UNIT V - ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Part A Question and Answer

1. State the importance of environmental regulations.
Environmental regulations is to protect and improve environmental quality, control
and reduce pollution from all sources, and prohibit or restrict the setting and /or operation of
any industrial facility on environmental grounds.
2. State any two environmental protection laws.
i) The Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
ii) The Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
iii) The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
3. Write any two protocols for corporate charters.
The two common protocols for establishing and managing a corporate charter are
1. Incorporation protocols
This protocol includes the corporation's name, its purpose, whether the corporation is
a for-profit or nonprofit institution, the location of the corporation and the names of
the parties involved in the formation
2. Amendment protocol
This protocol details the process for making changes to an existing corporate charter.
4. Write any two protocols for international charters.
 to maintain international peace and security
 to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal
rights and self-determination of peoples
 to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian
problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
 to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends
5. What is EIA? Write its importance.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to assess the significant
effects of a project or development proposal on the environment.
EIAs make sure that project decision makers think about the likely effects on the
environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects.
6. Define sustainable development.
Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
 Sustainable development aims are optimum use of natural resources with high degree
of sustainability, minimum wastage, least generation of toxic by-products and maximum
productivity.
7. Write any five important needs of sustainable development.
i) Sustainability is key to preserving our planet
ii) Sustainability helps reduce pollution and conserve resources
iii) Sustainability creates job and stimulates the economy.
iv) Sustainability improves public health.
v) It protects biodiversity
8. What is Eco-labeling?
Eco-labelling is a method of environmental performance certification and labelling
that is practiced around the world. It identifies products or services that have a reduced
environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
9. What is green computing?
Green computing is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of
computers and their resources.
The goals of green computing are similar to green chemistry: reduce the use of
hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and increase
the recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste.
10. Define the term environmental auditing.
Environmental auditing is a systematic, documented, periodic, and objective process
in assessing an organization’s environmental performance. The goal is to evaluate
compliance with environmental regulations, ensure effective implementation of
environmental management systems, and identify opportunities for improving environmental
practices
11. State the importance of environmental auditing.
The purpose of an environmental audit is to: assess the nature and extent of the risk
of harm to human health or the environment. This may be from contaminated land, waste,
pollution or an activity. Recommend measures to manage the risk of harm to human health or
the environment.
11. Define Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Life cycle assessment is a process of evaluating the effect of a material on the environment
over the entire period of its life, thereby increasing resource use efficiency and decreasing
liabilities. Generally LCA is used to study the environmental impact of material
12. What are the limitations of life cycle assessment?
i) LCA assesses the real world in a simplified model
ii) The assumptions sceneries and scope may vary from one study to the other leading to
different LCA results.
iii) Variations in LCA approaches and results may be confusing especially for non-
experts..
iv) LCA study requires large amount of data.
v) If the data collection is poor, the study will not lead to solid conclusions.
13. What is environmental management?
Environmental management is a set of practices and processes that enable any
organisation, whether private or public to reduce its environmental impact and increasing its
operating efficiency.
14. What are the characteristics of environmental management?
i) Environmental management support sustainable development.
ii) It demands the multidisciplinary approach.
iii) It has to integrate different development view points.
iv) It seeks to integrate natural and social science.
v) It can extend from short term to long term and from local to global level.
vi) It deals with a world affected by human.
15. What is IS14000?
It is a family of standards related to environmental management that exist to help
organisations.
a) Minimize how their operation negatively affects the environment.
b) Comply with applicable laws, regulations and other environmentally oriented
requirements.
c) Continually improve with above.
 PART B Questions and Answers

1. Write notes on concept, need and methods to attain sustainability.

(i) Sustainable Development
It is defined as “Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”
Need of sustainability
i) Sustainability is key to preserving our planet
ii) Sustainability helps reduce pollution and conserve resources
iii) Sustainability creates job and stimulates the economy.
iv) Sustainability improves public health.
v) It protects biodiversity
vi) It protects the natural environment.
vii) It is the choice of non-toxic materials.
viii) It minimizes wastes
ix) It is used for life cycle analysis
Methods to attain Sustainability
To build up the Sustainability development the following methods are proposed
i) Developing appropriate technology
It is the one which is locally adaptable, eco-friendly, resource efficient and culturally
suitable. It uses local labours, less resources and produces minimum wastes
ii) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3 R approach)
It insists optimum use of natural resources, using it again and again instead of
throwing it on the waste land or water and recycling the material into further product.
It reduces pressure on our natural resources and reduces wastes generation and
pollution.
iii) Providing environmental education and awareness
By providing environmental education and awareness the thinking and attitude of
people towards our earth and the environment can be changed
iv) Consumption of renewable resources
v) In order to attain sustainability it is very important to consume the natural resources in
such a way the consumption not exceed regeneration capacity.
vi) Conservation of non renewable resources
Non renewable resources should be conserved by recycling and reusing.
 vii) Population control
By controlling population growth we can make very good sustainability.
2. Explain the various steps involved in the Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Definition
Life cycle assessment is a process of evaluating the effect of a material on the
environment over the entire period of its life, thereby increasing resource use efficiency and
decreasing liabilities. Generally LCA is used to study the environmental impact of material
Stages involved in Life cycle assessment
The following are the five stages of a life cycle assessment
Stage 1: Raw material extraction and processing
Stage 2: Manufacturing
Stage 3: Transportation
Stage 4: Distribution
Stage 5: Usage and retail
Stage 6: Waste disposal (end of life)

Life cycle Assessment (LCA)

In the manufactured product, environmental impacts are assessed from raw material,
extraction and processing through the product manufacture distribution and use to the recycling
or final disposal of the material.
Benefits of LCA
i) LCA is widely used to support sustainable development.
 ii) LCA allows decision makers to compare two products and to select the product that
has lowest impact on the environment.
iii) It is a modelling tool to assess environmental impacts of a product during its entire
lifespan.
iv) LCA provides a holistic view in the environmental impacts to avoid optimizing one
environmental indicator without considering the effects on the other indicators.
v) LCA is purely based on internationally accepted standards
vi) LCA identifies hotspots in the environmental impact.
Disadvantages or limitations
i) LCA assesses the real world in a simplified model
ii) The assumptions sceneries and scope may vary from one study to the other leading to
different LCA results.
iii) Variations in LCA approaches and results may be confusing especially for non-
experts..
iv) LCA study requires large amount of data.
v) If the data collection is poor, the study will not lead to solid conclusions.
vi) It is not easy to communicate the results of LCA study.
3. Illustrate the types, component and benefits of environmental auditing.
Environmental auditing is a systematic, documented, periodic, and objective process
in assessing an organization’s environmental performance.
The goal is to evaluate compliance with environmental regulations, ensure effective
implementation of environmental management systems, and identify opportunities for
improving environmental practices.
Types of Environmental Audits
i) Compliance Audits:
 Focus on whether a company adheres to environmental laws and regulations.
 Evaluate permits, licenses, and adherence to statutory requirements.
ii) Management Audits:
 Assess the effectiveness of an organization's environmental management system.
 Check for conformity with standards such as ISO 14001.
iii) Functional Audits:
 Target specific operations or activities within the organization.
 For example, waste management practices, energy usage, or emissions control.
iv) Liability Audits:
  Evaluate potential environmental liabilities.
 Often used during mergers and acquisitions to assess risks.
v) Performance Audits:
 Measure environmental performance against internal benchmarks or industry
standards.
 Focus on efficiency and effectiveness of environmental policies.
Components of an Environmental Audit
i) Planning and Preparation:
Define the audit scope, objectives, and criteria.
Assemble an audit team with the necessary expertise.
ii) On-Site Activities:
Conduct initial meetings and briefings.
Perform inspections, review documents, and interview personnel.
iii) Data Collection and Analysis:
Gather quantitative and qualitative data.
Analyze findings to determine compliance and performance levels.
iv) Reporting:
Prepare a detailed audit report outlining findings, non-compliance issues, and
areas for improvement.
Provide recommendations and action plans.
v) Follow-Up:
Monitor the implementation of corrective actions.
Conduct subsequent audits to ensure continuous improvement.
Benefits of Environmental Auditing
1. Regulatory Compliance:
Helps organizations meet legal requirements and avoid fines.
2. Risk Management:
Identifies potential environmental risks and liabilities.
3. Cost Savings:
Improves resource efficiency, leading to cost reductions in energy, water, and
waste management.
4. Continuous Improvement:
Encourages ongoing enhancements in environmental performance.
5. Reputation Enhancement:
 Demonstrates commitment to environmental responsibility to stakeholders.
Challenges in Environmental Auditing
1. Resource Intensity:
Requires significant time, expertise, and financial resources.
2. Complexity:
Involves navigating a complex web of regulations and standards.
3. Resistance to Change:
Employees or management may be resistant to audit findings and
recommendations.
4. Data Accuracy:
Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data collected can be challenging.
Best Practices for Effective Environmental Auditing
1. Comprehensive Training:
Ensure auditors are well-trained and knowledgeable.
2. Stakeholder Engagement:
Involve all relevant stakeholders in the audit process.
3. Clear Communication:
Maintain clear and open communication throughout the audit.
4. Use of Technology:
Utilize advanced tools and software for data collection and analysis.
5. Regular Audits:
Conduct audits regularly to maintain high environmental performance standards.
Conclusion
Environmental auditing is a vital tool for organizations aiming to enhance their
environmental performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and demonstrate corporate
responsibility.
By systematically evaluating and improving their environmental practices,
organizations can achieve sustainable growth and contribute positively to environmental
conservation.

4. Write a brief notes on Environmental regulations and policies.

India has a comprehensive framework of environmental regulations and policies
aimed at addressing various environmental issues such as pollution, biodiversity
conservation, climate change, and sustainable development. Here are some key points:
1. Legal Framework

Constitutional Provisions: Article 48A and Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution
mandate the state and citizens to protect and improve the environment.

Environmental Protection Act, 1986: This is the umbrella legislation for

environmental protection in India, providing the basis for other specific regulations.

2. Regulatory Bodies

i) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC):

The primary government body responsible for environmental policies, planning, and
promotion of environmental and forestry programs.

ii) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

Monitors and controls pollution, implements policies, and provides technical services
to the MoEFCC.

iii) State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):

Implement pollution control laws at the state level.

3. Environmental Policies

National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006: Provides a framework for

environmental management and emphasizes sustainable development and the integration of
environmental concerns in development planning.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Comprises eight missions,

including the National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, and
National Water Mission, aiming to address climate change and promote sustainable
development.

4. International Commitments

Paris Agreement: India is committed to reducing its carbon emissions intensity by 33-
35% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving 40% of its cumulative electric power installed
capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): India aims to protect biodiversity through

national strategies and action plans.

5. Recent Initiatives

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014, aims to

improve sanitation and cleanliness across India.
 Namami Gange Programme: Focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga
River.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aims to reduce particulate matter

pollution by 20-30% by 2024.

6. Challenges and Issues

Implementation and Enforcement: Despite comprehensive laws, the enforcement of

environmental regulations is often weak due to inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and lack
of political will.

Industrialization and Urbanization: Rapid industrial growth and urbanization have

led to increased pollution and environmental degradation.

Public Awareness: There is a need for greater public awareness and participation in
environmental conservation efforts.

7. Judicial Intervention

The Supreme Court and various High Courts in India have played a proactive role in
environmental protection through public interest litigations (PILs) and landmark judgments,
ensuring the implementation of environmental laws and policies.

India's approach to environmental regulation involves a combination of legislative

measures, policy initiatives, and judicial activism. However, effective implementation and
continuous monitoring are crucial to achieving sustainable environmental outcomes .

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5. Explain any five environmental protection laws and act.

1. Water (prevention and control of pollution) ACT 1974:

 This act provides for maintaining and restoring the sources of water it also provides for
preventing and controlling water pollution.
Objectives of water act:
 Prevention and control of water pollution.
 Maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water.
 Establishing central and state boards for the prevention and control of water pollution.
Important features of water act:
 This act aims at, to protect the water from all kinds of pollution and to preserve the quality of
water in all aquifers.
 The act further provides for the establishment of central boards and state boards for
prevention of water pollution.
 The states are empowered to restrain any person from discharging a pollutant or sewage or
effluent into any water body without the consent of the board.
State pollution control board:
The consent of the state pollution control board is needed to
 Take steps to establish any industry or any treatment and disposal system or any extension or
addition that to, which is likely to discharge or trade effluent into a stream or well or river or
on a land.
 Use any new or altered outlet for the discharge of sewage.
 Begin to make any new discharge of sewage.
2) Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) ACT, 1981:
 This act was enacted in the conference held at Stockholm in 1972.
 It deals with the problem relating to air pollution.
 It envisages the establish of central board and state control boards endowed with absolute
powers to monitor air quality and pollution control.
Objectives of air act are:
 To prevent, control and abatement of air pollution.
 To maintain the quality of air.
 To establish a board for the prevention and control of air pollution.
Important feature of air act:
 The central board may lay down the standards for the quality of air.
 The central board coordinates and settle distributes between state boards, in addition to
providing technical assistance and guidance to state boards.
 The state boards are empowered to lay down the standards for emissions of air pollutants
from industrial unit or automobile or other sources.
3) Forest (Conservation (Or) Preservative) ACT, 1980:
 This act provides conservation of forests and related aspects.
 This act also covers all type of forests including forests, protected forests any forested land.
 This act is enacted in 1980.It aims at to arrest deforestation.
Objectives of forest act:
 To protect and conserve the forest.
 To ensure judicious use of forest products.
Important feature of forest act:
 The reserved forests shall not be diverted or dereserved without the prior permission of the
central government.
 The land that has been notified or registered or forestland may not be used for nonforest
purposes.
 An illegal nonforest activity within a forest area can be immediately stopped under act.
4) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Amended In 1983, 1986 AND 1991:
 This act is aimed to protect and preserve wildlife.
 Wildlife refers to all animals and plants that are not domesticated.
 India has rich wildlife heritage. It has 350 species of mammals, 1200 species of birds and
about 20,000 known species of insects.
 Some of them are listed as endangered species’ in the wildlife (protection) act.
Objectives of the wildlife act:
  To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems.
 To preserve biodiversity.
 To ensure the continuous use of species.
Important features:
 The act covers the rights and non rights of forests dwellers.
 It provides restricted grazing in sanctuaries but prohibits in national parks.
 It also prohibits the collection of non timber products.
5) Environment (Protection) ACT, 1986:
This is generally legislation law in order to rectify the gaps and laps in the above acts.This act
empowers the central government to fix the standards for quality of air, water, soil and noise and to
formulate the procedures and safeguards for handling of hazard substances.
Objectives of environmental act:
 To protect and improvement of environment.
 To prevent hazards to all living creatures and property.
 To maintain harmonious relationship between humans and environment.
Important features:
 The act further empowers to lay down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of
accidents which cause pollution and remedial measures if an accident occurs.
 The government has authority to close or prohibit or regulate industry or its operation, if the
violation of provisions of the act occurs.
 The penal sections of the act contain more stringent penalties.
 Any person who fails to comply or who contravenes any provision of the act shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term extending to 5 years or be punishable with fine up to
rupees 1lakh or both.
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5. Explain the historical development of EIA.
The historical development of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a reflection
of the growing awareness and concern for environmental issues, particularly as they relate to
development and industrialization.

Environmental law in India has evolved significantly over the past few decades,
reflecting the country's growing commitment to environmental protection and sustainable
development. Here is an overview of the key elements and historical development of
environmental law in India:
I) Early Developments and Constitutional Framework
Constitution of India (1950): The original constitution did not explicitly mention
environmental protection. However, the 42nd Amendment in 1976 added environmental
protection as a fundamental duty of every citizen (Article 51A) and directed the state to
protect and improve the environment (Article 48A).
Key Environmental Legislation
i) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
This was one of the first major environmental laws in India, establishing Pollution
Control Boards at the central and state levels to regulate water pollution.
ii) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:
This act extended the regulatory framework to air pollution, setting standards for
emissions and establishing authorities for monitoring and enforcement.
iii) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in
1984, this comprehensive legislation was enacted to provide a framework for the
coordination of central and state authorities, covering all aspects of environmental
protection.
iv) Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules (1989):
These rules regulate the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
v) Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules (1998):
These rules govern the management of biomedical waste generated by hospitals
and medical institutions.
vi) Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules (2000):
These rules provide guidelines for managing municipal solid waste in urban areas.
vii) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (1991):
This notification aims to protect coastal areas from unregulated development.
viii) Environmental Impact Assessment (1994, revised 2006):
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced
mandatory EIA for certain projects to assess and mitigate their environmental
impacts before approval.
II) International Commitments and National Actions
Global Participation: India is a signatory to several international environmental treaties,
including the Paris Agreement on climate change.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: The NGT was established to provide a
specialized forum for expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and
conservation of forests and natural resources.
III) Current and Emerging Issues
Climate Change: India has developed a National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC) with missions focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture,
and more.
 Biodiversity: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aims to conserve biological
diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits from biological
resources.
IV) Enforcement and Challenges
Implementation and Compliance: While India has robust environmental laws,
enforcement and compliance remain significant challenges due to limited resources,
administrative inefficiencies, and corruption.
Public Awareness and Participation: There is a growing awareness and activism
among citizens, but widespread public participation in environmental governance is still
developing.
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6. Elaborate the standards & guidelines of corporate, international charters.
Corporate and international charters encompass a range of standards and guidelines
designed to ensure responsible business conduct, sustainable development, and adherence to
ethical practices across various industries and regions. These charters provide frameworks for
corporations to operate in a manner that is socially, environmentally, and economically
responsible. Here are some key standards and guidelines typically found in such charters:

1. Corporate Governance

Corporate governance guidelines focus on the structures and processes for the
direction and control of companies. They often include:

 Board Structure: Requirements for board composition, including a mix of executive

and non-executive directors, independence, and diversity.

 Responsibilities and Accountability: Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities

between management and the board.

 Transparency and Disclosure: Guidelines on the timely and accurate disclosure of

financial and operational information to stakeholders.

 Ethical Conduct: Codes of conduct and ethical guidelines for directors, officers, and
employees.

2. Environmental Standards

These standards aim to minimize the environmental impact of corporate activities. Key
elements include:
  Sustainable Resource Use: Efficient use of natural resources and promotion of
renewable energy sources.

 Pollution Prevention: Measures to reduce emissions, waste, and other pollutants.

 Climate Change Mitigation: Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and

support for climate-friendly initiatives.

 Biodiversity Protection: Policies to protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

3. Social Responsibility

Guidelines in this area address the social impacts of corporate operations, focusing on:

 Human Rights: Respecting and promoting human rights in all business operations
and supply chains.

 Labor Practices: Ensuring fair labor practices, including safe working conditions,
fair wages, and the prohibition of child and forced labor.

 Community Engagement: Actively engaging with and contributing to the

communities in which businesses operate.

 Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

4. Economic Responsibility
Economic guidelines aim to ensure fair and ethical economic practices, such as:
 Anti-Corruption: Policies and practices to prevent bribery, corruption, and fraud.
 Fair Competition: Ensuring compliance with antitrust and competition laws to
promote fair market practices.
 Responsible Investment: Encouraging investments that support sustainable
development and responsible business practices.
5. International Charters and Frameworks

Several international charters and frameworks provide comprehensive guidelines for

corporate conduct globally, including:
 United Nations Global Compact: A voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments
to implement universal sustainability principles and take steps to support UN goals.
 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises: Recommendations for
responsible business conduct in areas such as employment, human rights,
environment, information disclosure, and taxation.
  ISO 26000: Provides guidance on social responsibility, helping organizations operate
in a socially responsible way.
 Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): Standards for sustainability reporting, helping
organizations disclose their impacts on the economy, environment, and society.
6. Sector-Specific Guidelines
Many industries have specific standards and guidelines tailored to their unique challenges
and opportunities. Examples include:
 Equator Principles: A risk management framework for determining, assessing, and
managing environmental and social risk in projects, primarily used in the banking
sector.
 EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative): Promotes open and
accountable management of natural resources, focusing on transparency and
governance in the extractive industries.
Implementation and Compliance
To ensure adherence to these standards and guidelines, companies typically adopt a
variety of mechanisms:
 Internal Policies and Procedures: Development and implementation of internal
policies aligned with international standards.
 Training and Capacity Building: Regular training programs for employees at all
levels to foster a culture of compliance and responsibility.
 Monitoring and Reporting: Continuous monitoring of performance and regular
reporting on compliance with the adopted standards.
 Third-Party Audits: Independent audits to verify compliance and identify areas for
improvement.
By adhering to these standards and guidelines, corporations can contribute to sustainable
development, build trust with stakeholders, and mitigate risks associated with non-
compliance.
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7. Describe criteria, element, types, and benefits of ECO labelling products
Eco-labelling is a method of environmental performance certification and labelling
that is practiced around the world. It identifies products or services that have a reduced
environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
 Eco-labelling plays a critical role in promoting sustainable consumption and
production. By providing reliable information and setting high environmental standards, eco-
labels help guide consumers towards more sustainable choices and encourage businesses to
adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Elements of Eco-labelling
i) Voluntary Participation:
Manufacturers, service providers, and retailers choose to apply for eco-labels to
demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.
ii) Third-Party Certification:
Eco-labels are typically awarded by independent third-party organizations. This
ensures that the assessments are impartial and credible.
iii) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
Eco-labels often use a life cycle approach to evaluate the environmental impact of
a product or service from production to disposal. This can include factors such as
raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, energy use, and waste
management.
iv) Transparency and Standards:
The criteria and standards for eco-labels are usually publicly available, providing
transparency. They are developed through a participatory process involving
stakeholders such as industry experts, consumer groups, and environmental
organizations.
v) Consumer Information:
Eco-labels provide clear and easy-to-understand information to consumers,
helping them make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
Criteria for Eco-Labelling
Criteria for awarding any label should not skip the quality of products and should
focus primarily on the direct impact of a product during use and disposal, along with aspects
of energy efficiency, noise (as in electrical goods etc.).
The following primary environmental criteria for Eco-labelling products
 Products cause substantially less pollution than other comparable products in
production, usage and disposal;
 Products are recycled and/or recyclable where comparable products are not;
 Products make a significant contribution to saving non-renewable resources or
minimizing use of renewable resources compared with other comparable products;
  Products contribute to a reduction of adverse environmental health consequences;
 Products price is not extraordinarily higher than comparable products; and
 Products comply with laws, standard and regulations pertaining to the environment.
Types of Eco-labels
Type I (Ecolabels):
These are awarded by a third-party organization based on multiple criteria. Examples
include the EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, and Nordic Swan.
Type II (Self-declared Environmental Claims):
These are made by manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers without
independent third-party certification. They are based on a single attribute or the company’s
own declaration.
Type III (Environmental Product Declarations - EPDs):
These provide quantified environmental data for a product, based on life cycle
assessment, and are independently verified. They follow the ISO 14025 standard.
Benefits of Eco-labelling
i) Promotes Environmental Sustainability:
Encourages producers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, thus reducing
pollution and conserving resources.
ii) Informs Consumers:
Helps consumers make informed choices by providing information about the
environmental impacts of products.
iii) Market Differentiation:
Allows companies to differentiate their products in the market based on
environmental performance, potentially leading to increased sales.
iv) Supports Regulatory Compliance:
Helps companies meet environmental regulations and standards, avoiding
penalties and enhancing their market access.
v) Encourages Innovation:
Drives innovation in product development as companies strive to meet the criteria
for eco-labelling.
Challenges of Eco-labelling
 Consumer Awareness: There is often a lack of awareness or understanding among
consumers about what eco-labels represent.
  Proliferation of Labels: The large number of eco-labels can be confusing for
consumers, making it hard to differentiate between them.
 Costs: Obtaining and maintaining certification can be costly for companies,
particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
 Green washing: Some companies may make misleading claims about the
environmental benefits of their products, undermining the credibility of genuine eco-
labels.

7. Elucidate the objective, principles and steps involved in environmental management.

Environmental management is a set of practices and processes that enable any
organisation, whether private or public to reduce its environmental impact and increasing its
operating efficiency.
Objective of environmental Management
To mitigate adverse impacts on various environmental components, which have been
identified during the rapid environmental impact assessment study.
i) To protect environmental sources.
ii) To enhance the value of environmental components where possible.
iii) To monitoring plan to enable evaluation of the success or failure of environmental
management measures.
iv) To carry out reorientation of the plan if found necessary.
v) To implement the protective and enhancement measures by adopting suitable
planning and design criteria for construction of the project
vi) To improve the quality of human life
vii) To establish limits and standards.
viii) To prevent and solve environmental problems.
ix) To warn against threats and identify opportunities.
x) To develop strategy for improving quality of life.
xi) To identify new eco-friendly technologies for sustainable development.
Principles of environmental management
There are seven basic principles which are some guiding principles of environmental
management. These principles are helpful in environmental decision making
1. Polluter pay principle
 It states that firm discharge polluting effluent to the environment. If measures are
adopted to reduce pollution, the cost should be paid by the polluters (firms)
2. The user pay principle
It states that all resource users should pay the cost of the use of a resource and related
services.
3. The precautionary principle
It state that a substance or activity posing a threat to the environmental, is prevented
from adversely affecting the environment
4. Principle of effectiveness and efficiency.
The efficiency of resource use may be accomplished by the use of policy instruments
that create incentive to minimize wasteful use.
5. The principle of responsibility
It is the responsibility of all persons to use the environmental resources in an
ecological sustainable, economically efficient and socially fair manner.
6. The principle of participation
It is the duty of all the persons to participate on collectively environmental decision
making activities.
7. The principle of proportionality
It is based on the concept of balance. A balance is to maintain between the economic
development on the one hand and environmental production on the other hand.
Steps involved in environmental management
The following five steps are involved in environmental management.
Steps 1: Environmental Policy
It is mission of an organisation, which starts with establishing an environmental
policy.
Steps 2: Planning
It involves indentifying the resources, processes significant impacts and pollution
prevention opportunities. It also includes objectives and targets for improvement efforts.
Steps 3: Implementation
This step consists of defining the structure responsibility and programs. It also
develops and implements standard operating procedures and training.
Steps 4 Checking and correction
It includes monitoring and measuring problems identification and corrective and
preventive action implementation.
Steps 5: Management review
It involves modification of environmental management system to ensure solutions on
compliance. Based on the result of checking and correction, management must take correct
actions.
Characteristics of environmental management
vii) Environmental management support sustainable development.
viii) It demands the multidisciplinary approach.
ix) It has to integrate different development view points.
x) It seeks to integrate natural and social science.
xi) It can extend from short term to long term and from local to global level.
xii) It deals with a world affected by human.
Benefits of Environmental Management
i) Improved environmental performance.
ii) Enhanced compliance
iii) Pollution prevention
iv) Resource conservation
v) Attracts new customers/markets
vi) Increased efficiency/reduced cost
vii) Enhanced employee morale
viii) Enhanced image with public, regulators, lenders and investors
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8. Explain principle, strategies and benefits of implementing green computing.
Green computing, also known as green IT, refers to the practice of designing, manufacturing,
using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems (such as monitors,
printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems) efficiently and
effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment. The goal of green computing is to
reduce the environmental footprint of computing activities and promote sustainability.
Principles of Green Computing
i) Energy Efficiency:
Optimizing energy consumption in computing devices and data centers to reduce
electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
ii) Resource Optimization:
Using computing resources more efficiently, which includes maximizing the
utilization of hardware and software.
 iii) Sustainable Manufacturing:
Adopting environmentally friendly manufacturing processes that reduce waste and
pollution.
iv) E-waste Management:
Properly disposing of or recycling electronic waste to prevent harmful materials
from contaminating the environment.
v) Lifecycle Extension:
Extending the life of computing devices through maintenance, upgrades, and
refurbishing.
Strategies for Implementing Green Computing
i) Energy-Efficient Hardware:Low-Power Devices: Using devices that consume
less power, such as laptops with energy-efficient processors and solid-state drives
(SSDs).
ii) Energy Star Certification: Choosing products that meet Energy Star standards
for energy efficiency.
iii) Server Optimization: Implementing more energy-efficient servers and data
center equipment.
iv) Virtualization and Cloud Computing:
Virtualization: Running multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine
to maximize resource utilization and reduce the number of physical servers
needed.
Cloud Services: Using cloud computing to share resources and reduce the need
for local data centers.
v) Power Management:
Sleep Mode and Power Down: Configuring devices to enter sleep mode or power
down when not in use.
Energy-Efficient Settings: Adjusting settings such as screen brightness and
timeout settings to conserve power.
vi) Sustainable Software Development:
Efficient Coding: Writing efficient code that requires less processing power and
memory.
Cloud-Based Applications: Developing applications that leverage cloud
resources for scalability and efficiency.
vii) Recycling and Disposal:
 E-waste Recycling Programs: Participating in e-waste recycling programs to
properly dispose of or recycle old hardware.
Take-Back Programs: Using manufacturer take-back programs for end-of-life
devices.
Benefits of Green Computing
i) Environmental Protection: Reducing energy consumption and electronic waste
helps decrease the carbon footprint and prevents harmful materials from polluting
the environment.
ii) Cost Savings: Energy-efficient practices and devices can significantly reduce
electricity costs and operational expenses for businesses.
iii) Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to environmental regulations and standards can
help organizations avoid penalties and improve their market reputation.
iv) Enhanced Corporate Image: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can
enhance a company's image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers
and investors.
v) Innovation and Competitiveness: Green computing drives innovation in
technology and business practices, helping companies stay competitive in a
market increasingly focused on sustainability.
Challenges of Green Computing
i) Initial Costs: The upfront costs of investing in energy-efficient hardware and
sustainable technologies can be high.
ii) Complex Implementation: Implementing green computing practices requires
careful planning and can be complex, especially for large organizations.
iii) Technology Lifecycle: Rapid technological advancements can make it challenging
to balance lifecycle extension with the adoption of newer, more efficient
technologies.
iv) Awareness and Education: There is a need for greater awareness and education
about green computing practices among consumers and businesses.
Examples of Green Computing Initiatives
i) Google's Data Centers: Google has invested heavily in making its data centers
more energy-efficient, using advanced cooling technologies and renewable energy
sources.
 ii) Apple's Environmental Initiatives: Apple has committed to using 100% recycled
materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint through renewable
energy and energy-efficient design.
iii) Microsoft's Carbon Negative Goal: Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030,
focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon removal
technologies.
Green computing plays a critical role in environmental protection by reducing the
ecological impact of computing activities. Through energy efficiency, resource
optimization, sustainable manufacturing, and proper e-waste management, green
computing helps promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to
technology.
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Discuss the principle, benefits and process involved in the EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment (Eia)