Lecture

Sustainable Management and Environmental Policy

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In course

ENV-469: Systems of environmental management

Le cours décrit les enjeux et les modalités pour la mise en place d'une démarche environnementale systémique en entreprise basée sur la norme ISO 14001 et son l'application à un cas d'étude concret choisi par le participant en collaboration avec l'enseign ...

Description

This lecture covers the process of implementing Sustainable Management and Environmental Policy, including steps such as assessing opportunities for improvement, defining environmental objectives, and writing environmental programs. It also discusses the importance of environmental policy, legal requirements, and commitments to reducing impacts. The lecture further explores energy consumption in Switzerland, renewable energy sources, and the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it delves into the Eco21 program, waste management, and the impact of eco-social operations on communities. The presentation concludes with insights on the success of the Eco21 initiative and strategies for improving cleanliness in urban areas.

Official source

Related concepts (31)

Environmental policy

Environmental policy is the commitment of an organization or government to the laws, regulations, and other policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues. These issues generally include air and water pollution, waste management, ecosystem management, maintenance of biodiversity, the management of natural resources, wildlife and endangered species. For example, concerning environmental policy, the implementation of an eco-energy-oriented policy at a global level to address the issues of global warming and climate changes could be addressed.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions (abbreviated as GHG emissions) from human activities strengthen the greenhouse effect, contributing to climate change. Carbon dioxide (), from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the most important factors in causing climate change. The largest emitters are China followed by the US, although the United States has higher emissions per capita. The main producers fueling the emissions globally are large oil and gas companies.

Environmental impact assessment

Environmental Impact assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. In this context, the term "environmental impact assessment" is usually used when applied to actual projects by individuals or companies and the term "strategic environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often proposed by organs of state.

Environmental issues

Environmental issues are disruptions in the usual function of ecosystems. Further, these issues can be caused by humans (human impact on the environment) or they can be natural. These issues are considered serious when the ecosystem cannot recover in the present situation, and catastrophic if the ecosystem is projected to certainly collapse. Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment on the individual, organizational or governmental levels, for the benefit of both the environment and humans.

Greenhouse gas inventory

Greenhouse gas inventories are emission inventories of greenhouse gas emissions that are developed for a variety of reasons. Scientists use inventories of natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions as tools when developing atmospheric models. Policy makers use inventories to develop strategies and policies for emissions reductions and to track the progress of those policies. Regulatory agencies and corporations also rely on inventories to establish compliance records with allowable emission rates.

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