Assignment: What You Have To Do - Are There Two Parts

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There are two parts to this assignment: Part A: Short response questions parts and Part B: Research and extended response questions. To complete this assessment, study relevant online learning resources provided on the OLS (Online Learning Support) website. Follow OLS instructions to progress through the material logically and assist with completing the assignment. Your responses will be assessed on demonstrating knowledge and understanding, effective communication using industry terminology and workplace examples, organized and cohesive responses, and problem-solving abilities. Ensure all resources, including URLs, are correctly referenced within your answers. Be aware that online resource content may change or become inaccessible without notice. If you cannot locate necessary information, contact your OTEN teachers for assistance.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper addresses the key elements outlined in the assignment instructions, including knowledge of environmental sustainability in tourism and events industries, resource management, environmental legislation, and strategies for improved workplace practices related to environmental sustainability.

Part A: Short Response Questions

The initial set of questions aims to establish foundational understanding of environmental sustainability in the context of tourism and events industries. It begins with interpreting the core message of the unit, defining environmental sustainability, exploring pertinent environmental issues with examples, and understanding resource usage and measurement in workplace settings. Additionally, it includes defining legal and regulatory terms, examining key environmental legislations relevant to the industry, and assessing their impact on workplaces or study environments.

Question 1: Key message of the unit

The primary message of this unit emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices into tourism and event management to minimize environmental impact. It highlights the role of responsible resource use, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and compliance with environmental legislation in promoting sustainable development within the industry. The unit advocates for adopting environmentally conscious behaviors that balance economic growth with ecological preservation, ensuring the industry’s longevity and societal benefit.

Question 2: Definition of environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible management and conservation of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. It involves practices that minimize environmental degradation, reduce pollution and waste, and promote ecological balance. The goal is to meet current human needs without compromising the environment's capacity to support life and economic activities over the long term (United Nations, 1987).

Question 3: Environmental issues in tourism and events industries

a. Sustainability: In tourism, sustainability involves balancing economic benefits with environmental and social impacts. For example, eco-tourism initiatives promote local conservation efforts while providing benefits to communities (Butler, 1999).

b. Waste management: Events often generate significant waste, such as single-use plastics. Proper waste segregation and recycling can mitigate environmental harm, such as at music festivals where waste recycling stations are implemented (Gossling et al., 2015).

c. Energy use and efficiency: Hotels and event venues consume substantial energy for lighting, heating, and cooling. Implementing energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources like solar panels can reduce carbon footprints (Liu, 2017).

d. Resource use and efficiency: The excessive use of resources such as paper, water, or raw materials in hospitality operations can be curtailed using digital systems and water-saving devices (Häusler & Zerlin, 2019).

e. Water resource management: Tourism activities like golf courses or large resorts demand vast water supplies. Implementing water-saving technologies and reuse systems can conserve water resources (Huang et al., 2020).

f. Recycling and re-use: Promoting the re-use of materials like linens, towels, or reusable tableware reduces waste; for example, offering refillable water bottles during conferences minimizes plastic waste (Gössling et al., 2018).

Question 4: Resources used at work and measurement methods

a. Common resources include: (i) Paper and printing supplies used for documentation; (ii) Electricity for lighting and equipment; (iii) Water for cleaning and amenities; (iv) Cleaning products and chemicals for sanitation. These are used in administrative tasks, facility operations, and maintenance.

b. Measurement of resource usage can be done via: inventory checklists, stock control systems, energy meters, water meters, and software monitoring tools that track consumption over time (Davis & Teame, 2016).

Question 5: Key terms

a. Compliance: Conforming to applicable laws, regulations, standards, and industry practices related to environmental management.

b. an Act: A formal legislative law enacted by the government intended to regulate activities and set standards, e.g., Environmental Protection Act.

c. Regulations: Specific rules derived from Acts that outline detailed compliance procedures and standards for industries.

d. Codes of practice: Voluntary or mandatory guidelines that provide practical measures for implementing legal requirements and achieving best practices (Harrington & Dehnen, 2018).

Question 6: Main features and intent of legislation

a. Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW): This legislation aims to prevent and control pollution, require environment protection licenses for certain activities, and ensure industries adopt cleaner production practices. Its amendments broaden scope to include climate change measures and stricter penalties for non-compliance (EPA NSW, 2019).

b. Codes of Practice ('WorkCover' NSW): These serve as practical guidelines to control workplace hazardous substances, ensuring safe handling, storage, and disposal, thereby preventing occupational health hazards (WorkCover NSW, 2015).

c. Impact on places of work or study: Many workplaces must adhere to environmental licenses and safety standards, such as waste disposal regulations and energy management practices, to remain compliant and environmentally responsible (DECCW, 2018).

Part B: Research and Extended Response Questions

The second part focuses on proposing practical strategies to enhance environmental practices at the workplace or study environment. It calls for innovative approaches to energy and resource efficiency, use of renewable and recyclable materials, environmental hazard mitigation, waste minimization, and responsible disposal of non-reusable materials. Additionally, the discussion includes how these strategies can positively influence the business or institution.

Question 1: Suggestions for improving workplace practices

1. Opportunities for energy and resource efficiency:
   • Install solar panels to harness renewable energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
   • Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting such as LED fixtures throughout facilities.
   • Implement motion sensors and timer controls to ensure lights and equipment are used only when needed.
   • Encourage staff to adopt digital documentation minimizing paper use.
2. Utilization of renewable, recyclable, reusable, and recoverable resources:
   • Switch to biodegradable cleaning products (renewable).
   • Use recycled paper and cardboard for administrative and packaging needs (recyclable).
   • Provide reusable water bottles and food containers to staff and clients (reusable).
   • Select products made from materials that can be recovered or repurposed after use, such as metal or glass items (recoverable).
3. Strategies to avoid environmental hazards:
   • Purchasing sustainable products from certified suppliers to ensure minimal environmental impact (purchase-based hazard reduction).
   • Regular maintenance of HVAC and electrical systems to prevent malfunction and minimize emissions (maintenance-based hazard mitigation).
   • Conducting staff training on safe chemical handling and spill response procedures.
   • Installing leak detection and containment systems for hazardous substances to prevent environmental contamination.
4. Waste minimization:
   • Implement electronic forms and communication to eliminate paper waste.
   • Encourage the use of reusable cloth towels instead of disposable paper towels.
   • Set up composting systems for organic waste generated in cafeterias or gardens.
   • Partner with suppliers who package products with minimal or biodegradable packaging.
5. Removal and disposal of non-reusable materials:
   • Dispose of work consumables like old stationery through recycling programs.
   • Use certified hazardous waste disposal services for chemicals and cleaning agents.
   • Implement a waste segregation policy to separate hazardous from non-hazardous waste.
   • Adopt environmentally responsible disposal methods such as waste-to-energy systems for non-recyclables.

Question 2: Impact of suggestions on business and study environment

Implementing the proposed strategies can significantly enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in the workplace or educational setting. Firstly, reducing energy consumption through renewable sources and efficient appliances lowers utility costs and diminishes carbon emissions, aligning profitability with environmental responsibility. Secondly, adopting reusable and recyclable materials minimizes waste and disposal expenses, supporting waste reduction targets and corporate social responsibility commitments. Thirdly, hazard mitigation measures improve safety standards, reducing incidents and liabilities while fostering a culture of environmental awareness. Fourthly, waste minimization initiatives lead to more streamlined waste management, reducing environmental footprints and enhancing brand perception, which is increasingly crucial to customers and stakeholders. Overall, these practices promote a sustainable business model that can lead to a competitive advantage and long-term viability.

References

• Australian Government. (2019). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth of Australia.
• Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW. (2018). Waste management in NSW workplaces. NSW Government.
• Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2018). Global trends in renewable energy in tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26(1), 73-85.
• Gossling, S., et al. (2015). The ecological footprint of tourism and urban development. Urban Ecology, 29(2), 33-46.
• Häusler, K., & Zerlin, K. (2019). Resource efficiency in hospitality operations. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 76, 148-157.
• Huang, X., et al. (2020). Sustainable water management in tourism. Water Resources Management, 34(10), 3097-3107.
• Harrington, D., & Dehnen, R. (2018). Codes of practice for environmental management. Environmental Law Review, 20(2), 124-130.
• Liu, J. (2017). Energy efficiency in hotel operations. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 17(3), 278-293.
• United Nations. (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Oxford University Press.
• WorkCover NSW. (2015). Hazardous Substances: Control of Workplace Risks. NSW Government.