Environmental Management Program Research Articles

Adapting a rapid assessment protocol to environmentally assess palm swamp (Veredas) springs in the Cerrado biome, Brazil.

The exploitation and degradation of natural environments exert intense pressure on important ecosystems worldwide. Thus, it is necessary developing or adapting assessment methods to monitor environmental changes and to generate results to be applied to environmental management programs. The Brazilian Veredas (phytophysiognomies typical to the Cerrado biome) are threatened by several human activities; thus, the aim of the present study is to adapt a rapid assessment protocol (RAP) to be applied to Veredas springs, by using the upper course of the Vai-e-Vem stream watershed (Ipameri County, Goiás State, Brazil). Therefore, several springs in the study site were visited and 11 of them were considered Veredas springs. After the RAP was adapted, the instrument was validated and used to environmentally assess the springs in order to demonstrate its applicability. The present study has provided an instrument of option to monitor Veredas springs.

MODEL PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT PINGGIR SUNGAI DALAM PROGRAM PENGELOLAAN LINGKUNGAN PERMUKIMAN BERBASIS KOMUNITAS DI KELURAHAN PAHANDUT SEBERANG KOTA PALANGKA RAYA KALIMANTAN TENGAH

<p><em><span class="fontstyle0">Community-based Settlement Management Program (PLPBK) is a Central GovernmentProgram through the Ministry of Public Works, which aims to create a harmonious community life order with a safe, comfortable and healthy living environment, self-sustaining and sustainable, and has high economic value for its citizens. This study aims to 1). Identify programs related to the level of community participation, 2) Analyze community-owned social capital, 3) Analyze </span><span class="fontstyle2">community behavior on program activities. Determining the location is “purposively” as the </span><span class="fontstyle0">site is a top priority on Community-Based Settlement Environmental Management Program (PLPBK). Random sampling was 30 people. Primary data sources are households and secondary data obtained from BPS and related agencies. The results showed that the level of community participation in PLPBK activities was high (46.41%), the absorption of funds reached 98% and there has been a significant change in community behavior under the PLPBK Program.</span></em></p><p> </p>

Diagnóstico sobre la vulnerabilidad ecológica y calidad del agua en la quebrada La Central, Pacayas de Alvarado, Costa Rica

Cambios en el entorno, tales como el uso del suelo, el tipo de geomorfología de la zona cercana a ríos, así como la intensidad y frecuencia de las precipitaciones pluviales que ocasionan procesos de escorrentía o el uso intensivo en actividades agrícolas y ganaderas; afectan tanto la calidad como la cantidad del recurso hídrico.<br />El objetivo del estudio fue elaborar una propuesta preliminar de manejo integral de la quebrada La Central que mejorara su calidad por medio de un programa de gestión ambiental. La investigación se llevó a cabo en la quebrada La Central que es la encargada de abastecer a los habitantes de agua para consumo humano de varios pueblos de la provincia de Cartago (Costa Rica).<br />Primeramente, se evaluó la calidad por medio de un índice de calidad del agua (ICA) en la naciente y varios puntos del río sobre el cual descarga la naciente, por un período de tres meses de la época lluviosa. Además, se evaluó la vulnerabilidad ecológica en la zona de estudio analizando distintos indicadores ecológicos. También, se hicieron entrevistas como mecanismo para evaluar las prácticas agrícolas de la zona.<br />Los valores del ICA mostraron un deterioro cada vez mayor de la calidad del agua de la naciente, provocado por incrementos en el contenido de nitratos, probablemente asociado a fenómenos de escorrentía causado por el aumento de las lluvias. Si bien estos niveles son menores a los 50 mg/L permitidos en nuestra legislación para agua de consumo humano, la contaminación podría aumentar en los meses de mayores precipitaciones pluviales. Los otros puntos de muestreo mostraron presencia de coliformes fecales, probablemente causados por actividades ganaderas en las zonas altas. La evaluación de la vulnerabilidad ecológica mostró vulnerabilidades altas o muy altas con algunos indicadores ecológicos evaluados.<br />Se recomendó efectuar un monitoreo de la calidad del agua que incluya los meses de mayor precipitación pluvial así como la implementación de programas de gestión y cultura ambiental con los agricultores y ganaderos de la zona, dentro de las cuales se debe incluir el empleo de buenas prácticas agrícolas.

Planning for an environmental management programme in a luxury hotel and its perceived impact on staff: an exploratory case study

ABSTRACTHotels generate substantial environmental footprint. To minimise this footprint, hoteliers are increasingly engaging in environmental management programmes (EMPs). When designing such a programme, it is important that hotel managers do not only evaluate its effect on corporate strategy, finance, and reputation, but also analyse its impact on staff. This is because employees are in the forefront of hotel environmental management interventions and can determine their success or failure. This is also due to the impact that EMPs can make on staff attitudes, both at work and in private life. This study explores how hotel employees perceive an opportunity to engage in an EMP in a luxury hotel. It finds that a well-designed and implemented programme can strengthen the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment among hotel staff, subject to explaining the reasons for and outlining the benefits of environmental management interventions, incentivised participation, regular evaluation, and adequate training. The study also shows that EMPs implemented in a hotel may drive more environmentally responsible behaviour of employees outside work.

Evaluation of the effect of an environmental management program on exposure to manganese in a mining zone in Mexico

BackgroundIn the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, is found the largest second deposit of Manganese (Mn) in Latin America. Various studies on the sources of emission, exposure, and the effects on the health of children and adults have been conducted utilizing an ecosystem approach. Given the findings of Mn levels in air and the neurocognitive effects, an Environmental Management Program (EMP) was designed and implemented with the purpose of reducing exposure to Mn of the population, including various actions for reducing Mn emissions into the atmosphere. ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the EMP on the concentrations of Mn in air, as well as the modification of exposure to Mn in the blood and hair of adult residents of the communities intervened. MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in five rural communities, in which Mn concentrations were evaluated in air and in blood in the years 2002 and 2007, pre-intervention, and in 2013, postintervention. In 2003, the concentration of hair Mn among the communities was evaluated. Measurements were carried out of Particulate Matter (PM) of >10 and 2.5μm (PM10 and PM2.5), and Mn in PM10 and PM2.5 were measured using proton-induced X-ray emissions (PIXE). The method of Difference in Differences (DID) was applied to estimate the impact of EMP on Mn concentrations in particulate matter via linear regression through multilevel models. To evaluate the effect of Mn concentrations in air over Mn concentrations in blood in both study periods in the mining communities per year (2002 and 2013), a linear regression model for each year was employed. ResultsWe estimated that the EMP contributed to reducing the average daily concentrations of Mn in PM10 and PM2.5 by 92 and 85%, respectively. The adjusted model did not show an effect of Mn concentrations in air over Mn concentrations in blood in both study periods. ConclusionsThe results suggest that the measures implemented to reduce Mn emissions in air exerted a significant impact on the reduction of inhaled exposure in adult population.

Landslide susceptibility analysis lsa using weighted overlay method wom along the genting sempah to bentong highway pahang

This study focused on the Landslide Susceptibility Analysis (LSA) of the Karak highway, which link the Genting Sempah to Bentong area, Pahang. The physical relief of the study area is largely flat to undulating and moderately rough to steep mostly. The aims of this study are to identify the landslide prone area and to produce the Landslide Susceptibility Level (LSL) map using Weighted Overlay Method (WOM) integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. Landslide locations were identified in the study area from imagery and aerial photograph interpretations followed by field work observation. The topographic, geologic data and satellite images were collected, processed and constructed into a spatial database using image processing. The factors that influence landslide occurrences such as slope gradient, slope aspect, topographic curvature and distance from drainage were retrieved from the topographic database. Geomorphology, lithology and geological structure were generated from the geologic database; whereas land use and soil types from SPOT satellite data image. Several areas are considered as susceptible, such as areas of Ladang Fook Who, Kg. Temiang, Ladang Ng Chin Siu, Kemajuan Tanah Genting Pandak, Kg. Lentang, Kg. Baharu Bt. Tinggi and Ladang Pandak. To avoid or minimize the landslide occurrences, development planning has to consider the hazard and environmental management program. This engineering geological study may play a vital role in Landslide Risk Management (LRM) to ensure the public safety.

Motivating factors in hospital environmental management programs: a multiple case study in four private Brazilian hospitals

Abstract Environmental responsibility has been a widespread and relatively recent research theme in the healthcare sector. Considering that the greater life expectancy increases the need for healthcare services and that these services produce negative environmental externalities on human health, it is important to understand the relationship between environmental responsibility and the healthcare sector. This article aims to investigate what motivates hospital managers to adopt environmental responsibility programs and to identify the actions implemented by them. A multiple case study was conducted involving four Brazilian hospitals based in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The results indicate that the main drivers are competitive, ethical and regulatory and that the competitive and regulatory motivators have the potential to establish a baseline for environmental performance that varies across ownership type (public or private). The results also indicate that the comprehensiveness of environmental actions is related to organizational resilience and to the motivators that drive hospitals to adopt those actions. Two conceptual models are proposed to illustrate these findings and offer bases for further research.

Perceptions of Environmental and Quality Performance and Employee Support: The Role of OCB and OCBE

Researchers have noted the role of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) on both quality and environmental management programs (Bell & Menguc, 2002; Borial & Paille, 2011; Daily, Bishop & Govindarajulu, 2009). In addition, Daily, Govindarajulu, Bishop, and Palacios (2013) theorized a specific framework regarding the role of support and citizenship on environmental and quality outcomes. Their framework built on previous literature suggesting that perceptions of support from various organizational entities influence levels of OCBs, quality and environmental performance (Daily & Bishop, 2003; Daily, et al., 2009, Daily et al., 2013, Ramus, 2002). However, to date, a comprehensive empirical model testing these relationships has not been reported. Results suggest that OCB and Organizational Citizenship Behavior towards the Environment (OCBE) both mediate the effects of support on environmental and quality performance. Implications for managers are suggested.

Diagnóstico de los Niveles I: Acercar y II: Promoción de la producción y el consumo sostenible, del Programa de Gestión Ambiental Empresarial en Bogotá D.C.

Evaluation and feedback are essential in all management processes, especially when actions are aimed at target level of a local authority, especially as complex as a capital district. This document presents the main findings of the diagnosis that was made in Levels I and II of the Environmental Business Management Program (GAE by its acronym in spanish) in Bogota. For its development, management reports generated by the Secretaria Distrital de Ambiente (SDA) were consulted, and the approach of the actions in levels I and II quantitatively and qualitatively were evaluated. On the other hand, surveys were formulated and applied to both participating and external companies, the first ones, in spaces of the GAE Program, provided by the SDA, and the second through visits, phone calls and electronic mails. The analysis and processing of these data allowed us to establish the impact of levels I and II of the GAE Program on the perception, support and anagement of Cleaner Production (CP) and Sustainable Consumption (SC) in companies grounded in Bogota, the Capital District. Finally, based on the above, as well as in consultations with external entities, the recommendations for the planning and execution in order to contribute to the continuous improvement in the promotion of CP and SC in the productive sector were made.

EXAMINING PERFORMANCE OF STABILIZATION PONDS OF AHVAZ S SLAUGHTERHOUSE

A waste stabilization pond (WSP) is a hole in which household wastewater and other types of sewage are stored for long periods of time so that organic materials existing in them are deposited, decomposed and stabilized through exposure to light and heat and growth of algae and microorganisms. In WSPs, deposition and stabilization processes take place simultaneously. Such features make WSPs suitable for treating industrial sewage such as wastewaters produced by slaughterhouses, dairy plants and canned food factories. The present study sampled wastewaters collected and treated by the treatment plant of a slaughterhouse in Ahvaz and compared the relevant measured parameters with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran in order to determine the efficiency of WSPs in treating wastewaters and making them usable for irrigation purposes. The results indicate that Turbidity , BOD 5, PH, COD, TDS, and TSS values for the treated wastewaters stood at >1000 NTU, 912 mg/lit, 8.78, 1520 mg/lit, 1052 mg/lit, and 2180 mg/lit respectively. A comparison of these values with the standard values set by the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran revealed a significant difference. This finding shows that the wastewater treatment plant under study had a poor productivity and performance and that wastewater treated by that facility could not be used for irrigation or pumped into surface waters. Therefore, environmental management programs and solutions have been suggested in order to help control and reduce the adverse effects of treated wastewater.

Trophic ecology drives contaminant concentrations within a tropical seabird community

To support environmental management programs, there is an urgent need to know about the presence and understand the dynamics of major contaminants in seabird communities of key marine ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the concentrations and trophodynamics of trace elements in six seabird species and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in three seabird species breeding on Grand Connétable Island (French Guiana), an area where the increase in human population and mining activities has raised concerns in recent years. Red blood cell Hg concentrations in adults were the highest in Magnificent frigatebirds Fregata magnificens (median: 5.6 μg g−1 dw; range: 3.8–7.8 μg g−1 dw) and lowest in Sooty terns Onychoprion fuscatus (median: 0.9 μg g−1 dw; range: 0.6–1.1 μg g−1 dw). Among POPs, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) was the most abundant compound in plasma of Cayenne terns Thalasseus sandvicensis (median: 1100 pg g−1 ww; range: 160 ± 5100 pg g−1 ww), while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most abundant compound class in plasma of Magnificent frigatebirds (median: 640 pg g−1 ww; range 330 ± 2700 pg g−1 ww). While low intensity of POP exposure does not appear to pose a health threat to this seabird community, Hg concentration in several adults Laughing gulls Leucophaeus atricilla and Royal terns Thalasseus maximus, and in all Magnificent frigatebirds was similar or higher than that of high contaminated seabird populations. Furthermore, nestling red blood cells also contained Hg concentrations of concern, and further studies should investigate its potential health impact in this seabird community. Differences in adult trophic ecology of the six species explained interspecific variation in exposure to trace element and POPs, while nestling trophic ecology provides indications about the diverse feeding strategies adopted by the six species, with the consequent variation in exposure to contaminants.

Cleaner Production and PDCA cycle: Practical application for reducing the Cans Loss Index in a beverage company

Environmental management is a commonly sought-after organizational goal today. Organizations with a successful environmental management program in place have gained prominence in the competitive market and, in addition, generated considerable improvements in their processes. With these concerns in mind, this paper aims to implement a Cleaner Production program based on the plan-do-check-action method to reduce an organization's Cans Loss Index (CLI). For this study, a literature review was carried out; data were collected from institutional documents; and a direct field observation was made. We suggested to implement the following actions: training in standards; review of maintenance plans; controls per line segment; design of a matrix of responsibilities; alignment between different functions of the company; and equipment maintenance. As a result, the annual CLI fell from 0.97% (April–July) to 0.78% (end of year), representing a drop of more than 35% in costs from one semester to the next. In the second year, the CLI reached the goal of 0.60%, and costs have reduced by 28.91% in the first four months. Thus, both improvements in quality and productivity of the organization and significant reduction of waste in the production of beverage cans were achieved as a result of implementing the proposed Cleaner Production program.

The Environmental Management System in a Health Structure: The Case study of ORC-Aviano (Italy)

The Oncology Reference Center (ORC) of Aviano (Italy) organization principles are based on the criteria of effectiveness efficiency and cost-effectiveness in compliance to clinical autonomy leading to the continuous improvement of services provided and the research activities in order to ensure maximum level of safety for patients and operators. Within these values the adoption of environmental sustainable management voluntary systems such as ISO 14000 and EMAS has been evaluated and proposed. To this note the Initial Environmental Analysis (IEA) is presented allowing basic targets for improvement and implementation of environmental management programs as well as highlighting the effectiveness of the adoption of sustainable management of voluntary EMAS instrument. Phases to define and evaluate the environmental factors were analysed and the relationship between the site and the surrounding zone was performed according to the characteristics of “sensitivity” and “vulnerability” of the affected area. Specifying different degrees of priority which the problems must be managed to a medium priority rating was found for short term interventions Some improvements in the hospital waste management were identified among these the preparation of guidelines applicable to current operational practices are the most reliable.

Desempenho Ambiental de uma empresa do sector vinícola

The wine industry is highly relevant to the Portuguese economy because of its exportation capacity, contributing positively to the national trade balance. The environmental and sustainable development concerns of these businesses are growing and now are seen as key areas for competitiveness in this sector. This study addresses the environmental performance of a winery, in order to identify significant environmental aspects, assess legal compliance, leading to the definition of strategies and actions that can foster performance improvements. Eco-efficiency indicators were also applied to support the establishment of objectives and targets aiming the savings of energy, water, and raw-materials, and cumulatively, reducing the production of wastes and noise. After the identification of the environmental aspects and impacts, and the application of a method for establishing its relevance, it was possible to identify the significant environmental aspects of this company, such as the consumption of water and electricity, the use of containers in glass and card, the wastewater and the utilization of hydrofluorocarbons in the refrigeration system. Finally several actions were proposed to promote the improvement of this organization’s environmental performance, included in an Environmental Management Program.

Identifying and categorizing cobenefits in state-supported Australian indigenous environmental management programs: international research implications

Barber, M., and S. Jackson. 2017. Identifying and categorizing cobenefits in state-supported Australian indigenous environmental management programs: international research implications. Ecology and Society 22(2):11. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-09114-220211

Characterization of new fruit and grape plantations in the Southeastern part of Hungary

As part of environmental management programs, fruit planting and replanting has been receiving a stronger emphasis. Planning and designing grape and fruit plantations require farmers to use cost-effective technologies and reduce energy consumption. The purpose of this paper is to examine the distribution, area, type and number of plantations in the south-eastern part of Hungary over a period of seven years (2009-2015). The results obtained suggest that vineyards were the most predominant plantation types in the period under consideration, with the exception of 2012. Apricot, cherry and plum plantations were the most prevalent of all the fruit plantations included in the study. The most favourite types of grapes were green (white). In 2013, fruits claimed the highest share in the total structure of plantations examined. The average area of a planned fruit garden was about 33 % larger than that of a vineyard. The number and composition of new plantations in the south-eastern part of Hungary were in accordance with the public regulations.

Mean trophic level of coastal fisheries landings in the Persian Gulf (Hormuzgan Province), 2002–2011

Fishing activities can alter the structure of marine food webs by the selective removal of some species. The changes in the marine food webs of the Hormuzgan waters of the Persian Gulf, Iran were assessed, based on estimates of the mean trophic index (MTI) and Fishing in Balance index (FiB), and on landing profile of the exploited marine community (49 species) during the period, 2002–2011. The total landings (Yt) (R=0.88, P<0.001) increased gradually while the Yt of carnivores has slightly declined, and the Yt of herbivores, detritivores and omnivores has increased. Consequently, the MTI significantly decreased (R =-0.69, P<0.05) at a rate of 0.11 during this decade. The MTI showed a decreasing trend, which indicates exploitation of marine resources. The FiB index also showed a downward trend and negative values from 2002 to 2009, which may be associated with unbalanced structure in the fisheries, but an upward trend from 2009 to 2011. The time variation of the landing profile showed two periods with significant diff erences in their species composition (R=0.88; P =0.005), and based on analysis of similarity, species have been identified as discriminator species, namely Thunnus albacores and Benthosema pterotum. Results indicate that changes in MTI reflected changes in the Hormuzgan landing structure. The examination of the MTI, FBI, and landing profile (LP) temporal pattern suggests that the status of fishery resources in Hormuzgan inshore waters is overexploited, and provides evidence of the probability that a fishing down process is occurring in this area, and that this trend may continue in the long-term. Therefore, environmental fisheries management and conservation programs should be prioritized for these valuable resources.

Returpack: the integrator of the beverage can recycling process

Subject area Emerging markets, business models, information technology. Study level/applicability This case is designed for MBA groups or students from MSc in Management, International Business, Logistics, Information Systems or Environmental Management programs. It can be covered in courses on Strategy, Process Management, International Business, Process Management, Supply Chain Management and Managing Information Systems. Case overview Returpack is a Hungarian company dealing with reverse vending machines (RVMs) that collect aluminum beverage cans, even in crushed form, based on a worldwide technology innovation. All RVMs are online and monitored and managed remotely. RVMs are mainly “fed” by the poorest, often homeless people, who are still motivated by the extremely low (less than 1 euro cent for a can) incentive that comes from the selling of the aluminum waste to recycling smelters. Based on the success of the business model in Hungary, projects were planned in the USA, Austria, Romania, and Turkey in 2013. However, beyond economic, legal and cultural challenges, a dramatic decline in the global aluminum waste prices early in 2014 questioned the return on investment at these projects. Advancements in the material-recognition technologies at waste sorting plants raise further questions. Expected learning outcomes Evaluating the business model innovation in the case by combining the different approaches of the business model concept with the knowledge on the recycling industry, the crowdsourcing method and the Internet of Things. Based upon this, students may identify and evaluate options for implementing the business model in and adapting to new markets, also by simulating these changes in a formal (numerical) business model. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject codes Strategy. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy

INDEKS PELESTARIAN FUNGSI LINGKUNGAN HIDUP (IPLH): SARANA ALTERNATIF UNTUK MENILAI KINERJA PENGELOLAAN LINGKUNGAN PERKOTAAN

Evaluating the performance of the urban environmental management in Indonesia is not easy task due to the fact that there is no standard measure that can be utilities for evaluation. The parameters that are employed in urban environmental management are not often complete and sometimes apply to a certain sector only. Clean urban program (Adipura) and clean river program (Prokasih) are the example of this sectoral approach which is not justifiable and impressive result. However, attempts should be made to find a workable way to support decision making processes. This research uses a deterministic dynamics approach to model the dynamic performance of urban environmental management for the town of Majalaya. Results indicates that the urban environmental management program for the town of Majalaya has achieved high degree of performance. However, most other town in Bandung regency are generally need further improvement. Three methods that have been used to study their dynamic behavior may be used to measure the improvement of the urban environment management program. Key word: Performance, Urban Environmental management.

Zoonosis associated to Rattus rattus and the impacts of the public actions to control the species

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of the black rat, Rattus rattus , in major Brazilian cities has increased in the recent years. To evaluate if the efforts of public rodent control have been reaching the species in the city of São Paulo, a survey was conducted in flooding areas using live trapping before and after implementation of the control program. Captures were carried out from 2009 to 2011, and animals were evaluated for their risk of zoonosis transmission. The number of R. rattus captured after control did not differ from the number of animals captured before the control program in the Spring/Summer season, but, in the Autumn/Winter season, effective control was observed. Low infestations of Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera) and Echinolaelaps echidninus (Acarina) were observed, and antibodies against Leptospira spp. were detected in just 1 of 65 serum samples. Ten out of 18 serum samples were sororeactive for Vaccinia virus, suggesting contact between R. rattus and the pathogen Calodium hepaticum (= Capillaria hepaticum ) (Nematoda) was found in the liver of 73.4% of captured R. rattus. In conclusion, R. rattus may not be effectively controlled by the rodent Control Program in the city of São Paulo, and represents a threat to human health, justifying permanent environmental management and educational programs.