Module 8 - NC II - Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in The Workplace FINAL
Module 8 - NC II - Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in The Workplace FINAL
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 2
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Acknowledgements
Education Development Center (EDC) would like to thank the staff of the USAID Opportunity
2.0 Program, Philippines local team, and the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority’s (TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD)
through its Curriculum and Training Aids Division (CTADD), whose invaluable insights guided the
adaptation of this curriculum.
Opportunity 2.0 aims to provide opportunities for second-chance education for vulnerable out-
of-school youth (OSY) by collaboratively working with TESDA in strengthening its technical
education and training systems to develop, deliver and monitor workforce readiness and
technical-vocational training programs that will prepare large numbers of out-of-school youth
to transition to further education and training, immediate jobs and self-employment
opportunities. In line with this objective, Opportunity 2.0 has developed the Work Readiness
Modules on 21st Century Skills modules which are appropriate for self-directed learning or
modular learning delivery.
The 21st Century Skills Curriculum is an adaptation of EDC’s globally recognized Work Ready
Now. The curriculum addresses the TESDA Amended Competency Standards for Basic
Competencies Integrating 21st Century Skills which were promulgated on July 9, 2019.
This content may not be produced without the permission of Education Development Center or the United States
Agency for International Development.
This curriculum is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Education Development
Center, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
EDC 43 Foundry Avenue Waltham, MA 02453 Education Development Center (EDC) is a global
nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve
Contact: [email protected] education, promote health, and expand economic
opportunity.
Phone: 617-969-7100 Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing,
implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative
programs in more than 80 countries around the world.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Table of Contents
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Module Overview
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
5: Using Data to Assess Resource Use 45-60 minutes
Session 2: Determine causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness of
resource utilization (L.O. 2)
6: Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction Techniques 30-45 minutes
7: Inefficiencies in Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction 45-60 minutes
Session 3: Convey inefficient and ineffective environmental practices (L.O.
3)
8: Compliance and Reporting Information 30-60 minutes
9: Compliance to Resource Conservation in the Workplace 45-60 minutes
Session 4: Review and Assessment
9: Post-Module Learner’s Reflection (10-20 minutes)
10: End-of-Module Assessment (10-20 minutes)
Total Time 4 hrs 55m– 6 hrs 10 m
Written Assignments
Please complete all written work in the module. Your skills in this module will be evaluated
through the following outputs:
Skills Demonstration
The following activities are intended to help you develop the skill that this module is written
for:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Performance Criteria:
1. Sustainable development
2. Resource use in the home and workplace
3. Sustainability policies and practices in the workplace
Sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 1
Water, energy (electricity, fuel, gas), and paper are among the most common resources
used.
Reducing resource usage is necessary for environmental sustainability.
Commitment, involvement of employees, planning, and collecting and analyzing data are
needed from top management down.
1
World Commission on Environment and Development. (March 20, 1987). Report of the World Commission on
Environment and Development: Our Common Future.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 7
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
Read the quote at the beginning of the module and answer the questions.
“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold,
recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from
production.”
What does it mean? Do you agree or disagree with the quote. Explain why.
How do you think the quote might apply to you and your family in the home
environment?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the
topics. You will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your
experience. Then read the statements across the top. Check the column that best represents
your situation. The results will help you and your teacher know which topics may require more
time, effort and guidance.
Ito ay hindi pagsusulit. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong kaalaman, kasanayan
o kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman, kasanayan o kakayahan
na nakalista sa kaliwang hanay. Magbalik‐tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga karanasan. Basahin ang
lahat ng mga pangungusap at i‐tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon. Ang iyong
kasagutan ay magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong kaalaman
tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t have I have little I have some I have a lot
any experience experience of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this doing this experience
doing this. doing this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong akong Marami
karanasan sa kaunting karanasan sa akong
paggawa karanasan sa paggawa karanasan sa
nito paggawa nito paggawa
nito nito
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t have I have little I have some I have a lot
any experience experience of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this doing this experience
doing this. doing this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong akong Marami
karanasan sa kaunting karanasan sa akong
paggawa karanasan sa paggawa karanasan sa
nito paggawa nito paggawa
nito nito
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 10
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t have I have little I have some I have a lot
any experience experience of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this doing this experience
doing this. doing this.
Mayroon Mayroon
Wala akong akong akong Marami
karanasan sa kaunting karanasan sa akong
paggawa karanasan sa paggawa karanasan sa
nito paggawa nito paggawa
nito nito
Now it is your time to write your thoughts on the following questions in the space
below.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output with family and friends. You worked
hard on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s
always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺
Go ahead and share your answers to the questions above with your family and
friends! Ask them what their experiences and opinions are in trying to use resources
more effectively and efficiently to create a more sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
✓ Define sustainable development
✓ Identify practices in the workplace and home that encourage sustainable
development
1. Make a list of words that come to mind when you hear sustainable and development.
Write them in the table. An example has been given.
Sustainable Development
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
4. What types of practices in the home and in the workplace can help people and the
environment thrive, resulting in social, economic and environmental improvements?
The World Commission on Environment and Development coined the term “sustainable
development” in the 1987 Bruntland Commission Report, defining it as “development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.” 2
This has guided the United Nations and governments around the world in developing policies
and strategic plans that will help balance the needs and well being of people with the health of
the environment. One way of thinking about it is through the 5 P’s of sustainable development:
planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnership.3
2
World Commission on Environment and Development. (March 20, 1987). Report of the World Commission on
Environment and Development: Our Common Future.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
3
United Nations, (n.d.). Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
This module will focus on the planet, people and prosperity as we consider practices at home
and in the workplace that impact sustainability.
Reflect on the questions below and write your answers on the space provided.
1. Is it possible to balance people, prosperity and the environment when you think of the
workplace? In other words, is it possible for a business to be prosperous while at the
same time benefitting people and not harming the environment?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
In the next activity we will look at resources we use in the home and the workplace and
determine ways we can be more efficient and use environmentally sustainable practices.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
✓ Identify resources typically used on a daily basis in the home and the workplace
✓ Determine strategies to minimize resource use
✓ Take action to reduce resource use in the home and at the workplace
Every day, from the moment we wake up until we go to bed at night, we use resources in
some form or another! Think about the activities you do every day at home and at work
and identify the resources you use. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you
might turn off an alarm clock that is plugged into the wall and turn a light on if it is dark
in your room. The resource you use to do these activities is electricity.
Use the tables below to record the activities you do and resources used on a daily basis
at home and then at work. If you do not currently work, think of a past job or family
business you may be involved in. Otherwise, ask someone in your household about their
work activities and resources consumed.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Resource Use at Work
1. Which resources do you use most at home and at work? What type of waste do you
create in using resources?
2. What impact do you think your resource use and waste creation has on the environment?
3. What can you do to minimize your resource use and waste creation at home and at work?
4. What can businesses and organizations do to reduce and manage their resource use and
waste?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Let’s find out more about resource use and how they are managed in the workplace.
1. Identify somebody you know who works for a company, business or organization. Ideally
you could go to their workplace to conduct the interview. If not, you can talk to them by
phone, in person or through another means convenient to the two of you.
2. Share with them what you have been learning about sustainability and the use of
resources.
3. Ask them to identify the resources that get used in their place of employment.
4. Ask them to share any practices their employer has put into place that reduces the use
of resources.
5. Discuss other ways in which the business could conserve or reduce resource use.
6. Record your findings in the table below.
Practices in place to reduce the amount of resources used and waste created:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Suggestions of additional ways to conserve or reduce resources and create less
waste:
Read the information below on resources typically used at home and in the workplace and
actions that can be taken to minimize resource use and the impact on the environment.
1. Water: use in brushing teeth, bathing, flushing the toilet; washing dishes by hand or
with a machine, washing and preparing food; caring for outdoor plants; use of water in
industrial processes such as cooling
2. Energy: use of electricity, gas, other fuels. We use electricity in so many ways – for
lighting, computers and other office equipment, appliances
3. Paper: toilet roll, kitchen towels, paper for printing or photocopying, newspapers,
magazines, posters, cardboard
✓ Rethink: Rethink how you view natural resources. Understanding that natural resources
are limited can greatly influence the choices you make in your everyday life.
✓ Refuse: Sustainability defines refuse as refusing to accept or support products or
companies that harm the environment.
4
Yasalonis, A. (n.d.). Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: How to practice environmental sustainability every day.
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2018/02/01/reduce-reuse-recycle-practice-environmental-sustainability-every-
day/. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
5
Greener Workplace. (June 27, 2017). 13 Energy Saving Ideas for a Sustainable Workplace.
https://www.alsco.com.au/2017/06/workplace-energy-saving-ideas/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
✓ Reduce: Reducing the number of resources used in your everyday life is the next step in
the resource management hierarchy. Start with small ways you can reduce your energy
usage, water usage along with reducing your garbage, food waste, plastic, and
transportation.
✓ Reuse: When you purchase an item, say a can of tomato sauce, think about how you are
paying for the sauce AND the jar or container it comes in.
✓ Repurpose: Before disposing of an item, consider the ways in which it could be
repurposed or repaired.
✓ Recycle: There are various local recycling programs that you can partake in. Note these
are all separate programs and must be sorted separately.
✓ Rot: Rot, also known as composting, is the act of turning food waste and other organics
back into nutrient-rich soil.
With these in mind, there are many things one can do to reduce waste and reduce resource
use, particularly when it comes to water, energy and paper. The following lists show examples
of actions one can take to contribute towards a more sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Reducing Paper Use:
✓ Send electronic versions of letters, reports, etc. instead of hard copies when possible
✓ Print double-sided
✓ Store electronic files instead of paper files
✓ Buy recycled paper
Reducing waste:
✓ Recycle plastic, glass, paper, aluminum cans
✓ Compost food waste
✓ Re-use or re-purpose materials such as wood, bricks
✓ Buy products that have minimal packaging
✓ Buy in bulk at the market to avoid excessive packaging
✓ Use your own shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags
✓ Drink from a re-useable water container
✓ Avoid disposable cups, cutlery, etc when possible
https://lahsecoengg.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/7-principles-of-solid-waste-management/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Objectives:
✓ Identify sustainability policies and practices in the workplace
✓ Define management strategies that can help a business become more
environmentally sustainable while still being able to thrive
As you can see, there are many ways in which individuals, businesses and organizations
can put practices into place that will reduce the use of resources and minimize waste,
resulting in a healthier and more sustainable environment. These types of actions are in
line with global efforts that aim to mitigate climate change and promote environmental
stability. The Philippines has a Climate Change Commission (CCC) and a Cabinet Cluster
on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DDR). A
number of laws are in place, including, for example, the Climate Change Act 2009
(Republic Act No. 9729, the Philippine Green Jobs Act, 2016 (Rep. Act No. 10771), and the
Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Rep. Act No. 9513).6
Companies need to be aware of the different laws and regulations in place as well as have
the commitment to promote sustainable practices in the workplace. What types of
strategies do you think companies need to put into place to contribute towards healthier
and more environmentally sustainable workplaces?
Write your thoughts or anything that you know about Climate Change and the steps
that the Philippine government is doing now (establishing a Commission, Republic Acts,
etc.). Do you think these are enough? Why or why not?
6
New Climate Institute. (October 2019). Climate Governance: Assessment of the Government’s Ability and
Readiness to Transform the Philippines into a Zero Emissions Society.
https://climateactiontracker.org/documents/663/2019-10-31_CAT_ClimateGovernance_Philippines.pdf
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Read the scenario and help Ms. Ocampo identify steps she might take to reduce waste
and resource use.
Ms. Ocampo runs a food processing business that produces canned goods. After noticing
that her electricity and water bills kept increasing every month, she decided it was time to
make changes to the daily operations to ensure that resources were not being wasted and
to contribute to the overall health of the environment. What steps can she take to start
making such changes?
As climate change has become more evident in the world, there is a lot more awareness of the
importance of running “green” businesses. Conserving water and electricity, having a recycling
program and managing chemicals are among the examples of efforts companies are making. A
number of management strategies can help a business become more environmentally
sustainable while still being able to thrive.
7
Press 8 Editorial Team. (n.d.). What is Sustainability Policy and Why Your Company Needs One.
https://www.press8.com/what-is-a-sustainability-policy-and-why-your-company-needs-one/
8
Lotich, P. (May 29, 2019). 8 Sustainable Business Practices – Are You Doing Your Part?
https://thethrivingsmallbusiness.com/sustainable-business-practices/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
✓ Determine types of data and information to gather to assess resource use
✓ Collect and analyze data related to resource use
So far we have discussed ways to reduce resources and waste and the importance of
having policies and procedures in place to support sustainable practices. To systematically
put this into action will require not only changes in everyday practices but also a way to
collect information and data to be able to monitor progress! What type of information or
data do you think will be important to collect to help understand the use of resources and
monitor any progress made towards reducing use? Write your thoughts below.
A first step to take is to understand your current practices related to resource use and
waste management.
1. What resources are you currently using? What practices are associated with this
resource use?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. Waste management: What type of waste are you creating? How is it handled?
Depending on the size and type of activities of the company, you might organize this
data collection by division or unit. If you are in a smaller company or just doing this for
your household, you could create a simple table and record your observations.
Let’s try doing an initial assessment of the resources we are using and waste we are generating.
You can do this for your own household. Consider the main resources of water, energy
(electricity, fuel) and paper you use. How are these used? How much is used in a day, a week, a
month? How would you know?
To determine the amount used, you could look at your electricity bills or water bills. For paper
products you can keep track of what type of paper you use, how often you buy it and in what
quantity. If you record this data or keep a good filing system of the bills or invoices, you can
compare from one month to the next. You can determine when you are spending more and when
you are spending less and determine reasons why. This information will inform you if actions you
take to reduce resource usage is working or not.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Look at the following data that shows 1) a sample water bill and 2) a bar graph of electricity
consumption over the course of a year. Answer the questions following each example.
3. If there was a big drop or an increase in water consumption from one month to the
next, what might have brought about that change?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. How can this information be useful to a company that is trying to monitor its electricity
use?
3. When is electricity use the lowest? The highest? Why might this be?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
4. What advice would you give to this company if it is trying to reduce electricity use?
When collecting data to understand and monitor resource use, it will be important to
establish a system of keeping the information. This could be hard copies (paper) or to be
more efficient and sustainable, electronic copies. With either system, you will need to
organize your files in a logical way so that people can access the information. This way,
the information can be analyzed, an action plan developed and implemented, and then
monitored.
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output with family and friends. You worked
hard on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s
always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺
Go ahead and share your answers to the questions above with your family and
friends! Ask them what their experiences and opinions are in trying to use data to
monitor the use of resources such as water, electricity and paper.
The Performance Criteria Checklist is an opportunity for you to assess your learning
outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this
session. You will speak to your facilitator to:
1. Share your experiences in completing the session.
2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills.
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Statements Please check YES if you have shown
or can do the statement, NO if you
Did you… haven’t shown it or cannot do it yet
YES NO
1. Identify sustainable development practices in
the workplace?
2. Identify and resolve environment issues in the
workplace?
3. Define management strategies that can help a
business become more environmentally
sustainable while still being able to thrive
4. Identify types of key resources used in the
workplace?
5. Collect, measure and analyze workplace
resources usage
6. Improve workplace resource utilization
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Congratulations! You have completed the session onIdentify the efficiency and
effectiveness of resource utilization. You are now ready to move to the next session on
Determine causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness of resource utilization.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Performance Criteria:
As you or the business you work for set up a system to promote sustainability practices at
home or in the workplace, you will realize that there are challenges that can get in the
way of efficiently and effectively reducing resource use and minimizing waste.
Commitment to setting realistic sustainability goals, involving employees, collecting and
analyzing data, and making changes to the practices in the workplace are all key to
effectively reducing resource use and waste in the workplace.
There are many challenges in reducing resource use and waste include, for example, the
mindset of people used to doing things the same way, the expense of replacing old worn
out machinery and equipment with more energy efficient ones, lack of commitment to
systematically address issues related to sustaining the environment, the lack of an
effective recycling system…
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
✓ Identify resource conservation and waste reduction techniques
✓ Analyze ways in which you are challenged at home and in the workplace in reducing
resource use and waste
In Session 1 we identified many different actions that can be taken to reduce the usage
of main resources including water, energy, and paper. Then we focused on how there has
to be commitment by management to make their businesses and organizations more
green. A systematic way of collecting and analyzing data is necessary to assess any
progress being made towards a sustainable workplace and environment. Let’s see what
you remember as effective practices to conserve resources and minimize waste by doing
the following exercise.
Read the statements one by one and put a if the statement is about effective resource
conservation or minimizing waste and if it is not.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
10 Recycle materials and containers, separating them into bins for aluminum,
glass, plastic and paper
As you or the business you work for set up a system to promote sustainability practices
at home or in the workplace, you will realize that there are challenges that can get in the
way of efficiently and effectively reducing resource use and minimizing waste. The
information or data you gather and analyze will begin to tell you a story of what might be
working well and where the challenges lie.
Reflect on your situation at home or at work. Consider any data or information you have
that can help you understand the story. Make a list of the challenges you face in reducing
resource use and minimizing waste. In the next activity you will find out from others what
their greatest challenges and inefficiencies are!
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
✓ Describe challenges and inefficiencies of reducing resource use and waste faced by
different types of businesses
Based on your own experiences, you have been able to identify some inefficiencies in your
home at workplace that make it challenging to reduce resource use and waste. Let’s find
out more from others!
In this mini-project, you will be interviewing three (3) individuals about their
workplace’s efforts in conserving resources and reducing ways. There are different ways
in conducting an interview that you can use. If this is your first time to conduct an
interview, here are a few tips:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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queries the conversation
Information on Data
Collection and Analysis
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Interview 1 Interview 2 Interview 3
Suggestion on How to
Address Inefficiencies and
Challenges
1. Which of the resource conservation techniques or best practices are common to all
three? Which of them are unique to their workplace or industry?
2. What are the main challenges these industries phase? Are these universal or unique to
the industry?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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3. Create an infographic or poster that contains the best practices for resource
conservation.
Read additional information on the next page about the potential challenges and inefficiencies
in resource use and waste reduction. You can add to this list with what you have learned from
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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your interviews and from your own experience!
There are many reasons why there might be challenges to reducing resource use and
minimizing waste. This is where commitment to setting realistic sustainability goals, involving
employees, collecting and analyzing data, and making changes to the practices in the workplace
is key. The following list provides examples of why there might be challenges in reducing
resource use and waste. You have probably identified other challenges from your interviews
with people from different businesses.
• Lack of opportunities to
recycle: In some places
there may not be
recycling centers or
programs in the town of https://depositphotos.com/vector-images/recycle-cans.html
the location of the
business
• Creating large amounts of waste: Waste can be in many different forms – paper from
old reports and other documentation, fuels or chemicals from the manufacturing
process, dirty water
• Large amounts of packaging: Materials the business buys to sell or produce their goods
may be packaged in excessive plastic or paper
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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• Costs to replace inefficient or old machinery and equipment may be prohibitive
• Needing to travel far distances for work: Different businesses require some form of
travel to conduct business. The further the travel is the more fuel that needs to be used.
• Lack of energy efficient resources such as LED lightbulbs or energy saver refrigerators
and other appliances
While these are all challenges, it is important to remember that a lot of steps can be taken
every day in the home and the workplace to reduce the use of resources and amount of waste
we are creating.
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output with family and friends. You worked
hard on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s
always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺
Go ahead and share your infographic to your family and friends! Don’t forget to
explain your thoughts and the process you took in creating this output.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Performance Criteria:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Activity 8: Compliance and Reporting Information
Objectives:
✓ Explain the importance of complying to workplace procedures and practices and the
necessity to report breaches
✓ Handle situations of non-compliance regarding resource use
As part of an effort to reduce resource use and waste, a company will put into place
policies and procedures. Documenting and reporting will most likely be part of this
process. Depending on the size of the company, different employees might have
responsibilities in collecting data, reporting on resource use or waste management and
reporting any breaches of workplace policies and procedures.
You have noticed that over the last few weeks your division is not doing well at adhering to
several of the practices that are supposed to now be in place. Mainly, they are not turning their
computers off at the end of the day, they leave the lights on in the office and they are not
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
recycling used paper that is no longer needed. You have gently reminded your colleagues of the
policies and practices in place regarding conserving resources but not much is changing.
Your supervisor has called you into her office to report on the information you have collected.
2. How can you share your findings with those in your division so they understand what is
happening?
3. How can you work together with your division to improve resource use?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Without accountability, people will not be motivated to change their practices, leading to
potential issues in the workplace. Compliance to practices related to resource use is
necessary to be able to grow as a business and for a sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 9: Compliance to Resource Conservation in the Workplace
Objectives:
✓ Discover how a range of businesses handles non-compliance to workplace
sustainability policies and practices.
Now let’s take a closer look at what is happening in real workplaces. Similar to the last
Mini-Project, you will interview employees from 3 different places. Try to find new people
to interview so you can have some more exposure to other businesses.
In this activity, you will interview 3 individuals about their workplace’s policy on
resource conservation and waste reduction. You can refer back to Activity 7 for tips on
interviewing using different modes. Choose the best means depending on your context
and resources.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Interview 1 Interview 2 Interview 3
Methods in Which Business
Collects Information on
Resource Use
1. How similar or different are the sustainability policies and practices of the three
businesses?
2. Were there any unique ways in which the businesses handled non-compliance to
sustainability policies and practices?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Objectives:
What have you learned about exercising efficient and effective sustainable practices in
the workplace? Create a concept map/s using the space provided below.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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What questions do you now or still have How will you use what you have learned
about the topic? and what actions are you going to take
moving forward?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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3. Identify at least 3 strategies and the specific steps to take in addressing the
gap/challenge/need of the workplace in terms of efficient and effective sustainable
practices.
Strategy Steps on Implementing the Strategy
4. What are the current best practices of the workplace in exercising efficient and effective
sustainable practices?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Statement 1 2 3 4
The learner was able to… Beginning Developing Mostly Accomplished
Accomplished
1. Describe the current
situation of the
workplace
2. Identify the
needs/challenges/gaps
of the workplace in
terms of effective and
efficient sustainable
practices
3. Explain/describe how
the needs, challenges,
or gaps are seen in the
workplace
4. Identify 3 strategies to
address the needs,
challenges or gaps.
5. Outlined specific steps
for all the strategies
identified.
6. Enumerated best
practices of the
workplace in terms of
efficient and effective
sustainable practices.
7. Identified ways on
improving and
promoting the best
practices
Comments/Suggestions /Feedback:
What Went Well Even Better If
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Overall Feedback and Recommendation:
Learner’s Reflection:
Applying Environment Work Standards (NC I Level)
End-of-Module Skills Check
Now that you have reached the end of the module, let us see if you are able to develop the
necessary skills in applying environment work standards. Conduct a self-assessment and
complete the table below.
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Circle YES if you have shown or can do
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan the statement, NO if not.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Circle YES if you have shown or can do
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan the statement, NO if not.
Look at your answers, were there boxes where you circled No? If there are, go back to the
activities in the module that will help you gain the skill identified in the statement. You can also
reach out to your facilitator/trainer to provide you with guidance on what activities you can do
in order to master the skill.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Objectives:
✓ Correctly answer the questions pertaining to the concepts discussed in the module
End-of-Module Assessment
Congratulations for finishing Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in
the Workplace for National Certificate Level II! At the end of every module you will take a short
assessment to see how much you have learned. It will help you and your teacher identify the
knowledge and skills you know and what still needs reinforcing. The results will not affect your
ability to continue in the program.
Structure of the Assessment: It has a total of 10 questions. Some questions are multiple choice
and some questions are true or false. You should choose only ONE answer for each question.
Once you have finished answering the questions, note down any clarifications you want to ask
your instructor.
ENGLISH Tagalog
1. True or False. A sustainable workplace 1. Ang isang napapanatiling lugar ng
establishes the goal of balancing the trabaho ay nagtatatag ng layunin
planet, people, and profit to produce ng pagbabalanse ng planeta, mga
success and viability in the long-term. tao, at kita upang makabuo nang
matagumpay at kakayahang
a. True mabuhay nang pang matagalan.
b. False
a. Tama
b. Mali
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. True or False. Investment in creating 2. Tama o Mali. Ang pamumuhunan
sustainable work environment should be sa isang napapanatiling lugar ng
classified as one that will profit your trabaho ay dapat isipin bilang
organization more in the long run. pangmatagalang puhunan na
magkakaroon ng kita sa mga
a. True susunod na taon at hindi sa mabilis
b. False na panahon.
a. Tama
b. Mali
3. Which of the following is not a way to 3. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang hindi
reduce energy use? paraan upang mabawasan ang
kunsumo ng enerhiya?
a. Replace laptop computers with
desktop computers a. Palitan ang laptop ng mga
b. Use public transportation desktop computers
c. Use renewable resources such as b. Gumamit ng pampublikong
solar power to generate electricity sasakya para sa
transportasyon
c. Gumamit ng mga nababago o
napapalitang yaman o
resources tulad ng
kapangyarihan mula sa araw
upang makagawa ng kuryente
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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6. True or False. Commitment, involvement 6. Tama o Mali. Ang pangangako,
of employees, planning, and collecting pakikilahok ng mga empleyado,
and analyzing data are all needed to pagpaplano, at pangongolekta at
reduce resource use and waste in the pagsusuri ng impormasyon ay
workplace kinakailangan upang mabawasan
ang paggamit ng resources at
pagtatapon ng basura sa lugar ng
a. True trabaho.
b. False
a. Tama
b. Mali
8. True or False. Small businesses with tight 8. Tama o Mali. Ang mga maliliit na
budgets will not be able to reduce the negosyo na may maliit na badyet ay
use of resources such as water, hindi kakayaning makapagbawas
electricity and paper. ng paggamit ng resources tulad ng
tubig, kuryente at papel.
a. True a. Tama
b. False b. Mali
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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9. Which of the following is an example of 9. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang isang
inefficiencies and challenges in reducing halimbawa ng mga balakid tungo
resource use and waste? sa pagbabawas ng paggamit ng
resources at basura?
10. True or False. Compliance to practices 10. Tama o Mali. Ang pagsunod sa mga
related to resource use is necessary panuntunan sa paggamit ng
to be able to grow as a business and resources ay kailangan upang
for a sustainable environment. mapaunad ang negosyo at
magkaroon ng makakalikasang
a. True kapaligaran at lugar ng trabaho.
b. False
a. Tama
b. Mali
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Key to Correction
Water Bill:
1. The water bill shows the amount of water consumed from one month to the next. It can
show you if your efforts to conserve water are having an impact or not.
2. From April to March, the water consumption increased from 715 to 728. Water use went
up.
3. There are a number of factors that could cause a change in water consumption. It could be
that water conservation efforts are having a positive effect resulting in lower water
consumption rates. It also could be dependent on the number of people working at a given
time. If for example, many employees are on leave at certain time of the year, water
consumption might go down during that period. It could also depend on the activities going
on that require water use. All of these different factors should be considered when
analyzing water use. If over time, you see that water consumption is going down, it could
indicate that the water conserving practices you are putting into action are having an effect.
Monthly Electricity Consumption:
1. It gives the monthly consumption of electricity.
2. It can show when electricity use is high and low over a given time period. The company can
assess why it is like this and what they can do to reduce use.
3. It is lowest on Feb, Jan and Dec.
4. They should look at the high periods and figure out why this is so. Perhaps increased
manufacturing, for example. They can adapt energy-saving practices such as turning off
lights when not needed, using power saving mode on machines, using laptop computers
instead of desktops, etc.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Activity 6 - Let's Exercise! Resource Conservation and Waste Minimization Techniques
Read the statements one by one and put a if the statement is about effective resource
conservation or minimizing waste and if it is not.
10 Recycle materials and containers, separating them into bins for aluminum,
glass, plastic and paper
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
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Activity 9 – Let’s Exercise! Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
Instructions: Use this rubric/worksheet in rating the performance of the trainee in answering
the questions.
Once done grading, provide your feedback to the trainee.
Name of the Learner/Trainee
Name of the Facilitator/Trainer
Rubric: Put a check on the column that shows your rating for the trainee’s performance based
on the statements.
Statement 1 2 3 4
The learner was able to… Beginning Developing Mostly Accomplished
Accomplished
1. Describe the current
situation of the
workplace
2. Identify the
needs/challenges/gaps
of the workplace in
terms of effective and
efficient sustainable
practices
3. Explain/describe how
the needs, challenges,
or gaps are seen in the
workplace
4. Identify 3 strategies to
address the needs,
challenges or gaps.
5. Outlined specific steps
for all the strategies
identified.
6. Enumerated best
practices of the
workplace in terms of
efficient and effective
sustainable practices.
7. Identified ways on
improving and
promoting the best
practices
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Comments/Suggestions /Feedback:
What Went Well Even Better If
1. A - True
2. A - True
3. A - Resource
4. C - Broken car batteries
5. A - Achieving more with less
6. A - True
7. A - Environmental technology
8. B - Human resource
9. B - Intellectual resource
10. A - Physical resource
Congratulations! You have completed Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace for National Certificate Level I! You are now ready to conquer the next
module.
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