...management to name a few. The public sector's main focus is that of service delivery (The Student Room, 2014). Due to human induced climate change many governments have requested their public sectors to change and optimize their supply chains to cater for green purchasing. As a result of this the majority of the European Union have effectively found ways to reduce the overall effect of their purchasing activities (European Union, 2010, page 1 paragraph 1). The procurement of public goods and services in the EU is done through the life cycle approach (European Union, 2010, page 3 paragraph 1). The life cycle approach that is used by the member countries of the European Union has 5 steps (Europa, 2014), the fifth step that has been added in recently deals with all the externalities that can occur while performing the assessment. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) use the more traditional four step approach to evaluate the life cycle of the goods and services to be procured (EPA, 2014). And in South Africa there is a nine step evaluation method on how procurement of public goods and services should be done sustainably (Sustainable Energy for Environmental & Development Program, 2012, pages. 4-7). The first of the nine steps deals with the formation of a green procurement team that will have the right level of knowledge and enthusiasm when it comes to green procurement; the second step concentrates on which implementation approach to undertake, an example of...
Words: 1912 - Pages: 8
...Dependable dynamism: lessons for designing scientific assessment processes in consensus negotiations Noelle Eckley* Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 79 JFK Street (UR), Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Abstract Negotiations that involve the use and interpretation of scientific information and assessment are often particularly difficult, especially when the scientific input is uncertain or contested. Parties can exploit this uncertainty in order to stall progress, where they might prefer a very different policy outcome. In addition, scientific input often changes as new research is done and disseminated. In order to facilitate decision-making where science is involved, a number of international environmental agreements have established regimes, as well as assessment processes, that are designed to incorporate new information, review decisions, and modify judgmentsFthat is, they are dynamic or adaptable. However, there is little systematic evaluation by policymakers or academic analysts of the type and qualities of such dynamism that might contribute to effective assessment and regulatory processes, or of whether this lesson is truly applicable across very different environmental issues. Examination of the recent protocol on persistent organicpollutants to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), in comparison to LRTAPs two previous protocols on sulfur emissions, offers a way...
Words: 7096 - Pages: 29
...13 September 2011 HEAL fact sheet Chronic disease: How do environmental factors play a role? This reference document was prepared in advance of UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, 1920 Sept 2011 (http://www.who.int/nmh/events/un_ncd_summit2011/en/index.html) Non-communicable disease Worldwide, almost 60% of deaths and 43% of years of life lost (DALYS) are due to noncommunicable conditions. (1) In the WHO European Region, non-communicable diseases cause 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden (DALYS). (2) Cancer and the environment About 60% of cancers have causes other than lifestyle factors; these include environmental exposures. A WHO European Region conference in Asturias, Spain in March 2011 unanimously adopted a declaration which stated: "A substantial percentage of all cancer is caused by environmental and occupational exposures". (3) Expert scientific reviews have linked endocrine-disrupting chemicals to breast and prostate cancer. (4) A European Commission assessment of REACH prior to its introduction stated that if this legislation succeeds in reducing chemical-related diseases by only 10%, the health benefits are estimated at 50 billion Euros over 30 years. This corresponds with 2,200 to 4,300 fewer cancer cases in the workplace annually. (5) Children are especially vulnerable The Asturias declaration says: "Pregnant women, fetuses, infants, children and workers are especially vulnerable." (3) Childhood cancer is increasing at a rate of more than 1% per year...
Words: 1332 - Pages: 6
...CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the method of research, research design, data analysis and concludes with a summary justifying the research methodology. 3.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research has been described as a systematic process of inquiry and discovery which provides an original contribution to the existing set of knowledge making for advancement in any particular topic or subject matter (Kitchin and Tate 2013).According to Anfara and Mertz (2006) a theoretical framework provides researchers with the ways of thinking and a source of sight. An epistemological paradigm of thought to acquire knowledge provided the theoretical framework which informed the choice of a non-participant observation study, an aspect of ethnographic research. According to Flick (2004) ethnography is propelled by an interest of participating or non-participating in observing events and processes while they occur. This allowed the researcher to observe the subject from a distance without interaction (Silverman 2010). Consequently this allowed the examination of various published documents which included government office reports and agency archives (Bishop 2012). A deductive approach of reasoning was incorporated in the study which permitted assumptions from abstract propositions which resulted in the undertaken of this research study (Ritchie et al, 2014). Regardless of the method of research implemented there are three distinct approaches to a research...
Words: 2585 - Pages: 11
...The economic benefits of environmental policy A project under the Framework contract for economic analysis ENV.G.1/FRA/2006/0073 - 2nd FINAL REPORT November 2009 Matt Raymenta, Elke Pirgmaierb, Griet De Ceusterc, Friedrich Hinterbergerb, Onno Kuikd, Henry Leveson Gowera, Christine Polzinb, Adarsh Varmaa a b c d GHK Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI) Transport & Mobility Leuven VU University Amsterdam, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) Institute for Environmental Studies Vrije Universiteit De Boelelaan 1087 1081 HV AMSTERDAM The Netherlands Tel. ++31-20-5989 555 Fax. ++31-20-5989 553 E-mail: info@ivm.falw.vu.nl Internet: http://www.vu.nl/ivm vrije Universiteit amsterdam Contents Executive Summary 1. 2. 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 6. 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 7. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 8. 8.1 Introduction Environmental Policy and the Economy Environmental Policies and Productivity Description and background Policy instruments Review of evidence from the wider literature Evidence from examples and case studies Scale of economic benefits to date and assessment of the further potential Beneficiaries and timescale Environmental Policies and Innovation Description and background Policy instruments Review of evidence Examples and case studies Scale of economic benefits Beneficiaries and timescale Environmental Policies and Employment Description and background Policy instruments Review of evidence from...
Words: 78697 - Pages: 315
...developing countries to tackle climate change Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union New freephone number: (*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed. 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet. It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://ec.europa.eu). Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2007 ISBN 978-92-79-06576-7 © European Communities, 2007 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Printed in Belgium Printed on recycled paper that has been awarded the EU eco-label for graphic paper (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel) EU action against climate change Working with developing countries to tackle climate change Introduction EU cooperation with developing countries on climate change Supporting adaptation and capacity building Providing clean and secure energy supplies Stimulating clean development through EU emissions trading Promoting sustainable forestry Assisting developing countries through climate research 5 10 14 17 20 22 24 Introduction As the world’s largest donor of development assistance, the European Union is strongly committed to supporting developing countries in the fight against poverty, the achievement of the UN Millennium...
Words: 7737 - Pages: 31
...ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR WESTERN ASIA (ESCWA) IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICIES ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES United Nations Distr. GENERAL E/ESCWA/SDPD/2007/7 11 December 2007 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR WESTERN ASIA (ESCWA) IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICIES ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES United Nations New York, 2007 The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Mention of firm names and commercial products does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations. References have, wherever possible, been verified. Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document. 07-0488 Preface This study has been prepared by the secretariat of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) as part of its regular programme of work for the 2006-2007 biennium. The study draws upon work that ESCWA is implementing within the framework of harnessing technology and enterprise development for the improved productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises, with a view to...
Words: 41252 - Pages: 166
...TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Turkey-EU process and its relationship to the environmental problems 1.2. EU Policy on Environmental Marine Problems 1.3. Turkey’s Policy on Environmental Marine Problems 2. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS 2.1. International Regulations 2.1.1. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990Regulatıon for the conrol of Noxious substances(OPRC 1990) 2.1.2. Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, (HNS Protocol-2000) 2.1.3. International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties 1969 (INTERVENTION 69) 2.1.4. Other Regulations for...
Words: 7283 - Pages: 30
...Western industrial societies have undergone a similar awakening over the last three decades as the scale of the environmental and natural resource problems they face has become increasingly clear. In doing so—and before they finally accept that the responsibility for tackling these problems is theirs, not something to be pushed onto future generations—they typically move through a number of stages. These have included: ignorance awakening denial guilt reduction, displacement behaviour, and tokenism conversion integration In the wake of the publication of Our Common Future, the 1987 report of the World Commission on Environment and Development,' and the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, the concept of sustainable development—involving the integration of environmental thinking into every aspect of social, political, and economic activity—has become central to the environmental debate. This article considers some of the ways in which business is now developing new "win-win-win" strategies in this area to simultaneously benefit the company, its customers, and the environment. I Towards the Sustainable Corporation 91 Sustainable Strategies? Most countries are still some considerable way from genuine conversion to the cause and realities of sustainable development, let alone the effective integration of environmental sustainability as a national priority. But we are beginning to see an early crop of strategies designed to...
Words: 3471 - Pages: 14
...European Tourism Law (New policy) Table of contents Introduction I. Tourism in Europe a. Employment and growth i. Factors of growth b. Problems facing tourism ii. New destination iii. Environmental destruction II. Lisbon Treaty III. European Travel commison c. Members d. President e. Activities IV. Renewed European tourism policy. f. Mainstreaming measures affecting tourism iv. Financing g. Promotion of sustainable tourism h. Improving understanding and visibility of tourism V. Conclusion Webliography Appendix Introduction Tourism overview Tourism is a sector that is growing rapidly in European Union is as well a key sector in the European economy. The European Union recognizes the potential of tourism to generate employment and growth. The variety of attractions and quality of its tourism services made of Europe the world leading tourist destination. Tourism is therefore an activity which can play an important role in the economic sector in Europe. The EU tourism industry generates more than 5% of the EU GDP, with about 1,8 million enterprises employing around 5,2% of the total labour force (approximately 9,7 million jobs). When related sectors are taken into account, the estimated contribution of tourism to GDP creation is much higher: tourism indirectly generates more than 10% of the European Union's GDP and provides...
Words: 1941 - Pages: 8
...key recommendations to President Obama for addressing the causes and consequences of the spill, the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in its final report, stated the need for “strengthening oil spill response, planning and capacity”. Industry best practice dictates that quickness and accuracy are key requirements for effective oil spill response and preparedness planning (OSRPP); yet it took nearly three months to seal the Macondo well. This paper is accordingly concerned with the reasons for the apparent failure of the BP oil spill response plan. This failure will be considered in light of current international environmental regulations on OSRPP and applicable United States legislation, whilst assessing the BP oil spill response plan’s compliance therewith. The study will also consider some theory in the development of OSRPP by looking specifically at risk assessment tools and applying key criteria to the BP oil spill response plan to determine its adequacy and appropriateness for its operations in the GOM. What the research will show is that the ill preparedness of BP and the U.S. Government to effectively respond to the blow out is symptomatic of the significant gaps in both industry and government’s existing response capacity in dealing with deep-water drilling environments primarily as a result of insufficient risk assessment, lax regulation and enforcement, and a lack of coordination in...
Words: 9068 - Pages: 37
...Reham A. Mohammed 154209 University of Tasmania 2013 INTRODUCTION: L. monocytogenes has been a cause of concern for foodborne diseased hence has been isolated from ready-to-eat foods, meats, poultry, dairy products, seafoods, vegetables and from food processing environs. Statistics show that Listeriosis is a modifiable disease in all Australian states and territories. In 2008, there were 0.3 cases per 100,000 populations. This is the same as the 2003–2007 mean of 0.3 cases per 100,000 populations per year. In Australia the fatality rate in 2008 was 18% (OzFoodNet 2009b; NNDSS 2010). In 2008, the notification rate in New Zealand was 0.6 cases per 100,000 population while the fatality rate in New Zealand in 2008 was 19%. (European Commission 1999) Listeriosis is said to be caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacterium and it attacks specific groups like the elderly, other immuno-compromised persons and pregnant women. (Lake et al. 2005) Foodborne listeriosis has high casualty and fatality rate (15–30%) compared to other foodborne microbial pathogens, such as Salmonella. (WHO/FAO 2004; Swaminathan and Gerner-Smidt 2007) Industrially processed foods are the main causes of Listeriosis which ranks as one of the highest of foodborne diseases (Roberts, 1989; Roberts and Pinner, 1990), it is widely dispersed in enviorns. Other factors for its occurrence, like, geographical differences etc, are still not known as is evident from the studies conducted by [pic]Buchanan...
Words: 2887 - Pages: 12
...State of Australian Cities Conference 2015 Sustainability at the Australian local government level: Is there room for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)? Umberto Baresi1, Karen J. Vella2, and Neil G. Sipe1 School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland 2 School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology 1 Abstract: Recent calls in Australia have addressed the need for better integration of planning processes. The consequent effort made by the government has been, and still is, reshaping the way urban and regional planning and sustainability are managed. Focusing on planning practices at the local and regional levels, we investigate how environmental sustainability is pursued from an institutional perspective. Specifically, we analyse the way that planning in Australian cities aims to achieve sustainable strategies and reflect on the relationship with ‘Strategic Environmental Assessment’. This paper has four goals. First, sustainable planning practices at the local and regional levels are analysed considering the legislative and organizational frameworks of each state. The goal is to identify, through an analysis of planning documents, how much discretion is given to local councils to address sustainable strategies. Second, we focus on two regions and four cities in Queensland, to outline strengths and weaknesses of current legislative and practical frameworks. We use analytical criteria from...
Words: 5661 - Pages: 23
...globalization as a change of attitude towards sustainability.It is a review of terminology associated with the SD and its multiple interpretations.It is referenced the apparent and irrelevant impact of initiatives to solve the economic, social and environmental problem. It emphasizes the influence and importance of strategies and the positioning of SMEs on the way to SD in the policy of act local think global. KEYWORDS Strategy Sustainable development Sustainability, SMEs JERÓNIMO, WINSTON CENSE, Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research, Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal OLIVEIRA, NUNO GASPAR DE CIGEST, Assistente Instituto Superior de Gestão, Portugal 1. INTRODUCTION “(R)Evolution or Death”, adapted from the revolutionary slogan used and popularized by the Cuban regime, serves as motto for the urgent need to transform our production and consumption systems and our standing towards the environment around us. In essence, Sustainable Development (SD) is a concern for creating opportunity and welfare conditions, today and tomorrow, equally in the aspirations of man and his basic needs, as well as respect for the environment in which he interacts. SD is also a stated aspiration of governments, organizations and society in general, in regard for a better future (e.g., Bell& Morse, 2003; Hak et al., 2007;...
Words: 9085 - Pages: 37
...Life Cycle Assessment study of starch products for the European starch industry association (AAF): sector study Vercalsteren An, Dils Evelien, Boonen Katrien Study accomplished under the authority of the European starch industry association (AAF) 2011/TEM/R/104 August 2012 All rights, amongst which the copyright, on the materials described in this document rest with the Flemish Institute for Technological Research NV (“VITO”), Boeretang 200, BE-2400 Mol, Register of Legal Entities VAT BE 0244.195.916. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ________________________________________________________________ 3 List of Figures ___________________________________________________________________ 4 List of Tables ____________________________________________________________________ 5 CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. Introduction ________________________________________________________ 7 Definition of goal and scope ___________________________________________ 9 9 9 10 Introduction Goal definition Scope definition CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 4.1. Life cycle data inventory _____________________________________________ 15 life cycle impact assessment __________________________________________ 19 19 LCIA methodology 4.2. Environmental profiles of starch products 20 4.2.1. Environmental profile of native starches _________________________________ 20 4.2.2. Environmental profile of liquid glucose (including Glucose and Fructose syrups) __ 20 4.3. Carbon...
Words: 6841 - Pages: 28
