UNIT IV

SUSTAINABILITY AND MANAGEMENT

1. What is development? Write its two aspects.
Development is a positive growth (or) change in economical, social and political
aspects of a country (without damaging the resources of the environment).
Aspects: (a) Economic development (b) Social development

2. What are the characteristics of development?

o Predictable, Continuous process
o Result of interactions of individual and environment
o Both quantitative and qualitative
o Follows particular pattern like infancy, childhood, adolescence and maturity

3. Mention some disadvantages of development

 Population growth, Poverty
 Weak governance & Rapid urbanization
 Increased rate of pollution (Acid rain, GHE, Smog, etc.,).

4. What are the steps involved in Concept Development.

(a) Brain storming (b) Customer research (c) Estimating market potential (d) Creating
a prototype (e) Devising a marketing strategy

5. What is GDP? Write its types.

It is the total market value of the goods produced and serviced, within a country,
during the specified period of time (12 months (or) a year).
It is the financial measurement of a nation’s total economic activity.
Types of GDP:
(A) Normal GDP (at current market prices) (B) Real (produced at constant prices)
(C) Actual GDP (real time measurement)

6. How will you calculate GDP.

1. The Value added approach. 2. The income approach 3. Expenditure approach
Expenditure Approach for GDP Formula = C + I + G +(X-M)
GDP = Gross Domestic Product
C = consumption of goods produced and serviced by the consumer
I = The total amount of spending on the investments
G = Government spending on the infrastructures to boost the country’s economy
X= Exports M = Imports

7. Define Sustainability. Write any 5 important needs of sustainability.

It is defined as “meeting the needs of present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs”.
o It is a key to preserve our planet.
o Helps reduce pollution and conserve resources.
o Creates jobs and stimulates the economy.
o Improves public health.
o It protects biodiversity & natural environment.

8. Comment on unsustainability.
(i) Exploitation of natural resource (ii) Environmental pollution (iii) Waste generation
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
9. Write the characteristics of sustainability.
(i) Reduces GHG emission (ii) Using renewable energy
(iii) non – polluting construction practices (iv) Minimizes the depletion of natural resources

10. Write any 5 millennium development goals

(i) Eradicate poverty and hunger
(ii) Achieve universal primary education
(iii) Promote gender equality and women empower
(iv) Reduce child mortality rates
(v) Improve maternal health

11. Write the key aspects of sustainable development.

 Inter-generational quality: Stopping over-exploitation, reduce waste discharge and
maintaining ecological balance (Hand over a safe, healthy & resourceful environment).
 Intra-generational quality: Minimizing wealth gap within and between nations to
develop the economical growth of the poor countries.

12. Write any 5 intervention areas of sustainable development goals

o Climate Change
o Use of natural resources, Waste production
o Water pollution, Deforestation
o Over-fishing, Poverty
o Ocean acidification, Air pollution

13. Define climate change?

This refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather pattern (also called global
warming) causes rise in average surface temperatures on earth due to the use of fossil fuels.

14. What are the causes of Climate Change?

Natural Causes Man-made Causes
o Forest fires o Chemical fertilizers
o Ocean currents o Deforestation
o Volcanic eruptions o Increased vehicles
o Meteorites o Emission of GHG
o Sunspot and solar cycle o Industries

15. Mention any 5 effects of climate Change.

 Global warming  Food shortage & droughts  Disease outbreaks
 Wildfires  Sea level rise and floods  Health hazards

16. Define Carbon credit. Write its types.

It is a tradable permit (or) certificate that represents the right to emit a set amount of CO 2 (or)
1 tone of CO2 (or) the equivalent amount of green house gas.
It is a market based approach to control pollution.
Types: (i). Voluntary emissions reduction (ii). Certified emissions reduction

17. Any 3 advantages of carbon credit.

o Better technology for company
o Environmental benefits / financial benefits
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 o Technology transfer / Development of cleaner technologies

18. What are the types of carbon credits?

(i)Voluntary emissions reduction (VER) – It is a carbon offset that is exchanged in the
voluntary market for credits.
(ii)Certified emissions reduction (CER) – It relies on emission credits created through a
regulatory frame work with the purpose of off-setting a project’s emission.

19. Define carbon footprint.

It is the total amount of green house gases (CO2, CH4) generated (emitted) by our direct and
indirect activities. It is usually expressed in tons of CO2 or CO2 equivalent per year.

20. What are the sources of carbon footprint?

o Transportation (28%.) o Industries (23%.)
o Electric power (25%.) o Agriculture (10%.)
o Commercial and Residential (13%.)

21. List some ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

o Drive less, Switch to e-vehicles, Use renewable energy sources
o Travel smart (carpooling, walking, biking, public transport)
o Install solar panels on roof tops
o Plant trees
o Unplug electrical devices when not in use
o Don’t waste water & electricity
o Reduce, reuse and recycle
o Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

22. Define environmental management. Write any 2 objectives.

It is a set of practices and processes that enable any organization (public / private) to
reduce its environmental impacts and increasing its operating efficiency.
o To protect environmental resources
o To improve the quality of human life.
o To prevent and solve environmental problems.

22. Mention the characteristics of environmental management

 It supports sustainable development
 It demands the multidisciplinary approach

23. Differentiate sustainability and unsustainability.

SUSTAINABILITY UNSUSTAINABILITY
 Slow development  Quick development
 Prevention of natural resources  Exploitation of natural resources
 Planned & controlled development  Unplanned & Uncontrolled development

 Quality based development  Quantity based development

 Prevention of natural resources  Exploitation of resources than regeneration

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 UNIT IV
SUSTAINABILITY AND MANAGEMENT

1. DEVELOPMENT
Development is a positive growth in economical, social and political aspects
of a country.

Two aspects of developments are:

(a) Economic development
(b) Social development

True development does not mean a high standard of living & increase in
GDP. However, it brings benefits to present and future generations.

Types of Development:

 National Development: Starts from the national planning framework and

contributes to overall success.

 Major Development: It includes fish farms, renewables, waste management,

mineral extractions, etc.,

 Local Development: Most common form of development including house

extensions, industrial development and small scale renewable developments.

Principles of Development:
 Equitable use
 Flexibility in use
 Simple and inborn use
 Perceptible (useful) information
 Tolerance for error
 Low physical effort
 Size and space for approach and use

Characteristics of development:
 Predictable
 Continuous process
 Result of interactions of individual & environment
 Both quantitative and qualitative

Steps involved in Concept Development:

• Brain storming to create product or service concepts.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 • Performing customer research to target your ideal customer
• Estimating the market potential for your product or service concept
• Creating a prototype for your product
• Devising a marketing strategy

Effects of development:
1. Increases wealth (or) reduces poverty
2. Improves standards of living, health, education, infrastructure & technology

Factors affecting Development:

• Natural Resources - Ex: Trees, Soil, Water, Minerals, Coal, Oil, etc.,
• Power and energy resources - Ex: Oil, Gas, Coal & Water
• Capital accumulation
• Technological resources - Ex: Computers, Cell Phones, etc.,
• Available labour force - Ex: Skilled labours
• Transportation & Communications
• Education and Training

Advantages Disadvantages
Increased 1. Population growth
1. Job satisfaction. 2. Weak governance & Rapid
2. Employee motivation urbanization
3. Efficiencies in processes, financial gain 3. Poverty
4.Capacity to adopt new technologies 4. Increased rate of pollution
5. Increases state capacity (Acid rain, GHE, smog, etc.,).

2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

GDP is the total market value of the goods produced and serviced, within a
country, during the specified period of time.
It is the financial measurement of a nation’s total economic activity.

Types of GDP:

1. Normal GDP - Total value of goods produced & service at current market prices

2. Real GDP - It is the sum of all goods and services produced at constant prices

3. Actual GDP - The real time measurement at any interval (or) any given time

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 Significance (or) Importance of GDP:

 Identifies the present state of economy.

 Used to compare the economics between countries.
 It is objective of policy formulation.
 Gives information on size of economy & its performance.
 Used to determine the development & performance of the country.

Calculation of GDP

2. The Value added approach.

3. The income approach
4. Expenditure approach (followed mostly)
Expenditure Approach for GDP Formula = C + I + G +(X-M)
Where,
GDP = Gross Domestic Product
C = consumption of goods produced and serviced
I = The total amount of spending on the investments
G = Government spending on the infrastructures
X= Exports M = Imports

Advantages Disadvantages
o Does not include non-market
 Broad indicators of development
transactions
 Easy to measure growth in %
o Fails to show quality of life, standard of
 Compare to itself and other countries
living, happiness, health care.
 Reliable.
o Fails to indicate the growth of a nation.
 Way for government to know the
o Does not account for environmental
success of economic policies.
impact.
 Can be broken up into GDP per capita.
o Overseas income not taken into account.

3. SUSTAINABILITY:
It is defined as “meeting the needs of present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Need of Sustainability:
 It is a key to preserve our planet.
 Helps reduce pollution &conserve resources.
 Creates jobs and stimulates the economy.
 Improves public health.
 It protects biodiversity & natural environment.
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  It is the choice of non-toxic materials.
 It reduces and reuses the resources.
 It minimizes waste & used for life –cycle analysis.

Characteristics of Sustainability:

 It reduces emission of greenhouse gases (global warming)

 It uses biodegradable materials to reduce environment impact
 Using renewable energy
 Follows non – polluting construction practices
 Protects natural habitats
 Improves the quality of human life
 Minimizes the depletion of natural resources
 Teaches us to give respect to all life forms
 Make arrangements for future generations to meet their own need.

Concept / Approches / Significance of Sustainable development:

• Developing appropriate technology: Adaptable, eco-friendly, resource

efficient and culturally suitable technology. It should use less labours, less
resources and should produce minimum waste.

• Design with nature: Nature is taken as a model, using the natural conditions
of that region as its components.

• Reduce, Recycle & Reuse (3R approach) - It reduces pressure on our natural
resources and reduces waste generation and pollution.

• Prompting environmental education and awareness – Attitude of people

towards our earth and the environment can be changed.

• Resource utilization as per carrying capacity.

• Consumption of renewable resources.

 The consumption should not exceed regeneration capacity
• Conservation of non-renewable resources.
 Resources should be conserved by recycling and reusing
• Controlling and avoiding pollution.
• Controlling population growth.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
Economic and Social Challenges:

(a) Economic Sustainability: It refers to the organization’s ability to manage its

resources and responsibly generate profits in long term.
Ex: Recycling, Use of recycled materials, consumption awareness campaigns,
reduction in electricity consumption, renewable energy use, conservation of natural
habitats etc.,

 Challenges:
o Unemployment, Low Productivity, Poverty, Inequality, Disruption of
economic activities , Skill mismatching with jobs, Lack of quality jobs, etc.,
(b) Social Sustainability
 It refers to strengthening the cohesion and stability of specific social
groups.
Ex: Social development contributions, grants to improve visual health, etc.,
 Challenges:
o Human rights, Fair labour practices, Living conditions, Health and safety,
diversity and equity, Work-life balance, etc.,

Ex: A Gigante Group - They contribute funds and resources to a range of

social causes like school materials, grants to improve visual health.

Aspects of Sustainability:
(i). Environmental Aspect
It refers to the organization’s ability to manage its resources and
responsibly generate profits in the long term.
Ex: Recycling, use of recycled materials, consumption awareness
campaigns, electricity consumption, renewable energy use, etc.,

(ii). Social Aspect

 Acknowledges the need for equity
 Within and between generations & also between ethnic & social groups

(iii). Cultural Aspect

 Acknowledges the need to nourish and share attitudes and values.
 To express people’s views & to participate in decision making.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
(iv). Economic Aspect
 Acknowledges the interactions of humans & environment in using resources.
 Resource use and waste disposal.
 Encourages fair trading system
 Encourages innovation and creativity for a sustainable future.
 Economy is a sub-set of our society. Everything in our economy & society
entirely dependent on our environment. i.e., any change in environment will
reflect / will impact on society and economy.

FROM UNSUSTAINABILITY TO SUSTAINABILITY:

What is Unsustainable?
1. Exploitation of Natural resources
o Non-renewable energy, Deforestation & Soil erosion, etc.,
2. Environmental Pollution
o Air pollution & Water pollution
3. Waster Generation
o Non-biodegradable materials, Lack of recycling and reuse.

Characteristics of Unsustainability:
 We forget our responsibility towards the environment.
 We degrade the natural resources.
 No cares for our future generations.
 Unplanned use lead of resources.
 Unsustainability leads to environment degradation.

Causes for Unsustainability:

 Climate change
 Increasing population
 Technological change

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  Urban problems related to energy
 We neglected the need of animals and destroyed their habitats.
 Lack of water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed management.
 Using & releasing lot of chemicals in environment.
 Deforestation (leads to global warming).
 Developing countries contribute more pollution than developing countries.
 Purchasing and use of polythene bags (caused pollution)
 Lack of public awareness

SUSTAINABILITY UNSUSTAINABILITY
 Slow development  Quick development
 Prevention of natural resources  Exploitation of natural resources
 Planned development  Unplanned development
 Controlled development  Uncontrolled development
 Quality based development  Quantity based development
 Prevention of natural resources  Exploitation of natural resources
 Long term economic growth without
 Increased vulnerability to crises
negatively impacting our environment

Millennium Development Goals:

 To eradicate poverty and hunger.
 To achieve universal primary education.
 To promote gender equality & empower women.
 To reduce child mortality.
 To improve maternal health.
 To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
 To ensure environmental sustainability.
 To develop a global partnership for development.

Sustainability protocols:
 These are sustainability standards and certifications.
 These are voluntary guidelines used by producers, manufacturers, traders,
retailers and service providers towards good environmental, social, ethical and
food safety practices.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  There are over 400 standards across the world.
 They built awareness and policy support, create guidelines and goals.
 They have third party verification and maintain consistency while developing
Green economy.
Ex: LEED, WELL, Fitwel, BREAM, Built Green, etc.,
 Eco-labels and standards for organic food products.
 Triple bottom line for sustainable grown resources (or) ethically harvested.
 Fishing practices that do not endanger marine biodiversity.
 Sustainability protocols always come with a verification process. It often comes in
the form of a consumer facing labels
 Focus on capacity building and working with partners and other organizations for
social and environmental improvements.

5. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

a. What is Sustainable Development?

 Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
• Unsustainability leads to a collapse of the inter-related systems of the earth.

b. WHAT TO DO?
 Minimizing use or wasting of non-renewable resources
 Sustainable use of renewable resources
 Minimizing the waste (by 3R approach).

c. Aims of True Sustainable Development:

 Inter-generational quality: To minimize any adverse
effects on resources & environment by stopping over-
exploitation, reduce waste discharge and maintaining
ecological balance (to hand over a safe, healthy & resourceful
environment).
 Intra-generational quality: Developing processes should
seeks to minimize the wealth gap within and between
nations to develop the economical growth of the poor
countries.
 Pollution prevention and control

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  Recycle and Reuse of waste products
 To improve the quality of human life
 Depends on renewable resources
 Protecting earth biodiversity / ecosystems
 To fulfill International obligations
 Considering economic and environment in decisions
 Reduce poverty and population growth
 Long term planning and implementation

d. 17 GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

1. End Poverty in all forms

2. End Hunger, Food Security & Improved Nutrition & promote sustainable
agriculture
3. Ensuring Good Health & promote well-being
4. Quality education & lifelong learning opportunities
5. Gender quality and empowering of women & child
6. Ensure availability & sustainable management of water & sanitation
7. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, clean & modern energy
8. Promoting sustainable economic growth, productive employment.
9. Built resilient infra-structure, promote sustainable industrialization & innovation.
10. Reducing inequality within and among countries.
11. Make human settlements safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Action to curb climate change & its impacts
14. Conserving & sustainable use of all resources
15. Protecting, restoring & promoting sustainable use
16. Promoting peaceful societies for sustainable development
17. Strengthening, implementation and motivating the global partnership.

------------------xox-----------------

Sustainable Development Targets:

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 o Eradicate extreme poverty
o Reduce at least 50% of poverty
o Implement social protection systems & measures
o Ensuring equal rights to economic, natural resources & technology
o Built resilience for poor to reduce their exposure to climate related disasters.
o Ensure mobilization of resources from developed to less developed countries.
o End hunger and ensure access by all people in vulnerable situations
o End all forms of malnutrition.
o Double the agricultural productivity & income
o Ensure sustainable food production systems & agricultural practices
o Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, plants & farmed animals.
o Increase investment in rural infra-, agriculture research & tech. development.
o Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets.
o Adopt measures to ensure proper functioning of food commodity markets.
o Reduce the global mortality ratio to <70 per 1,00,000 live births.
o End preventable deaths of new born children under 5 years of age.
o End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, water-borne diseases.
o Reduce by 1/3 premature mortality through prevention & treatment.
o Strengthen the prevention & treatment of norcotics and alcohol
o Halve the number of global death and injuries from road accidents.
o Ensure universal access to family planning.
o Achieve universal health coverage (financial risk protection)
o Reduce the death and illness from hazardous chemicals & other pollutions.

Sustainable Development Indicators:

o Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line.
o Proportion of the population living below the national poverty line by sex & age.
o Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors.
o Proportion of total adult population with rights to land with legal documents.
o Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk
reduction strategies.
o Proportion of total government spending on essential services.
o Prevalence of under nourishment.
o Prevalence of malnutrition (under 5 years) and anemia in women (aged 15 to 49).
o Average income of small-scale food producers.
o Proportion of agricultural area (sustainable practices)
o Proportion of local breeds (at risk of extinction)
o Total official flows to the agriculture sector.
o Agricultural export subsidies.
o Indicator of food price anomalies.
o Maternal mortality ratio
o Under – 5 mortality rate
o Hepatities B, Tuberclosis incidence per 1,00,000 population.
o Suicide mortality rate
o Alcohol per capital consumption (per year in litres)
o Death rate due to road traffic injuries.
o Proportion of women of reproductive age (need of family planning).
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 o Coverage of essential health services.
o Mortality rate due to unsafe water, sanitation & lack of hygiene.

Intervention areas of sustainable development goals:

o Climate Change
o Use of natural resources
o Waste production
o Water pollution
o Deforestation
o Over-fishing
o Poverty
o Ocean acidification
o Air pollution

Factors affecting Sustainable development:

 Renewable and Non-renewable resources
 Population growth & Population density
 GDP per capita
 Consumption of energy & environmental resources
 Pollution
 Conservation / Use of land
 Poverty gap Index
 Environmental awareness, education, literacy

6. CLIMATE CHANGE
The average of such conditions over a long period is called climate. The mean
average temperature has fluctuated by 0.5 – 1°C.
Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperature and weather pattern.
These changes may be natural (or) artificial (by fossil fuels use).

Causes of Climate Change:

 Presence of green house gases.
 Depletion of Ozone layer.
 Uneven distribution of rainfall.
 Seasonal changes.
 Rotation of earth on its axis.

Effects / Issues of Climate Change (Global, National and Local Level):

 Disturbs agriculture  Migration of animals.
 Upsets the hydrological cycle  Floods & Droughts.
 Changes in Global pattern of Winds, Ocean Currents.
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  More frequent and intense drought.
 Rise in sea level.
 Melting of glaciers and warming oceans
 Heat related illness, difficult working outdoors
 Chances for Wildfires
 Increase in Global Surface Temperature

Possible Solutions to Climate Change:

 Avoid usage of fossil fuels
 Using renewable energy resources (Solar, Wind, Tidal, GTE) instead of fossil fuels.
 Reducing petrol & diesel vehicles and switching to electric vehicles.
 Heat our homes in a green way by insulating walls &roofs.
 Reducing meat and dairy consumption.
 Planting more trees (Afforestation & Reforestation)
 Protecting forest & fight against climate change.
 Reducing overall consumption
 Avoid using plastics
 Reduce carbon pollution to avoid climate change
 Provide financial support to developing countries.

CASE STUDIES:
A. Climate Change on Chennai, East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road
1. ECR and OMR are the today’s landmark which receives the highest climate impact.
Due to Chennai’s land use patterns, population stress and abuse of natural
resources, climate has changed drastically in the last few years. Climate induced
impacts like droughts, floods, heavy rains and winds are becoming increasingly
evident in the city.
2. On one end of the continuum is summer water crisis ad on the other end is
monsoonal flood disasters.
3. Reason:
o Increasing population and building
o Land use patterns & change in hydrology
o Blocking regional watersheds by constructions
o Improper drainage facilities
Remedy: People need to take action to reduce the emission of green house gases that is the
root cause for climate change.

B. Climate Change on Chennai, Ennore

o Ennore Thermal Power Station

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 o 660MW Coal fired thermal power plant in Ennore
o CPCL’s Oil refinery
o Madras Fertilizers Ltd,
o Tamil Nadu Petro-products Ltd
o Madras Petrochemical Ltd.
These 6 factories were violating prescribed air pollution norms for nearly 60%,
responsible for climate change. More than 56 lakh tonnes of coal ash is spread over the
river bed (depth from 1 ft to 8 ft). More than 120 million litres of hot waste water is
discharged daily, from Ennore power plant, into the Ocean. Such discharge in an already
warming Ocean will create localised marine deserts.

7. CARBON CREDIT
It is a tradable permit (or) certificate that represents the right to emit a set amount
of CO2 (or) 1 tone of CO2 (or) the equivalent amount of green house gas.
It is a market based approach to control pollution.
Carbon trading is a emission trading for CO2 (in tonnes). Under Carbon trading, a
country having more emission of carbon is able to purchase the right to emit more and the
country having less emission trades the right to emit carbon to other countries.
Carbon credits are measured in tonnes of CO2 --> 1 Credit = 1 Tonne of CO2

Concept:
 The idea is a response to Kyoto Protocol.
 Carbon trading is currently the central pillar of the Kyoto Protocol and other
International agreements to climate change.
According to this, a country should reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
• It is a tradable certificate that allows its holder to emit GHG.
• One carbon credit is equal to one ton of CO2.
• Countries need to reduce their emissions by 5.2%.
• Countries and companies need to designed to reduce carbon emissions without the
need to buy credits.
• Less the purchase, less will be the carbon release into the atmosphere.
• Carbon credits are bought to compensate carbon footprints.
Types of Carbon Credits:
There are two types of carbon credits.
1. Voluntary emissions reduction (VER) – It is a carbon offset that is exchanged in
the voluntary market for credits.
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 2. Certified emissions reduction (CER) – It relies on emission credits created
through a regulatory framework with the purpose of off-setting emission.
How to get carbon credit?
 It is a national and international attempts to mitigate the concentrations of GHG.
 There are many companies, that sell carbon credits to commercial and individual
customers who are interested in lowering their carbon foot print.
 Buyers and sellers can also use an exchange platform to trade, which is like a stock
exchange for carbon credits.
Advantages Disadvantages
 Each Carbon credit was not emitted actually.  Some institutions and countries
 Companies finds an advantage in purchase can continue emitting their GHG.
and emits more CO2.  Companies do not invest in action
 Environmentally conscious improves the to avoid emissions.
company’s image.  Reduction of 1 ton of carbon will
 It enables companies to support never be enough.
decarbonization beyond their own carbon  It is not possible to stop the
foot print. negative impact (global warming).

CARBON FOOT PRINT

It is the total amount of green house gases (CO2, CH4) emitted by our direct and
indirect activities. It is usually expressed as a measure of weight, as in tons of CO2 /Year.
The average carbon footprint of a person in USA is 16 tonnes. Globally, the average is
closer to 4 tonnes. To avoid 2°C rise in global temperature, the average global carbon
credit footprint per year need to drop under 2 tonnes by 2050.

Causes of a carbon footprint

The main sources to CO2 emissions (fossil fuels usage) are,
 Transportation, Electricity, Industry
 Agriculture, Land use and forestry
 Commercial and Residential
Sources:
o Climate change
o Natural process like Volcanoes, Wildfires
o GH gases emitted from human activities
o Pollution released by human beings
o Transportation (28% of total country)
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
 o Electricity generation (28%)
o Industry activities (22%)
o Heating and cooling in homes and business contribute 11%
Impacts and Issues:
o Global climate warming
o Causing the oceans to become more acidic
o Climate change threatens agriculture.
o Ocean acidification threatens coral reefs and ocean food chains.

How to Reduce Your Personal Carbon Footprint:

 Calculate your carbon footprint
 Drive less
 Switch to electric vehicles (or) hybrid cars
 Use non-fossil fuel energy for your utility
 Travel smart - carpooling, walking, biking, and using public transport
 Switch to renewable energy
 Install solar panels on roof tops
 Plant trees and local flowers in the garden.
 Get energy efficient appliances
 Unplug electrical devices when not in use
 Buy locally – sourced food
 Eat less meat
 Don’t waste water
 Reduce, reuse and recycle
 Learn more about climate change and share what you learn with others.
 Carbon Capture and Sequestration

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN INDUSTRY - A CASE STUDY

It is a set of practices and processes that enable any organization (public / private)
to reduce its environmental impacts and increasing its operating efficiency.

Objectives (or) Aim of EM:

 To minimize the impacts on environment & to protect resources.
 To implement protective and enhancement measures.
Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  To improve the quality of human life.
 To prevent and solve environmental problems.
 To establish limits and standards.
 To warn against threats and identify opportunities.
 To develop strategy for improving quality of life.
 To identify new eco-friendly technologies.
 To protect your business from non-compliance fines and penalties.

Principles of EM:
There are 7 principles of environmental management in environmental decision making.
1. Polluter pays principle: If pollution control measures are adopted to reduce pollution,
the cost should be paid by the polluters.
2. The user pays principle: All resource users should pay the cost of the use of a
resource and related services.
3. The precautionary principle: It states that a substance (or) activity, posing a threat to
the environment, 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: Responsibility of all to use the resources in a
ecological sustainable, economically efficient and society fair manner.
6. The principle of participation: It is the duty of all the persons to participate in
decision making activity.
7. The principle of proportionality: Maintaining balance between economic development
and environmental protection.
Steps involved in Environmental Management:
1. Environmental policy - It is the mission of an organization, which starts with
establishing an environmental policy.
2. Planning – It involves identifying the resources, processes, impacts and pollution
prevention opportunities.
3. Implementation – Defining the structure, responsibilities and programs. It also
develops and implements standard operating procedures and training.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
4. Checking and correction – Monitoring and measuring problems identification and
corrective and preventive action implementation.
5. Management review – Modification of EMS to ensure solutions on compliance.
Based on the result of checking & correction, management must take corrective
actions.

Characteristics of EM:
 It supports sustainable development.
 It demands multidisciplinary approach.
 It seeks to integrate natural and social science.
 It can extend from short-term to long-term and from local to global level.
 It deals with a world affected by humans.

Benefits of EM:
o Improved environmental performance
o Enhanced compliance
o Pollution prevention
o Resource conservation
o Attracts new customers / markets
o Increased efficiency / reduced costs
o Enhanced employee morale
o Enhanced image with public, regulators, lenders and investors

Case study:
 Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling, Dell Company
 Dell company, through its “legacy of good” programme, the technology giant
has plan to cut waste, create more eco-friendly products.
 It plans to use 50 m pounds of recycled plastic and other sustainable materials,
create 100% recyclable (or) compostable packaging and recover 2 bn pounds of
electronic waste.
 Dell sourced 4.5 m kilos of recycled plastic to make monitors and desktops.
 Dell eliminated 20 m pounds of packaging waste and generating more than 18
m in cost savings.

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.
  Its intention to reduce packaging waste, replacing non biodegradable, oil-base
material with organic alternatives such as bamboo and mushrooms.
 As a part of its effort to encourage others to see waste as a valuable resource.
 Finally, the most appropriate environmental management strategy to control
environmental pollution is cleaner production.
 So, according to environmental management principles, cleaner production is a
proactive approach where companies take preventive measure to reduce waste
production at source.
 Municipal Solid Waste Management in Solapur City, Maharashtra, India
 Biomedical Waste Management in Nepal

Dr.M.Ananda kumar,AP/Chemistry,SRMMCET.