Waste and Environmental Management

In this section we cover the 3 main pillars of sustainainability and how they are intrinsically related.  Whilst a number of new pillars have been introduced recently, the 3 main pillars are still the main structure that uphold the essence of what sustainable development is all about.

In this section you will understand why it is important, and how to measure/monitor consumption of water and energy use.

In this section you will get to know about the waste hierarchy and why it is important to keep waste steams segregated. If you are interested to learn more about waste management practices, please enroll in my next level course called: A business' guide to waste management.  In this course, I dig deeper into waste management requirements, daily practices and the role of a waste manager and waste team.

In this video we look at how to become efficient in water use.

1. Start with visibility
   → Know where water is used: washrooms, kitchens, cleaning processes and cooling systems. Ask the questions, do we need to use this much water and how can we reduce it?

2. Fix leaks immediately
   → Small leaks = big water losses over time

3. Use water more efficiently, not more often
   → Optimize cleaning and rinsing practices

4. Stop water use during downtime
   → Don’t run water when spaces or systems aren’t in use

5. Engage employees and operators
   → The people using water daily, often spot leaks and wastage first

For example, in office buildings:

• Install low-flow faucets, aerators, and dual-flush toilets

• Run dishwashers only when full and encourage people not to run taps unnecessarily.

In manufacturing:

• Revisit the maintenance program to inspect and fix leaking hoses, valves, and pipes on the production floor on a weekly basis.

• Reuse rinse or cooling water for pre-washing non-product related areas.

Report water use trends to senior managers.

The bottom line: Less water used = lower costs and reduced environmental impact.

In this video we look at how to reduce energy use.

1. Start with visibility
→ Track where energy is used: lighting, heating and cooling systems (HVAC), equipment & production systems

2. Optimize equipment and lighting
→ Use energy-efficient upgrades where they matter most. Design office spaces to use natural light where possible.

3. Stop energy waste during downtime
→ Power down when spaces or machines aren’t in use

4. Set standards and habits
→ Temperature setpoints, shutdown procedures and clear ownership to change behaviours

5. Engage employees and operators
→ The people using energy daily will know where there is wastage.

In the office you can:

• Switch to LED lighting with motion sensors in meeting rooms and washrooms

• Enable sleep mode and end-of-day shutdowns for computers and office equipment

• Turn down heating systems when not needed.

• Work with procurement to opt for renewable energy sources. Whilst this is not a direct energy reduction measure, it is a way to ensure that the energy you are using is lower in emissions.

In manufacturing you can:

• Implement inspections programs to check and fix compressed air leaks.

• Install Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on motors and pumps.

Bottom line:
The bottom line: work with your facilities, utilities and maintenance teams to set up energy efficiency programs because they know the plant better than anyone else.

These small, targeted daily actions will reduce energy costs and emissions, without affecting productivity.

Finally, report energy costs and usage trends to senior managers. Issues that are addressed immediately lead to kilowatt hours, saved which is a cost saving for the business and for the environment.

If you found this course valuable, take the next step by enrolling in my course Introduction to Waste Management—a great way to deepen your knowledge and further support your career in sustainability.

Be sure to enrol in my next level course: A business' guide to waste management if you are interested in a deeper understanding of how to manage effectively at your workplace.