Unit 1 Business Culture and Responsibilities_LO1 (GC01038)
Table of Contents
Task 1.1: The Company is required to produce a report on ‘improving the sustainability within a business environment’ by ‘analyzing the benefits of keeping the waste to a minimum.
Task 1.2a: The Company is required to write a report on the agreed procedures for ‘recycling’.
Task 1.2b: The Company is required to write a report on the agreed procedures for ‘disposing of waste’.
Task 1.2c: The Company is required to write a report on the agreed procedures for ‘maintaining equipment’.
Task 1.3: The Company is required to write a report suggesting ways to reduce waste in a business environment.
Task 1.4: The Company is suggested to implement one of the suggestions to reduce the waste within an organizational context.
Task 1.5: Evaluate the impact of change.
Reference.
Task 1.1: The Company is required to produce a report on ‘improving the sustainability within a business environment’ by ‘analyzing the benefits of keeping the waste to a minimum.
According to Li (2014), waste minimization is a practice or process through which the quantity of generated waste is reduced with the main objective of producing the least of unwanted by-products through the optimal use of raw materials, water, and energy; that reduced the amount of waste entering the environment It supports any company’s aim for a “Clean technology” production which means full utilization of resources, cost savings in storage, treatment & disposal of generated waste by reducing its volume and its strength or concentration, improves environmental compliance, ensures profit, and promote a corporate good image. Waste minimization practice benefits not only the company or the waste generator but the government regulatory agency as well. This includes social, environmental, and financial.
Financial
Kawai (2014) disclosed that the company can cut costs by using materials more effectively, reducing the amount of waste the company needs to dispose of and improving the efficiency of the company’s staff and contractors. The company may then be able to offer the company’s services at a lower price to try and win more tenders.
Actively reducing waste from the company’s construction projects can also differentiate the company’s business from the company’s competitors by becoming a ‘green’ builder. Clients who are aware of the impact that waste can have on their costs and public image are increasingly seeking to use contractors that understand and pursue reductions in waste.
Environmental
The environmental benefits of reducing waste include:
- less waste going to landfill
- less use of natural resources
- lower CO2 emissions – e.g. from producing, transporting and using materials and recycling or disposing of the waste materials
- lower risk of pollution incidents
Social
The main approach and, clearly, the easiest to catch, with regards to the social acceptability when implementing a waste management system, either integrated system or special waste flow-oriented, is focused on the economical means. A high level of client satisfaction could enhance the company’s image and encourage repeat business (Barlaz, 2016). Improve site safety through better waste management. For demolition, reduce risks from hazardous materials due to more careful dismantling techniques and correct removal and disposal (e.g. asbestos).
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Task 1.2a: The Company is required to write a report on the agreed procedures for ‘recycling’.
Mitchell (2015) stated that the recycling process involves 3 main steps, which form a circle or loop. They are (1) collecting the recyclables, (2) processing the recyclables and turning them into recycled-content products, and (3) purchasing recycled products.
All three steps are crucial for the loop to be closed. Should any of the steps be missing, the benefits of recycling would be greatly reduced.
The 3 steps are applicable to all recyclables. Nonetheless, Step 2 of the process may vary in the method for different types of recyclables.
The 3 main steps in the process of recycling are described in greater detail as follows:
Step 1. Collection
In the first step of the recycling process, the recyclables materials are collected. The methods of collection may vary from community to community. However, there are four main methods of collection, namely curbside, drop-off centers, buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs. After collection, the recyclables are then sent to a materials recovery facility to be sorted and prepared into marketable commodities to be sold to processing companies (Mitchell, 2015).
Step 2. Processing
In the second step of the recycling process, the recyclables are processed. Once cleaned and sorted, the recyclables are processed to retrieve the raw materials, and the raw materials are then used in manufacturing recycled-content products. All recyclables need to break down, melted or liquefied into their basic elements before it can be either made directly into new materials or mixed with virgin resources and made into new materials. However, the method of processing for different materials varies. For example, recyclables like glass, aluminum cans, and steel need to be melted into a liquid form and then remolded into new products. Recyclables such as glass, paper, and certain plastic products may have to be crushed, or shredded, as part of the processing to extract the basic elements or raw materials (e.g. fiber in the paper) for use in making new products (Mitchell, 2015).
Step 3. Purchasing Recycled Products
The third step involves purchasing recycled products. This third step completes the recycling loop. More and more of today’s products are being manufactured with total or partial recycled content. As consumers demand more environmentally sound products, manufacturers will continue to meet that demand by producing high-quality recycled products (Mitchell, 2015)………………