Global Environmental Policy - Module 3 (b): Local Environmental Policy - Business and Industry and Local Environmental Policy

Governments Business and Industry NGOs and Communities Module 1: Global Environmental Policy Module 2: National Environmental Policy Module 3: Local Environmental Policy Class Matrix Today

What are Business and Industry doing? Reduce the volume of raw materials: redesign to reduce materials used, or recycle from old products Manufacturing processes – use less energy, generate less CO2 Disposal of manufacturing and other wastes0 Business are trying ‘paper-free’ office, recycling, reducing waste etc. Less packaging waste System transportation Reduce impact on the environment

But why are they doing that? To save costs in manufacturing To increase business volume To create and access new markets To save costs in waste disposal To avoid problems and compensation payments For PR – to show a ‘green face’ To satisfy laws and regulations To avoid clean-up costs Reduce impact on the environment

But why are they doing that? Reduce impact on the environment Green Business Green is Good Business !!

Some world-wide examples … 1 A coffee manufacturing company used a new technology to clean up the waste water it generated. By doing so, it reduced the amount of waste it disposed into the local river, it also used the technology’s output, methane, for energy generation. Costa Rica, Central America

Some world-wide examples … 2 A power company sponsored the conversion of land into a biodiversity park. This had several advantages to the local environment: Water protection, biodiversity protection, research opportunities for environmental scientists, reduction of greenhouse gases, erosion control and other benefits. Brazil, South America

Some world-wide examples … 3 After manufacturing steel plates, a company had to clean and rinse it to create the final product. This created a lot of waste water and toxic wastes. By recycling water, and using cleaner technologies, the total amount of chemicals was reduced by 50% and waste water by 70%. The change also resulted in improved safety for workers. Turkey, Europe

Some world-wide examples … 4 This company is involved in the production of healthcare products. It wanted to decrease its carton use for environmental benefits. By using ecological criteria for design (eco- design) it managed a reduction of 36,000 kg/year of cardboard. It also achieved reduction of energy use for long-distance transport with reduced weight. Malta, Mediterranean

1 What actions are businesses taking? Work with national and local governments to implement environmental policies and laws Example: Take action in implementing Japan’s law on “Promotion of a Recycle-Oriented Society”

2 What actions are businesses taking? Make sure that they satisfy industrial standards focusing on the environment Example: Take action to obtain ISO certificate by developing an environmental management system

3 What actions are businesses taking? Develop company environmental policy and publish e-reports Example: Take action to develop a ‘zero emissions’ policy or write an environmental report for public use.

4 What actions are businesses taking? Work with business groups such as Keidanren for environment and sustainability Example: Take action to sign and adopt Keidanren’s “Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment”

5 What actions are businesses taking? Collaborate closely with consumer groups, and NPOs, citizen’s groups Example: Use co-ops and other consumer groups to get feedback on environmental products and action

6 What actions are businesses taking? Develop technology that is environmentally sustainable and ‘green’ Example: Development of hybrid or green cars that use less energy and generate less CO2

7 What actions are businesses taking? Sponsor environmental activities involving communities or other organizations. Example: Asahi Glass Co.’s ‘Blue Planet Prize’ for excellent world-wide environmental action by organizations or individuals

8 What actions are businesses taking? Interact with local community and NPOs to organize environmental activity Example: Organize seminar or public forum with famous speakers to raise awareness among the public.

The future … The future looks more and more ‘green’, but it will be a difficult and hard way – we all have to contribute. Maybe our survival will depend on sustainability! Little by little we can achieve sustainability. The big ocean actually starts off as little drops!

Next class: Module 3: Local Environmental Policy Governments Business and Industry NPOs and Communities Class Matrix What national environmental policies impact NPOs and communities? How do their activities impact the environment? How can they help? 5