Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

MODULE 1

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

1.1 ISO (INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR
STANDARDIZATION):
It is the most widely used standard on which environmental management system is based on.

ISO 14001: It is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective
environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental
performance through efficient use of resources, reduction of waste, gaining a competitive
advantage and the trust of stakeholders.

1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

i. It helps an organization address its regulatory requirements in a systematic and cost-
effective manner.
ii. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve
health and safety practices for employees and the public.
iii. Business reputation – people may be more likely to support a business that cares
about its impact on the environment.
iv. Good for business through: cost savings – by spending less on raw materials, energy,
water and waste management.
v. improving resource efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenditure - you will have
policies and procedures in place that help you manage waste and resources more
effectively. This can reduce your associated raw material and operating costs.

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

It is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and
governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural
environment and, where possible, to repair damage and reverse trends

1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Environmental management is defined as the management of the interaction and impact of
human activities on the natural environment.

Environmental management is not merely a management of environment but it is essentially the

management of various activities with intolerable constraints imposed by the environment itself
and with full consideration of ecological factors. Thus, it involves environmental planning,
conservation of resources, environmental status evaluation, and environmental legislation and
administration. The focus of environmental management is on implementation, monitoring and
auditing; on practice and coping with real-world issues, rather than theoretical planning.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS

The various environmental issues at global level and their characteristics are listed below,
 Depletion of natural resources
 Water pollution
 Air pollution
 Ground water pollution
 Toxic chemicals & soil pollution
 Ozone layer depletion
 Global warming
 Loss of bio-diversity
 Extinction of wildlife and loss of natural habitat
 Nuclear wastes and radiation issues

Characteristics of environmental problems are as follows,

i. Water pollution is characterized by the presence of excess physical, chemical or
biological substances that change the qualities of the water and are capable of causing
harm to living organisms.
ii. Air pollution is characterized by the release of pollutants such as carbon monoxide,
lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution (often referred to as
particulate matter), and sulfur oxides into the atmosphere as a result of human
activities and wildfires.
iii. Temperatures are rising world-wide due to greenhouse gases trapping more heat in the
atmosphere. Droughts are becoming longer and more extreme around the world.
Tropical storms becoming more severe due to warmer ocean water temperatures.
iv. Contamination of water bodies due to use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on
agricultural lands.
v. Deforestation can directly lead to biodiversity loss when animal species that live in
the trees no longer have their habitat, cannot relocate, and therefore become extinct.
vi. Deforestation also increase in release of Carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, because
of absence of trees to absorb the carbon dioxide.
vii. Waste generation is a result hyper consumption of resources which is characterized by
accumulation of non-biodegradable trash in the form of plastic packaging, toxic e-
waste, and harmful chemicals that leach into our waterways. When this waste ends up in
landfills, it generates enormous amounts of methane, which ranks as one of the worst
greenhouse gases because of its high potential for global warming. It creates severe explosion
hazards.

1.6 SYSTEMS APPROACH TO CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

Corporate enterprises are some of the important vehicles of economic development in a

country. There is a nexus between economic development issues and environmental
management issues. Therefore, sustainable economic development should be environment-
friendly. A company may be guided by short-term considerations where environmental
issues, in the absence of legal compulsions, may be ignored. Companies must not forget that,
with economic development, the environmental awareness has been on the increase.

1.6.1 TRADITIONAL APPROACH

 The traditional approach to environment management emphasizes control of various
types of pollutions at the process and output levels (emission to air, discharges to
water, solid and other wastes, contamination of land, noise, heat, etc.) But if the
technology that is used for production purposes is not environment-friendly, the
management system cannot be that effective in preventing environmental degradation.
 Recycling of waste materials, consumption of products by the consumers, disposal of
packing materials after consumption, are some such important issues in an
environment management that need to be properly addressed in any effective
management system.
 Any effective management system should not only take care of the present needs of
the society but also promote sustainable economic development.

1.6.2 SYSTEMS APPROACH: STEPS TO DEVELOP CORPORATE

ENVIRONMENATL MANAGEMENT.

Step 1: Define Organization's Goals for Environmental Management System (EMS)

The first step in EMS planning is to decide why you are pursuing the development of an
EMS. Are you trying to improve your environmental performance (e.g., compliance with
regulations or prevent pollution)? Write your goals down and refer to them frequently as you
move forward. As you design and implement the EMS, ask the following questions: How is
this task going to help us achieve our goals? How should we define the project scope? (i.e.,
What is the fence line of the organization that the EMS will cover? One location or multiple
locations? Should we pilot the EMS at one location then implement the system at other
locations later?)

Step 2: Secure Top Management Commitment

One of the most critical steps in the planning process is gaining top management's
commitment to support EMS development and implementation. Management must first
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

understand the benefits of an EMS and what it will take to put an EMS in place. To develop
this understanding, explain the strengths and limitations of your current approach and how
those limitations can affect the organization's financial and environmental performances.
Management also has a role in ensuring that the goals for the EMS are clear and consistent
with other organizational goals. Management's commitment should be communicated across
the organization.

Step 3: Select an EMS Champion

Not all small or medium-sized organizations have the luxury of choosing among multiple
candidates, but your choice of a project champion is critical. The champion should have the
necessary authority, an understanding of the organization, and project management skills.
The champion should be a "systems thinker" (ISO 9000 or ISO 14001 experience can be a
plus, but is not necessary), should have the time to commit to the EMS-building process, and
must have top management support.

Step 4: Build an Implementation Team

A team with representatives from key management functions (such as engineering, finance,
human resources, production and/or service) can identify and assess issues, opportunities, and
existing processes. Include contractors, suppliers or other external parties as part of the
project team, where appropriate. The team will need to meet regularly, especially in the early
stages of the project. A cross-functional team can help to ensure that procedures are practical
and effective, and can build commitment to, and "ownership" of, the EMS.

Step 5: Hold kick-off meeting

Once the team has been selected, hold a kick-off meeting to discuss the organization's
objectives in implementing an EMS, the initial steps that need to be taken and the roles of
team members. If possible, get top management to describe its commitment to the EMS at
this meeting. The kick-off meeting is also a good opportunity to provide some EMS training
for team members. Follow-up this meeting with a communication to all employees.

Step 6: Conduct Preliminary Review

The next step is for the team to conduct a preliminary review of your current compliance and
other environmental programs/systems, and to compare these against the criteria for your
EMS (such as ISO 14001:2015). Evaluate your organization's structure, procedures, policies,
environmental impacts, training programs and other factors. Consider utilizing an ISO 14001
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

self-assessment tool or incorporating other gap analysis tools.

Step 7: Prepare Budget and Schedule

Based on the results of the preliminary review, prepare a project plan and budget. The plan
should describe in detail what key actions are needed, who will be responsible, what
resources are needed, and when the work will be completed. Keep the plan flexible, but set
some stretch goals. Think about how you will maintain project focus and momentum over
time. Look for potential "early successes" that can help to build momentum and reinforce the
benefits of the EMS.

Step 8: Secure Resources, Assistance

The plan and budget should be reviewed and approved by top management. In some cases,
there may be outside funding or other types of assistance that you can use.

Step 9: Involve Employees

Ownership of the EMS will be greatly enhanced by meaningful employee involvement in the
EMS development process. Employees are a great source of knowledge on environmental,
and health and safety issues related to their work areas, as well as on the effectiveness of
current processes and procedures. These employees can help the project team in drafting
procedures.

Step 10: Monitor and Communicate Progress

As you build the EMS, be sure to regularly monitor your progress against the goals and
project plan, and communicate this progress within the organization. Be sure to communicate
the accomplishments that have been made and describe what will happen next. Build on
small successes. Be sure to keep top management informed and engaged, especially if
additional resources might be required.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

1.7 CLASSIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENATL IMPACT

REDUCTION EFFORTS

Impact reduction is vital, because it ensures that the adverse environmental impacts of a
developmental project are minimized or completely avoided. Mitigation/ impact reduction
comes with a variety of levels, and this is commonly called as “mitigation hierarchy” in
environmental impact assessment.

The hierarchy begins from the most beneficial method of mitigation and goes on to the least
beneficial method of mitigation.
 Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

i. Avoid: It is the first step in the reduction efforts. It is the complete mitigation of an
impact, by preventing it from happening. It is obviously the most preferred form of
mitigation, because it ensures no environmental damage.
ii. Minimize: Here, the team recognizes that the environmental impact cannot be completely
side-stepped; instead, they take steps to ensure minimal damage is done to the
environment.
iii. Rectify: Rectification of an impact implies that the impact has already happened; what
we are doing now is damage control. In a way, rectification allows us to correct the
mistake that led to the adverse environmental impact.
iv. Reduce: Reduction of the extent of the impact through management practices and/or
change in our methodology. It is when even reduction is not possible that we go for the
final step of the mitigation hierarchy-environmental offset.
v. Environmental offset: It is commonly defined as actions taken outside of the
development site to compensate for the impacts in the development site. In effect, this
means that the development authorities undertake environment conservation activities to
compensate for what they do in order to achieve “no net environment loss”, or more
specifically “no net biodiversity loss”.

The various efforts used in this context can be classified generally as follows,

 Protection of ambient air and climate: Prevention of pollution through in-process

modifications: Activities and measures aimed at the elimination or reduction of the
generation of air pollutants through in-process modifications related to: - cleaner and
more efficient production processes and other technologies (cleaner technologies), the
consumption or use of cleaner products. Treatment of exhaust gases and ventilation
air: activities involving the Installation, maintenance and operation of end-of-pipe
equipment for the removal and reduction of emissions of particulate matter or other
air- polluting substances either from the combustion of fuels or from processes:
filters, dedusting equipment, catalytic converters, post-combustion and other
techniques.

 Wastewater management: Activities and measures aimed at reducing the generation

of surface water pollutants and wastewater through in-process modifications related
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

to:
- cleaner and more efficient production processes and other technologies (cleaner
technologies), - the consumption or use of ‘cleaner’ (adapted) products.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

 Cleaner technology is aimed at prevention activities consist of replacing an existing

production process by a new process designed to bring about a reduction of water
pollutants or wastewater generated during production. It includes separation of
networks, treatment and re-use of water used in the production process, etc. Use of
cleaner products: prevention activities consist of modifying an existing production
process so as to provide for the substitution of raw materials, catalysts and other
inputs by non- (or less) water polluting products.

 Waste management: Activities and measures aimed at eliminating or reducing the

generation of solid waste through in-process modifications related to cleaner
technologies which is aimed at prevention activities. By replacing an existing
production process by a new process designed to reduce the toxicity or volume of
waste produced during the production process, including by separation and re-
processing. Use of cleaner products: protection activities consist of modifying or
adapting the production process or facilities so as to provide for the substitution of
raw materials, catalysts and other intermediate inputs by new, "adapted" inputs the
use of which produces less waste or less hazardous waste.

 Protection and remediation of soil, groundwater and surface water: Activities

and measures aimed at eliminating or reducing the generation of solid waste through
in- process modifications related to cleaner technologies which is aimed at prevention
activities. It consists of replacing an existing production process by a new process
designed to reduce the toxicity or volume of waste produced during the production
process, including by separation and re-processing. Use of cleaner products:
protection activities consist of modifying or adapting the production process or
facilities so as to provide for the substitution of raw materials, catalysts and other
intermediate inputs by new, "adapted" inputs the use of which produces less waste or
less hazardous waste.

 Noise and vibration abatement (excluding workplace protection): The adaptation

of equipment, vehicles (buses, trucks, or train and power units in the case of rail
transport, aircraft and ships) in order to make them less noisy: soundproofing of
hoods, brakes, exhaust systems, etc. Also includes plant modifications, specially
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

conceived foundations to absorb vibrations, extra cost for regrouping of buildings

and/or of
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

facilities in the interest of noise abatement, special facilities in building

construction or reconstruction, equipment and machines conceived or
constructed for low noise or vibrations, low noise level flares and burners, etc.

 Protection of biodiversity and landscapes: Activities and measures aimed at

the conservation, reintroduction or recovery of fauna and flora species, as well as
the restoring, rehabilitation and reshaping of damaged habitats for the purpose of
strengthening their natural functions. Also includes conserving the genetic
heritage, re- colonizing destroyed ecosystems, placing bans on exploitation,
trade, etc. Of specific animal and plant species, for protection purposes.

 Protection against radiation: Collection and transport of high-level radioactive

waste consists of the collection of high-level radioactive waste, generally by
specialized firms and their transport to the place of treatment, conditioning
storage and disposal. Conditioning of high-level radioactive waste consists of
activities that transform high level radioactive waste into a proper and fit
condition for transport and/or storage and/or disposal.

1.8 BUSINESS CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

AND CONSUMPTION
Sustainable consumption and production refers to “the use of services and related
products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while
minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of
waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize
the needs of future generations”.

Sustainable production and consumption lead to Sustainable development which can be

defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC) is a non-governmental organization serving world business. Its
membership extends to more than 130 countries and includes thousands of business
organizations and enterprises with international interests.

ICC has more than 80 years of experience as an international body representing the
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

interests of businesses in all sectors, all over the world. It works to promote world trade
and investment based on free and fair competition, and to harmonize trade practices and
formulate guidelines and terminology for importers and exporters.

In response to the World Commission on Environment and Development report, ICC

developed a 'Business Charter for Sustainable Development' which sets out 16 principles
for environmental management.
The application of the principles thus improves business operations and strategies, while
also driving innovation and shaping better policies and decision-making.

1.8.1 KEY BENEFITS IMPLEMENTING THE CHARTER

PROVIDES KEY BENEFITS:
 Information clarity, and a framework of tools and methodologies.
 Reduction of risks and liabilities.
 Enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness of existing products and services.
 Generation of new business opportunities. Longer-term cost reductions.
 Enhancement of knowledge, education, and awareness.
 Increased employee loyalty.
 Higher standing in society and better reputational value.

1.8.2 The 16 Principles of ICC’s business charter for sustainable

development are as follows,
The charter covers environmentally relevant aspects of health, safety and
product stewardship.
1. CORPORATE PRIORITY: To recognize environmental management as
among the highest corporate priorities and as a key determinant to sustainable
development; to establish policies, programmes and practices for conducting
operations in an environmentally sound manner.

2. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT: To integrate these policies, programmes

and practices fully into each business as an essential element of management in
all its functions.
3. PROCESS OF IMPROVEMENT: To continue to improve corporate policies,
programmes and environmental performance, taking into account technical
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

developments, scientific understanding, consumer needs and community

expectations, with legal regulations as a starting point, and to apply the same
environmental criteria internationally.

4. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION: To educate, train and motivate employees to

conduct their activities in an environmentally responsible manner.

5. PRIOR ASSESSMENT: To assess environmental impacts before starting a

new activity or project and before decommissioning a facility or leaving a site.

6. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: To develop and provide products or services

that have no undue environmental impact and are safe in their intended use, that
are efficient in their consumption of energy and natural resources, and that can
be recycled, reused, or disposed of safely.

7. CUSTOMER ADVICE: To advise and, where relevant, educate customers,

distributors and the public in the safe use, transportation, storage and disposal of
products provided, and to apply similar considerations to the provision of
services.

8. FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS: To develop, design and operate facilities

and conduct activities taking into consideration the efficient use of energy and
materials, the sustainable use of renewable resources, the minimization of
adverse environmental impacts of waste generation, and the safe and responsible
disposal of residual wastes.

9. RESEARCH: To conduct or support research on the environmental impacts of

raw materials, products, processes, emissions and wastes associated with the
enterprise and on the means of minimizing such adverse impacts.

10. PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH: To modify the manufacture, marketing or

use of products or services or the conduct of activities, consistent with scientific
and technical understanding, to prevent serious or irreversible environmental
degradation.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

11. CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS: To promote the adoption of these

principles by contractors acting on behalf of the enterprise, encouraging and,
where appropriate, requiring improvements in their practices to make them
consistent with those of the enterprise; and to encourage the wider adoption of
these principles by suppliers.

12. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: To develop and maintain, where

significant hazards exist, emergency preparedness plans in conjunction with
emergency services, relevant authorities and the local community, recognizing
potential transboundary impacts

13. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY: To contribute to the transfer of

environmentally sound technology and management methods throughout the
industrial and public sectors.

14. CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMON EFFORT: To contribute to the

development of public policy and to business, governmental and
intergovernmental programmes and educational initiatives that will enhance
environmental awareness and protection.

15. OPENNESS TO CONCERNS: To foster openness and dialogue with

employees and the public, anticipating and responding to their concerns about
the potential hazards and impact of operations, products, wastes or services,
including those of transboundary or global significance.

16. COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING: To measure environmental

performance; to conduct regular environmental audits and assessment of
compliance with company requirements, legal requirements and these principles;
and periodically to provide appropriate information to the board of directors,
shareholders, employees, the authorities and the public.

1.9 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship of the environment refers to protecting the environment through recycling,
conservation, regeneration and restoration. It means taking responsibility for our
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

choices. The responsibility for environmental quality should be shared by all those
whose actions affect the environment.
Environmental stewardship can be defined as “the responsible use (including
conservation) of natural resources in a way that takes full and balanced account of the
interests of society, future generations, and other species, as well as of private needs, and
accepts significant answerability to society” (Worrell & Appleby, 2000, p. 263).

Aldo Leopold (1887–1949) promoted environmental stewardship based on a land

ethic “dealing with man’s relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow
upon it. One of the first commonly accepted definitions of sustainable development
came from the World Commission on Environment and Development, later renamed the
Brundtland Commission. It defined sustainable development as meeting “the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs” (Brundtland, 1987, p. 41). Sustainable development differs from environmental
stewardship in that it may include aspects of social, economic and environmental
sustainability, whereas environmental stewardship focuses solely on the natural world

1.9.1 TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

There are 3 types of environmental stewards: doers, donors, and practitioners.
⚫ Doers go out and help the cause by taking action. For example, the doers in an
oil spill would be the volunteers that go along the beach and help clean up the oil
from the beaches.
⚫ A donor is the person that financially helps the cause. They can do anything
from donating their money, to hosting public events to raise funds. They are
typically governmental agencies.
⚫ Practitioner work on a day-to-day basis to steer governmental agencies,
scientists, stakeholder groups, or any other group toward a stewardship outcome.

1.9.2 DRIVERS AND BARRIERS OF

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Drivers/ What motivates stewardship behaviors

• Information and scientific evidence about the status of natural resources.
• Increasing awareness of the risks and opportunities associated with business
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

supply chains
• Growing public interest in environmentally responsible purchasing and investing
• Regulations, customers, competitors and the local community.
Barriers/ What hinders people and organizations from adopting stewardship behaviors
• The perception that small actions do not really make a difference
• Difficulty in making green products competitive in the marketplace
• Lack of attention to environmental performance by investment and financial
institutions
• Difficulty in measuring stewardship behavior and performance
• Lack of commitment from the management of the stakeholders
• Lack of financial resources
• Lack of expertise on EMS
• Effect on the existing organizational structures

1.9.3 PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Core Principle 1: Resource Conservation – making the most efficient use of resources
(materials, energy and water) through: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Water
Efficiency and Conservation Solid Waste Management and Conceptualizing Waste as a
Resource Publications Management Events Management
Core Principle 2: Pollution Prevention – minimizing contamination of the environment
by chemicals or other materials through: Vehicle/Fleet Management of the Use of
Chemicals and Other Hazardous Substances.
Core Principle 3: Occupational Health and Safety Managing Indoor Air Quality
Comfort and Productivity in the Workplace Emergency and Disaster Management

1.9.4 BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The Benefits of implementing an environmental stewardship programme are,
i. Saving costs and adding value,
ii. Potentially reducing company site’s regulatory responsibilities,
iii. Improving environmental performance and reducing liability
iv. Providing company with a competitive advantage due to more effective and
efficient operations.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

1.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

The principles of environmental management are helpful in environmental decision
making. There are 7 environmental principles which are explained below,

1. POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE (PPP):

For the last two decades, many economists have suggested that firms discharging
polluting effluents to the environment should somehow be made to pay a price for such
discharges related to the amount of environmental damage caused.
OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) has suggested the
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

Polluter Pays principles (PPP) as a general basis for the environmental policy. It states
that if measures are adopted to reduce pollution, the costs should be borne by the
polluters. According to the OECD Council, “The principle to be used for allocating
costs of pollution prevention and control measures to encourage rational use of scarce
environmental resources and to avoid distortions in international trade and investment is
the so-called Polluter Pays Principle.” The essential concern of this principle is that
polluters should bear the costs of abatement without subsidy.

2. THE USER PAYS PRINCIPLE (UPP): It is considered as a part of the PPP. The
principle states that all resource users should pay for the full long-run marginal cost of
the use of a resource and related services, including any associated treatment costs. It is
applied when resources are being used and consumed.

3. PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE (PP): This proposes protecting the environment

through precautionary measures, especially for heavy activities that might cause more
damage to the environment. Precautionary principle has major objectives which include
measuring primary and secondary activities posing a threat to the environment.
Then industries are advised on ways and methods to implement which will not affect the
environment so much throughout their daily activities. Precautionary activity measures
the impact of any company and its activities, prescribing methods and measures with
less negative impact on its environment according to environment impact assessments
carried out at the time. Precautionary principle has been essential to protecting the
environment, people, safe environment, implementation of polices and reducing
degradation and soil erosion.

4. PRINCIPLE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Among principles of environmental

management, this states each person and firm needs to be held accountable and take
responsibility to maintain safe, clean and sustainable development. Ecological
sustainability should be attained by ensuring the use of resources is properly managed
and not wasted, people must go about knowing that one of their duties is to protect the
environment, safe applies for firms and corporations extracting and committing gasses
polluting the environment.

5. PRINCIPLE OF EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY: It the responsibility of

government in every country, city or state to ensure, well-structured policies and
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

procedures are put in place for essential waste management. Failure to properly mage
waste can lead to diseases, soil problems, chemical build ups, water borne diseases.
Hence its essential that through the principle of effectiveness and efficiency, major
agencies and council do everything possible to reduce waste building up and control
dump sites for garbage. Encourages various organization bodies and agencies to
decentralize, implement new methods of management, proposed through new public
management NPM to enable them attain desired results when protecting the
environment at minimal cost.

6. PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONALITY: This refers to striking a balance between

development and protecting the environment. Building of basic essential infrastructure
through development has been considered major part for Human development,
therefore, protecting the environment but so does development. Without the
environment which provides for land, man would not have where to build homes.
But one important key point to take note of is that both must be fairly managed and
balanced. Development should not hinder and destroy the environment and also
environmental protection must happen while allowing development.

7. PRINCIPLE OF PARTICIPATION: Every citizen, person, government and firms

have a responsibility to participate in environmental decision making and protection
policies. Through collective collaboration in the affairs of the environment it’s easy to
foster a shift and wave reflecting need to protect the environment. Every individual
should take a major step and contribute to issues relating to solid waste management,
garbage collection, construction, chemicals, gaseous omission and demolition materials
which are likely to affect the environment and how to reduce the impact.

1.11 NATIONAL POLICIES ON ENVIRONMENT

Environmental policies may be either enacted as laws by governing bodies or created
and enforced by government agencies. They may originate from local, national or
foreign governments, and address an array of issues including,
 Air or water quality,
 Fossil fuel extraction,
 Energy conservation,
 Habitat protection or restoration,
 Pesticide use,
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

 Storage/disposal of hazardous materials,

 Trafficking of endangered species.
1.11.1 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IN INDIA- NATIONAL
ENVIRONMENT POLICY, 2006.
The National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006 by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) aims at mainstreaming environmental concerns into all developmental
activities. It emphasizes conservation of resources, and points that the best way to aid
conservation is to ensure that people dependent on resources obtain better livelihoods
from conservation, than from degradation of the resources.
The National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006 was an effort towards India’s
commitment to clean environment and making positive contribution to international
efforts. The NEP builds on the various earlier policies which had addressed the
challenges of environment and need of sustainable development prior to this policy.
Some of them are:
 National Forest Policy, 1988
 National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and
Development, 1992
 Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution,1992
 National Agriculture Policy, 2000
 National Population Policy, 2000
 National Water Policy, 2002
1.11.1.2 OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, 2006.

i. Conservation of critical environmental resources: To protect and conserve

critical environmental resources and invaluable natural and man- made heritage
which are essential for life-supporting livelihoods and welfare of the society
ii. Inter-generational Equity: To ensure judicious use of environmental resources
to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.
iii. Efficiency in Environmental Resources Use: To ensure efficient use of
environmental resources in the sense of reduction in their use per unit of
economic output and to minimize adverse environmental impacts on society.
iv. Environmental Governance in the Management of Resources: To apply the
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

principles of resources. To apply the principles of good governance (i.e.

transparency, rationality, accountability, reduction in costs and time, and public
participation) to the management of environmental resources.
v. Enhancement of Resources: Appropriate technology and traditional
knowledge, managerial skills, and social capital will be used for conservation
and enhancement of resources.
vi. Livelihood Security for the Poor: To ensure equitable access to environmental
resources for poor tribal community, which are most dependent on
environmental resources for their livelihood.
vii. Integration of Environmental Concerns for Socio-economic: Development;
to integrate environmental concerns into policies, plans, programs and projects
for socio- economic development.

STRATEGIES OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, 2006.

Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

ABATEMENT OF POLLUTION
Abatement is a general term used for methods or technologies that reduce the
amount of pollutant generated in a chemical or other manufacturing facility.
(or)
Pollution abatement refers to technology applied or measure taken to reduce pollution
and/or its impacts on the environment.
The most commonly used technologies are scrubbers, noise mufflers, filters,
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

incinerators, waste—water treatment facilities and composting of wastes.

Pollution abatement involves source reduction, in-process recycling, in-plant recycling,

design modifications, off-site recycling, and treatment to make the waste less hazardous.
Source reduction refers to the examination of various processing units in detail to
determine if wastes can be minimized.

The step involves several layers of study:

 Waste inventory is generated.
 Critical processes leading to waste are identified.
 Alternative processing strategies are studied to reduce the amount of waste
generated in these processes.

ABATEMENT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF POLLUTION

1. AIR
 Smog, ground-level ozone pollution, acid rain and climate change influenced by
greenhouse gas emissions are all products of fossil-fuel combustion, whether for
industrial processes, electricity generation or gasoline-powered vehicles.
 Examples of contemporary abatement strategies include requiring smoke-stack
scrubbers on coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur and nitrogen
dioxides and placing caps on carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gases.

2. WATER
 Water pollution usually comes in one of two major forms, point source pollution
and nonpoint source pollution. Point sources include specific release of
pollutants into waterways, like industrial effluents or untreated sewage.
 Nonpoint sources are not locally specific and include pollution from storm water
runoff in urban areas and pollutant leaching from contaminated soils.
 Abatement measures include requiring treatment of sewage waste water solids,
installation of storm runoff retention systems (also called wet ponds) in areas
with a high density of impervious surfaces and educating the public about the
dangers of storm water pollutants to streams, rivers and aquifers.

3. SOIL
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

 Land pollution can come from a variety of sources. Landfills, chemical and fuel
refinery leaks or spills and industrial agricultural techniques that require heavy
use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers all contribute to soil pollution.
 Abatement measures include eliminating lead from fuels to reduce lead pollution
of the soil, requiring underground liners for landfills, voluntary recycling
programs, regulating fuel and chemical production to minimize risks of spills or
leaks and exploring alternative agricultural methods to reduce the need for
pesticides and herbicides.

4. ENERGY CONSERVATION
 Another basic but important pollution abatement strategy includes what many
calls reducing your carbon footprint. More people using fewer resources and less
energy reduces pollution impacts on a larger scale.
 Examples of conservation include: using cleaner-burning fuels and renewable
sources of energy like solar or wind power, using public transportation or
carpooling, recycling and reusing paper, plastics and metals, insulating your
home to make it more energy- efficient, installing energy-efficient appliances,
and buying locally produced goods to reduce the need for shipping of products
over long distances.
1.12 CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES
Consumption of natural resources is increasing with growing population. With the
increasing industrialization and urbanization, we need to conserve natural resources for
their destruction will also upset the ecological balance. Conservation is the proper
management of a natural resource to prevent its exploitation, destruction or degradation.
Conservation is the sum total of activities, which can derive benefits from natural
resources but at the same time prevent excessive use leading to destruction or
degradation.
The nature provides us with all our basic needs but we tend to over exploit. If we go on
exploiting nature, there will be no more resources available in future. Hence there is an
urgent need to conserve nature for the following reasons.
 To maintain ecological balance for supporting life.
 To preserve different kinds of species (biodiversity).
 To make the resources available for present and future generations.
 To ensure survival of human race.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

 To prevent negative impact on the environment.

1.13.1 METHODS ADOPTED TO CONSERVE RESOURCES

i. Promote efficient water use techniques, such as sprinkler or drip irrigation,
among farmers. Provide necessary pricing, inputs, and extension support to
feasible and remunerative alternative crops which may be raised by efficient
water use.
ii. Support practices of rain water harvesting and artificial recharge and revival of
traditional methods for enhancing groundwater recharge.

iii. Mandate water harvesting and artificial recharge in all new constructions in
relevant urban areas
iv. Prepare and implement a comprehensive strategy for regulating use of ground
water by large industrial and commercial establishments on the basis of a careful
evaluation of aquifer capacity and annual recharge.
v. Support R&D in cost effective techniques suitable for rural drinking water
projects for remedial measures and removal of arsenic fluoride, and other toxic
substances.
vi. Improve productivity per unit of water consumed in industrial processes, by
making water assessments and water audits mandatory in identified industries
and utilities.
vii. Suitable sites for dumping the toxic waste material may be identified and
remedial measures may be taken to prevent the movement of the toxic waste in
the ground water
viii. Consider mandating the installation of water saving closets and taps in the
building bye- laws of urban centers.

1.13 CHARTER ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

 The Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) has launched the Charter on
"Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection (CREP)" in march 2003
with the purpose to go beyond the compliance of regulatory norms for
prevention & control of pollution through various measures including waste
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

minimization, in-plant process control & adoption of clean technologies.

 Industrial development is an important constituent in our pursuits for economic
growth, employment generation and betterment in the quality of life.
 On the other hand, industrial activities, without proper precautionary measures
for environmental protection are known to cause pollution and associated
problems. Hence, it is necessary to comply with the regulatory norms for
prevention and control of pollution.
 Alongside, it is also imperative to go beyond compliance through adoption of
clean technologies and improvement in management practices.
 Commitment and voluntary initiatives of industry for responsible care of the
environment will help in building a partnership for pollution control. This is the
very purpose of this Charter.

 The Charter has set targets concerning conservation of water, energy, recovery
of chemicals, reduction in pollution, elimination of toxic pollutants, process &
management of residues that are required to be disposed of in an environmentally
sound manner.
 The Charter enlists the action points for pollution control for various categories
of highly polluting industries.
 The Charter also enables the industry to know the Government programmes,
priorities and concerns in respect of 17 categories of major polluting industries
and gives appropriate time for implementation of action points identified in the
sectoral discussions thus relieving the industry from the sudden burden and
enforcement pressure.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753

1. List the different principles of Environmental Management.

2. Explain the Principle of participation & Polluter pays principle.
3. Write in brief about the organizational drivers to the implementation of
Environmental Management Systems.
4. What do you understand by abatement of pollution? What are the ways
in which this practice is carried out?
5. Write a short note on Charter on corporate responsibility for
Environmental Protection.
6. What is Environment stewardship? What steps could EPA take to
promote Environmental stewardship?
7. Write the principles set out in the business charter for Sustainable
production.
8. Explain business charter on corporate sustainability for Environmental
protection.
9. Explain national policies for the abetment of pollution.
10. Explain the goals of Environmental management.
11. Explain the principles of business charter for Sustainable development.
12. Explain the drivers and barriers for business strategy.
13. Refine Environmental stewardship and different types of Environmental
stewardships.
14. Define Environmental Management. Discuss different systems approach
to Corporate Environment Management.
15. Discuss the significance of Environmental stewardship in detail.
16. Explain different types of Environment Management principles.
17. Explain unique characteristics of Environmental problems with example.
18. Explain drivers and barriers for Sustainable development. Drivers for
business strategy
Discuss “Business charter principle” for Sustainable production and
consumption.
19. Write short notes on

1. Environmental stewardship
2. corporate responsibility for environmental protection.
Environmental Protection and Management 18CV753