fund (MLF) under the United Nations Environment Program,
funds conversion projects to non ODS technology in developing
countries according to certain agreed principles.
About 200 enterprises in India in the aerosol, foam, refrigeration and
air-conditioning, halon and solvent sectors have received approximately
US$ 55 million from MLF to switch over to non ODS technology.
Approximately 75 enterprises have successful converted to ODS
substitutes/ technology which are conveniently available.
.New units setup after 25-7-95 are not eligible for funding from MLF.
Units setup before 25-7-95 should come forward and seek funding to
fulfill Indias commitment to the Montreal Protocol.
 THE BASEL CONVENTION
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their disposal was adopted on 22 March 1989 and took effect on 5 May
1992. The main provisions of the convention call for the following action by states:
1. Information exchange with other parties on waste exports and imports, through
designated national authorities.
2. The prohibition of waste exports to countries that are not party to the convention
or to countries which are party to the convention but which have not expressly
authorized waste imports.
3. The licensing and supervision of persons transporting or disposing of waste.
4. The packaging, labeling and transport of waste in accordance with international
rules and standards.
5. Co-operation on the environmentally sound management of waste.
6. Mutual information in the event of accidents during the transboundary movement
of waste.
Source: Environmental Action Programme for Central and eastern Europe (1993), pp.
VI-21.
Kyoto Protocol
In December 1997, 170 countries drafted the Kyoto
Protocol. The most important aspect of the KP is the
binding commitments by 37 developed countries and
economies in transition (collectively called the Annex 1
countries) to reduce the GHG emissions in an average of
5.2% below the year 1990 until the years 2008-2012.
Specific targets to be achieved
Country Agreed GHG Country Agreed GHG
reduction reduction
(% of 1990 level (% of 1990 level
emissions) emissions)

Australia +8 Monaco -8
Bulgaria -8 New Zealand 0
Canada -6 Norway +1
Croatia -5 Poland -6
Czech Republic -8 Romania -8
Estonia -8 Russian 0
Federation
European Community -8 Slovakia -8
Hungary -6 Slovenia -8
Iceland +10 Switzerland -8
Japan -6 Ukraine 0
Latvia -8 Monaco -7
Lithuania -8 New Zealand -8

United States of -6 Norway 0

America

Poland +1
Gases included in the Protocol
Greenhouse Gas Global Warming Potential
as related to CO2
1. CO2 1

2. CH4 21

3. N2O 310

11700
4. Hydro-flurocarbons
[ HFC] eg. HFC-23
HFC-125 2800
HFC-134a 1300
HFC-152a 140
6500
5. Perfluorocarbons [ PFC ]
23900
6. Sulfur Hexafluoride
SF6
KP flexible mechanisms
The Protocol approves the use of three flexible mechanisms for
facilitating the achievement of these GHG emission reduction targets.
These are:
Emissions Trading (ET)
Joint Implementation (JI)
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
Emissions Trading (ET)
Emissions Trading (ET) or QUELRO trading (Quantified Emission
Limitation and Reduction Obligations trading)
Article 17 of the Protocol allows for emissions-capped Annex B
countries to transfer among themselves portions of their assigned
amounts (AAs) of GHG emissions. Under this mechanism, countries
that emit less than they are allowed under the Protocol (their AAs)
can sell surplus allowances to those countries that have surpassed
their AAs.
Joint Implementation (JI)
Set out in Article 6 of the Protocol, JI refers to climate change
mitigation projects implemented between two Annex 1 countries. JI
allows for the creation, acquisition and transfer of emission
reduction units or ERUs.
ERUs (emission reduction units) the technical term for the output of
JI projects, as defined by the Kyoto Protocol.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
The CDM was established by Article 12 of the Protocol and refers to climate
change mitigation projects undertaken between Annex 1 countries and non-
Annex 1 countries.
Project investments must contribute to the sustainable development of the non-
Annex 1 host country, and must also be independently certified.
This latter requirement gives rise to the term certified emissions reductions or
CERs, which describe the output of CDM projects, and which under the terms of
Article 12 can be banked from the year 2000, eight years before the first
commitment period (2008-2012).
Annex 1 countries
These are the 36 industrialized countries and economies in transition
listed in Annex 1 of the UNFCCC. Their responsibilities under the
Convention are various, and include a non-binding commitment to
reducing their GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000.
Annex B countries
These are the 39 emissions -capped industrialised countries and
economies in transition listed in Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol.
Legally-binding emission reduction obligations for Annex B countries
range from an 8% decrease (e.g., EC) to a 10% increase (Iceland) on
1990 levels by the first commitment period of the Protocol, 2008
2012.
 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Economic Value

sustainability

Common Responsibility
(Sustainable Development)
Social Value Ecological Value

Corporate Corporate Corporate

Financial Environmental Social
responsibility responsibility responsibility
Sustainable Development

Sustainability requires an integrated approach to

decision making, the economic, human and
environmental implications of decisions must be
understood
 Sustainable Development
Key points:
Process of production and delivery of services is as
important as the products and services themselves.
Substantive obligations are owed to all of a firms
affected societal stake holders through out the supply
chain, from customers, workers and their families to
suppliers, the greater community, the environment,
investors, stakeholders and government.
 Sustainable Development
Key points:
Also important to address issues not stipulated in the law.
Transparency, accountability, public disclosure,
meaningful stakeholder involvement and reporting are
key features and
An integrated, coherent, consistent and comprehensive
approach to process & performance is essential.
 Drivers A Summary

Growing investor pressure

Voice of society
Regulations
Reputation and brand

Supply chain
Risk management Sustainability Responsibility or
pressure

Industry peer pressure

Competitive labour markets

Ethical argument Demands for increased disclosure

and transparency
Sustainable Development & EMS
Key sustainability issue is to ensure that resources are

managed in a sustainable manner Eco Efficient

To be sustainable, development must improve economic

efficiency, protect and restore ecological systems and

enhance the well being of all people

It is development that meets the needs of the present

generation without compromising those of the future

generation
Sustainable Development
What is Eco Efficiency?

Eco efficiency is a management strategy that links financial

and environmental performance to create more value with

less ecological impact.

In other words

It is combining goals for business excellence and

environmental excellence and creating a link through which

corporate behaviour can support sustainable development.

 Sustainable Development
How does business achieve eco efficiency?
Optimized processes moving from costly end of the pipeline
solutions to prevention of pollution.
Waste Recycling or Revalorized By-products, By-product
synergy (BPS) that entails using by-products of one industry as
raw material/resource for another.
Eco-innovation-manufacturing smarter. Using new
technology to manufacture products with new and enhanced
functionality. Making old products more resource efficient to
produce and use.