Environmental Awareness. General Environmental Information WHY DOES THE ENVIRONMENT NEED PROTECTING?...

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Environmental Awareness

General Environmental Information

WHY DOES THE ENVIRONMENT NEED PROTECTING?

Pollution, the generation of wastes and the depletion of natural resources leads to local as well as global environmental problems including: Health & safety issues Global warming (the “greenhouse effect”) Ozone depletion Acid rain Deforestation

Types of Pollution

Water Pollution• from chemical/ oil spillages Air Pollution• from boilers etc. • vehicle emissions Soil Pollution• from chemical/ oil spillages• Incorrect disposal of waste

The University’s Interaction with the EnvironmentGeneration of Pollutants & Wastes

Solid Waste Liquid Waste Gaseous Emissions

Scrap steel Waste Lab Chemicals SmokePackaging waste Waste solvents ParticulateWaste paper Waste Oils/ lubricants Greenhouse GasesGeneral Refuse Diluted Chemical

The University’s Interaction with the EnvironmentDepletion of Natural resources

As part of its everyday activities, the University uses; • Electricity• Water• Gas• Raw Materials

Benefits of an Environmental Management System (EMS)

• Protection of the environment• Demonstrate compliance with legislation• Reduce risk and liabilities• Meet customer requirements• Gain marketing advantage• Reduce costs• Improve public image

Significant Environmental Impacts

Significant Environmental Impacts arising from the University’s operations are as follows;

• Air emissions• Aqueous Discharge• Hazardous Waste• Non-hazardous waste• Energy Consumption

Air Emissions

Waste Recycling

Office paper

Cardboard

Fluorescent tubes

General Waste

Waste Chemicals

Environmental Policy

The five core elements of the policy are • Commitment• Responsibility• Protection• Communication• Continuous Improvement

University’s Environmental Policy StatementThe Queen’s University of Belfast recognises that environmental issues are fundamental to the future health and well-being of those involved in our institution, the greater community and our planet. Thus, we seek to understand the impacts of our activities on the environment at local, regional and global levels, to minimise these impacts and to find sustainable solutions to environmental concerns. We accept the responsibility of demonstrating leadership in environmental protection and enhancement through our actions as an institution.

In support of these principles, the University is committed to:

• Promoting the protection of the natural and cultural environment on campus and at other sites used by the University

• Continually improving the University’s environmental performance through the introduction of an Environmental Management System

• Complying with all the relevant environmental legislation related to the University’s activities• Reducing and where possible preventing pollution through the development of effective

resource and waste management strategies• Monitoring and auditing the University’s environmental performance and practice at regular

intervals.• Increasing awareness of environmental responsibilities among staff and students• Making this Policy available to the public

Revision 2

Your Roles in protecting the Environment

Importance of Conformance with Environmental Policy/ Procedures

What are your Environmental responsibilities? • Follow procedures and work instructions• Awareness of the environmental impact of your job/

activities• Make a conscious effort to minimise and segregate

waste• Make a special effort to save energy and resources

Do’s and Don’t’s

Aqueous Discharges• Do not pour any chemical or oil down any unauthorised drain,

please enquire with your Supervisor where and how this waste is disposed.

Waste Management• Ensure that all waste is disposed of in the appropriate receptacles• Do not dispose of hazardous waste (e.g. fridge/ freezers,

fluorescent tubes, CRT Monitors) in the non-hazardous waste receptacles.

Remember the three R’s!!!!!Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do’s and Don’t’s Waste Paper• Reduce the amount of paper being used by the following;

1. Send documents electronically where possible2. Photocopy on both sides of sheets.3. Use old one sided photocopies for making notes.

This reduces both the amount of waste paper to be disposed of (+ associated costs) as well as the cost of buying the paper.

• Ensure waste paper is disposed of in the recycling towers

Energy Awareness

• Last year, the University spent £3 M on Energy (Electricity, Gas & Water)

WE NEED YOUR INDIVIDUAL HELP TO CONTROL ENERGY COSTS

– Take responsibility for your work area– Take responsibility for your Machine– Take responsibility for your P C

Energy AwarenessSWITCH OFF

Please remember to switch off lights and equipment before going home.

Energy Awareness

Compressed air costs ten times more than electricity per unit!

Energy Awareness

Environmental Awareness. General Environmental Information WHY DOES THE ENVIRONMENT NEED PROTECTING?...

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