Additional Resources
Additional resources
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is a not-for-profit, worldwide professional organization comprised of individuals and institutions dedicated to the study, analysis and solution of environmental problems, the management and regulation of natural resources, research and development and environmental education. Our mission is to support the development of principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity.
SETAC fulfills its mission through the advancement and application of scientific research related to contaminants and other stressors in the environment, education in the environmental sciences and the use of science in environmental policy and decision-making.
UNEP Life Cycle Management - A business Guide to Sustainability
http://www.unep.org/pdf/dtie/DTI0889PA.pdf
This publication, “Life Cycle Management - a business guide to sustainability”, is the result of a joint effort of key experts and friends of the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative and incorporates almost 20 years of experience in Life Cycle Assessment as well as in other recognized approaches such as ISO 14001, eco-design and ecolabels. This guide provides a series of key definitions and principles related to Life Cycle Management, a description of the importance and scope of intervention that different areas have in the organizations, and a step-by-step
guide, adaptable to enterprises of any size, to support the integration of Life Cycle Management in the management process.
US EPA DfE Program
http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/about/index.htm
The Design for the Environment (DfE) Program works in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risk to people and the environment by preventing pollution. DfE focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction and improvements in energy efficiency with a strong motivation to make lasting, positive changes. DfE convenes partners, including industry representatives and environmental groups, to develop goals and guide the work of the partnership. Partnership Projects evaluate the human health and environmental considerations, performance, and cost of traditional and alternative technologies, materials, and processes. As incentives for participation and driving change, DfE offers unique technical tools, methodologies, and expertise.
EPA's DfE program has reached more than 200,000 business facilities and approximately 2 million workers. In 2008, DfE reduced the use of chemicals of concern by approximately 330 million pounds.
WBCSD Eco-efficiency Module
http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=MTgwMjc
The eco-efficiency module is a compilation of learning materials and exercises, from which the user may pick-and-choose, to raise awareness and foster implementation at different levels within their organization. There is a choice of activities, all of which are flexible enough to suit a wide range of audiences, to be delivered by people from a variety of functions and to be
customized to the needs and concerns of a particular organization.
The module contains a background briefing paper designed to give a comprehensive overview of eco-efficiency and a resources section with case studies, quotes and references. In addition there are three learning units – understanding, exploring and implementing – with a combination of conceptual and practical tools and methods.
UK DEFRA - Environmental Reporting Guidelines - Key Performance Indicators
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/reporting/pdf/envkpi-guidelines.pdf
In January 2006, Defra produced a set of environmental reporting guidelines to help companies to identify and address their most significant environmental impacts. The guidelines outline how companies might begin to set targets/KPIs to measure environmental performance against. Companies can make use of standard business data already collected, for example, from Environmental Management Systems and utilities bills. The environmental guidelines provide guidance on how data could be reported.
RELATED ICMM PRINCIPLES
Principle 01:
Implement and maintain ethical business practices and sound systems of corporate governance.
Principle 02:
Integrate sustainable development considerations within the corporate decision-making process.
Principle 03:
Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with employees and others who are affected by our activities.
Principle 04:
Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science.
Principle 05:
Seek continual improvement of our health and safety performance.
Principle 06:
Seek continual improvement of our environmental performance.
Principle 07:
Contribute to conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning.
Principle 08:
Facilitate and encourage responsible product design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of our products.
Principle 09:
Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we operate.
Principle 10:
Implement effective and transparent engagement, communication and independently verified reporting arrangements with our stakeholders.