4th slide : WHAT IS AN EMS?

Examples of common environmental risks:

Chemical spills: Contamination of soil and water during manufacturing or transportation.

Energy consumption: High energy use leading to greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate
change .

Waste generation: Excessive waste contributing to landfill pollution and resource depletion.

Supply chain risks: Sourcing raw materials from environmentally sensitive areas, transportation
emissions, and unethical labor practices.

Implementing Sustainable Practices

Once environmental risks are identified, businesses can implement sustainable practices to mitigate
these risks. This involves a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable principles into all
aspects of the business.

Key sustainable practices for reducing environmental risk:

Reduce waste and energy consumption: Implementing energy efficiency measures, reducing packaging,
and promoting recycling programs.

Promote sustainable supply chain management: Partnering with suppliers who prioritize environmental
sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Encourage sustainable consumer behavior: Educating customers about the environmental impact of
their choices and offering eco-friendly alternatives.

Measure and report environmental impact: Tracking key environmental metrics, such as energy
consumption, waste generation, and emissions, to monitor progress and identify areas for
improvement.
Specific Sustainable Practices

Renewable energy: Switching to solar, wind, or hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Water conservation: Implementing water-saving technologies, fixing leaks, and promoting responsible
water usage.

Sustainable transportation: Encouraging employees to use public transportation, carpool, or bike to

Sustainable packaging: Using biodegradable or recyclable materials and reducing packaging waste.

Composting: Turning food waste into fertilizer, reducing landfill waste, and promoting soil health.

Plant trees: Offsetting carbon emissions, improving air quality, and protecting biodiversity .

Sustainable event practices: Choosing eco-friendly venues, using reusable materials, and reducing food
waste.

Sustainable clothing: Supporting ethical and sustainable clothing brands, reducing fast fashion
consumption, and promoting clothing recycling.

Further exploration:

ISO 14001: A globally recognized standard for environmental management systems that provides a
framework for organizations to manage their environmental impact and reduce risks[2] .

Life cycle analysis: A tool used to assess the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its
entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal[1] .

Greenwashing: The deceptive marketing of products or services as environmentally friendly when they
are not. It's important to be aware of greenwashing and to choose companies that are truly committed
to sustainability.

By embracing sustainable practices and actively reducing environmental risk, businesses can play a vital
role in creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
 5th slide: KEY COMPONENTS OF AN EMS

Let's apply the concept of an Environmental Management System (EMS) to the field of civil engineering.

Example: A Construction Project

Imagine a large-scale construction project, like a new highway or a high-rise building. Here's how an EMS
would work in this context:

1. Environmental Policy:

The construction company would establish a clear policy outlining their commitment to minimizing
environmental impacts. This policy might include goals like reducing waste, conserving water, and
promoting biodiversity.

2. Environmental Aspects and Impacts:

The company would identify the project's significant environmental impacts, such as:

Air pollution: from construction equipment and vehicle emissions.

Water pollution: from runoff and potential spills.

Soil disturbance: from excavation and site preparation.

Noise pollution: from construction activities.

Waste generation: from building materials and demolition.

3. Legal and Other Requirements:

The project team would ensure compliance with all relevant environmental laws and regulations,
including:

Air quality standards: limiting emissions from construction equipment.

Water pollution control: implementing measures to prevent runoff contamination.

Waste management regulations: segregating and disposing of construction waste properly.

The company would set specific environmental targets for the project, such as:

Reducing waste generation by 20% compared to previous projects.

Achieving a 10% reduction in fuel consumption for construction equipment.

Planting 500 trees to offset carbon emissions.

5. Monitoring and Measurement:

The project team would track progress towards their objectives by:

Monitoring waste generation and disposal rates.

Recording fuel consumption for heavy machinery.

Tracking the number of trees planted and their survival rate.

6. Review and Improvement:

The EMS would be regularly reviewed to assess its effectiveness. This might involve:

Analyzing data on environmental performance.

Identifying areas for improvement.

Implementing new sustainable practices.

Specific Sustainable Practices in Civil Engineering:

Using recycled materials: Employing recycled concrete, steel, and other building materials to reduce
resource consumption.

Minimizing soil disturbance: Implementing techniques like soil stabilization and erosion control to
protect natural habitats.

Water conservation: Using water-efficient construction methods, such as rainwater harvesting and
greywater reuse.

Promoting sustainable transportation: Encouraging the use of public transport, carpooling, and cycling
for construction workers.
 6th slide: EMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines, with its diverse ecosystems and growing economy, recognizes the importance of
environmental protection. This is reflected in the country's efforts to promote the implementation of
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) through various policies and frameworks:

International and National Standards:

ISO 14001: This globally recognized standard provides a framework for organizations to establish and
manage their environmental performance. It helps companies identify environmental aspects, set
objectives and targets, and track their progress.

Philippine Standard 14001: This national standard, aligned with ISO 14001, encourages the adoption of
EMS within the Philippines. It promotes the use of best practices and helps ensure that local businesses
and organizations meet international standards for environmental management.

Benefits of EMS in the Philippines:

Reduced environmental impact: EMS helps businesses minimize their footprint on the environment by
reducing pollution, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices.

Improved compliance: Organizations can ensure adherence to environmental regulations and avoid
penalties or legal actions.

Enhanced competitiveness: A strong EMS can attract investors and customers who value environmental
responsibility.

Economic benefits: Implementing EMS often leads to cost savings through resource efficiency and waste
reduction.

Social responsibility: EMS demonstrates a company's commitment to environmental sustainability,

Manufacturing companies: Reducing emissions, implementing waste management systems, and

Construction projects: Minimizing soil disturbance, managing construction waste, and using sustainable
building materials.

Tourism operators: Conserving natural resources, reducing waste generation, and promoting
responsible tourism practices.

Conclusion:

The Philippines' focus on promoting EMS implementation through policies, standards, and support from
agencies like the EMB is crucial for achieving sustainable development. By embracing EMS, organizations
can contribute to a cleaner environment, a more resilient economy, and a brighter future for the
Philippines.

7th slide: THE ROLE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

8th slide: 1. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

-Green building in China plays a multifaceted role, driven by both environmental concerns and national
strategic goals. The country's rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to significant
environmental challenges, including air and water pollution. Green building is a key strategy to mitigate
these issues and improve the quality of life.

-That's the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai (now Expo City Dubai). The image shows its
distinctive solar-powered canopies, which are a key feature of the pavilion's design. The pavilion itself
was designed to showcase sustainable technologies and practices.

-- Countries in the southwestern United States: States like California, Arizona, and Nevada have high
solar irradiance and have seen significant growth in solar energy development. Solar panels convert
sunlight into electricity, primarily serving to generate renewable energy for various applications. These
include residential and commercial power generation, off-grid systems, powering electric vehicles, and
contributing to larger-scale utility grids, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate
change.
-Windmills, or wind turbines, primarily generate clean electricity from wind energy, contributing to
renewable energy grids and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They offer economic benefits through job
creation and rural development, while also supporting grid stability and reducing carbon emissions.
However, careful siting is crucial to minimize environmental impacts.

9th slide: WASTE MANAGEMENT

-Waste sorting facilitates recycling and resource recovery, reducing landfill burden, conserving natural
resources, and minimizing pollution. It supports a circular economy and reduces the environmental
impact of waste disposal.

-Water reclamation recovers and purifies wastewater for beneficial reuse, reducing strain on freshwater
resources and promoting water security. Reclaimed water supports irrigation, industrial processes, and
even groundwater replenishment, conserving potable water supplies and mitigating drought impacts.

-Paper recycling conserves trees, reduces landfill waste, and lowers energy consumption compared to
producing virgin paper. It minimizes water and air pollution associated with pulp and paper
manufacturing, promoting sustainable forestry and resource management. Recycling paper also
reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

-Plastic recycling conserves fossil fuels needed for plastic production, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and dependence on finite resources. It minimizes plastic waste in landfills and oceans,
reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems. Recycling also creates jobs and supports a circular
economy for plastics.

10th slide: 3. WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

-Water treatment plants are crucial for ensuring safe and potable water supplies, protecting public
health. They remove contaminants from source water, managing water quality and quantity. This
contributes to efficient water resource management, reducing water scarcity and supporting sustainable
development.

-Dams play a vital role in water resources management by regulating water flow, creating reservoirs for
storage, and controlling floods. They provide water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic
use, enhancing water security and supporting economic development. However, ecological impacts
need careful consideration.

11th slide: 4. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

- Flexible pavement designs: Allowing for expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations,
reducing cracking and damage.

- Elevated water storage tanks: Protecting water supplies from flooding and ensuring continued access
during emergencies.
-Green buildings, designed for environmental sustainability, inherently exhibit resilience to climate
change impacts. Energy efficiency, a core green building principle, reduces reliance on fossil fuels,
mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and lessening the severity of climate change. Water conservation
measures minimize water stress during droughts. Sustainable materials reduce embodied carbon and
reliance on resource-intensive materials, enhancing longevity and reducing the need for frequent
replacements. Green roofs and improved insulation mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing
energy demand during heat waves. Stormwater management systems prevent flooding, while durable,
locally-sourced materials withstand extreme weather. By integrating these features, green buildings
lessen vulnerability to climate change effects, promoting long-term functionality and community
resilience.

-Solar panels, while not immune to climate change impacts, offer several resilience advantages. Their
reliance on renewable solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, combating the root cause of
climate change. Distributed generation, through rooftop and community solar installations, enhances
grid resilience by reducing dependence on centralized power plants vulnerable to extreme weather.
Modern panels are designed to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, though hail and extreme
temperature fluctuations can affect performance. Technological advancements are improving panel
durability and efficiency in diverse climates. While some degradation may occur due to extreme
weather, the overall lifecycle carbon footprint of solar energy is far lower than fossil fuels, making it a
crucial component of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Proper installation and
maintenance are key to maximizing their resilience.