Module Title: Participating In Environmentally Sustainable

Work Practices

TTLM Code: EIS BCW1TTLM 09 19v1

This module includes the following Learning Guides
LG10: Identify Current Resource use
LG Code :EIS BCW1M04LO1-LG-10
LG11 : Comply with environmental regulations
LG Code :EIS BCW1M04LO2-LG-11
LG-12:Seek opportunities to improve resource efficiency
LG Code :EIS BCW1M04LO3-LG-12

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 Instruction Sheet Learning Guide #10

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Identifying Environmental and resource efficiency issues
 Identifying resources used in own work role
 Documenting and measuring current usage of resources
 Recording and filing documentation
 Identifying Workplace environmental hazards to appropriate personnel
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:
 Identify Environmental and resource efficiency issues
 Identify resources used in own work role
 Document and measure current usage of resources
 Record and file documentation
 Identify Workplace environmental hazards to appropriate personnel
Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Follow the instructions described below 3 to 15
3. Read the information written in the information “Sheet 1, Sheet 2, Sheet 3 and Sheet 4”.
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1, Self-check t 2, Self-check 3 and Self-check 4” in page -7, 8,
11, 13 and 15respectively.

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 Identifying Environmental and resource efficiency
Information Sheet-1
issues

1.1 What is environmental sustainability?

So much of what we buy, do or use every day has an environmental impact or
effect. Using petrol in our cars, electricity in our homes and paper in our offices
makes an impact on the environment. In our modern lives, it is not realistic to
expect that we stop using our cars or our appliances completely. But we can
start to use them in a way that reduces their environmental impact.
If something is environmentally sustainable, it can be continued to be used at
a certain rate, without interruption. Environmental sustainability means that
something can be used or produced without affecting the ability of future
generations to either have the same thing, or enjoy the natural environment
from which it came or where it was used.

Sometimes environmental sustainability means taking things from the natural

environment at a slower rate. For example, there are strict rules on how many
of particular species of fish may be harvested each season. This is to ensure
that there are enough fish remaining to replenish the population, so there are
enough left to harvest in future seasons.

Examples of environmental workplace initiatives include:

 using less paper by printing on both sides using less electricity by
adjusting computer settings and turning machines off overnight
 using less fuel for transport by adjusting travel requirements
 introducing paper recycling schemes
 encouraging staff to use washable cups rather than disposable
ones
 Donating office equipment to other organizations rather than
throwing it away when it is upgraded.
1.2 Identify Environmental and Resource Efficiency Issues

Many organizations are finding that they can save costs and create a competitive advantage by
reducing their greenhouse emissions. The environmental performance of products and
services has become a key issue in today’s business environment.

Organizations are investigating ways to improve their environmental performance. This can
often be achieved through better resource efficiency.

Environmental and resource efficiency issues will vary depending on the industry, organization,
and activities conducted.

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However, some of the issues that you may face include:

 Maximizing opportunities to improve business environmental performance.

 Minimizing environmental risks.
 Promoting more efficient production and consumption of natural resources, for example
minimizing waste by participating in or using a waste management system. Using
resources efficiently such as material usage, energy usage (seeking alternative sources
of energy or energy conservation) or efficient water usage.
1. Resource Efficiency
Resource efficiency looks at energy, water and material use and waste generation.
Energy Use: - reducing energy consumption can lead to cost savings and a reduction of greenhouse
emissions generated from burning fossil fuels. You can save energy by:
 Turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
 Using power saving functions on office equipment.
 Using efficient motors.
 Using efficient lights.
 Replacing incandescent tubes with fluorescent tubes.
 Installing skylights.
 Keeping heating at 20 degrees Celsius.
 Insulating rooms.
 Fitting self-closing doors.
 Minimizing the use of hot water.
 Using alternative energy sources.
The strategies used will depend on the activities the business participates in, the type of industry, and
the resources and
2. Water Use
You can save water by:
 Comparing your water usage to others and make adjustments where needed.
 Fixing dripping taps.
 Fixing leaking pipes.
 Avoiding using water wherever possible.
 Investigating ways to use or treat wastewater.
You may also be able to save water by using alternative treatments or chemicals for production
purposes.
3. Material Use
To improve the way you use materials, you could look at:
The way packaging is used.

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  Using materials that produce less waste.
 The environmental standards of your suppliers.
 Using recycled materials. Using products designed for long life.
 Avoiding buying products or services that have a high risk.
 Only storing materials that you need.
 Storing all materials in designated areas.
 Keeping stored materials labeled.
 Keeping storage areas clean.
 Ensuring storage containers are sealed.
 Keeping spill kits in chemical storage areas.
The procedures in your workplace will depend on the types of materials that are used.
Dangerous or hazardous goods will have strict procedures regarding their use,storage and disposal
Waste Generation
In regards to waste generation, it is important to remember the 3 R’s:
 Reduce
 Reuse
 Recycle

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You can reduce waste by:

 Quantifying the waste you produce

 Accounting for the difference between raw materials and products produced
 Examining work activities to identify ways to reduce waste
 Keeping a running tally for waste production.
You can reuse by:
 Reusing drums and other containers.
 Reusing materials within work activities.
 Selling waste to other production processes.
You can recycle by
 Segregating waste where possible
 Composting organic waste
 Separating recyclable waste.
It is important to speak to those responsible for collecting waste to determine what is possible for your
organization

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 Self-Check -1 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. Write at least four examples of environmental workplace initiatives (4points)
2. Write the important environmental and resource efficiency issues.(3 points)
3. What are the types of resources used to sustain environment (3point)
4. How can you save water as a resource (4)

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Note: Satisfactory rating – above 7 points Unsatisfactory - below 7points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Information Sheet-2 Identify Resources in Your Work Role

You should look to identify possibilities for improving environmental and resource efficiency
within your own work role. This includes being familiar with the environmental hazards and
resources used. You, as a worker, are the closest and most familiar on a daily basis with the
materials, products and equipment you use.
Whatever your role in the organization, there is an effect or product that results from what you
do. Resources are all the materials and energy that go in to producing that effect or product.
The resources used may include plant and machinery.
They also include lights, office equipment, stationery, raw materials, chemicals and other
products.
When identifying the resources used, also consider the secondary resources. These are the
toolsand equipment that are required for you to do your job. Secondary resources may include
toilet facilities, lunchroom facilities or showers
Self-Check -2 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. What is resource (2point)
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 2. How can we identify possibilities for improving environmental and resource efficiency
within your own work role.(4 points)

Note: Satisfactory rating – above 3 points Unsatisfactory - below 3 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: __________

Information Sheet-3
Documenting and measuring current usage of resources

1.4Measure Current Resource Usage

Once you have identified the resources used, you will need to calculate a usage rate. This will provide a
basis for tracking and monitoring your progress towards becoming more efficient. Some resource usage
may be readily available by reviewing supplier invoices. Current water and electricity bills provide usage
rates that can easily be compared over time. To determine your organization’s current resource use,
you will need to conduct an assessment. Firstly, you will need to determine what resource usage you
are going to look at.
The next step is to determine how you will measure the resources use. You can either:
 Conduct a desktop assessment
 Conduct a physical assessment.
A desktop assessment will involve reviewing reports and records

You will need to determine which records can provide you with the information needed to determine
energy usage. The records needed may include:

 Purchasing logs.
 Receipts.
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  Water or energy bills.
 Waste bills.
 Equipment lists and specifications.
A physical assessment will involve physically counting items or observingemployees. You may want to
undertake a workplace inspection.

Appropriate techniques to resource usage may include but not limited to:
 examining and documenting resources in work area
 examining invoices from suppliers
 examining relevant information and data
 measuring resource usage under different conditions
 reports from other parties involved in the process of identifying and implementing
improvements
Resource Use, Waste Generation and Efficiency Profile

The purpose of establishing your resource use, waste generation and efficiency profile is to
collect and analyze baseline data for your premises. This baseline data can then be used to
identify an appropriate efficiency indicator and track yourprogress as you implement your
environmental strategies.

There are five steps in the process

Step 1 – Collect data

Step 2 – Analyze data

Step 3 – Establish a baseline period

Step 4 – Identify activities

Step 5 – Estimate resource use and waste generation for the key activities.

Step 1 – Collect Data

To undertake this assessment, you need to collect the following information:
 The quantity of resources used by type
 The quantity of production or activity at the site by type
 The quantity of waste generated by type
 The quantity of greenhouse gas emissions associated with each input and output
 If possible,a separation or estimation of the amount of water used for fire testing.

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Where possible, this data should be collected over a 2-year period and recorded on a monthly
basis. Having monthly data collected over this timeframe will help you identify seasonal trends.
Step 2 – Analyze Data
Look for patterns in your data and consider the seasonal aspects that affect your resource use
or waste generation. If your data allows, look for variations within weeks to identify trends on a
weekly basis as well as on a monthly basis.
Compare the resource consumption and waste generation to your business activities. Some
industries have resource efficiency indicators that are already set.
Step 3 – Establish a Baseline Period
Using the information collected, you will need to establish baseline data. This is the data you
will use to evaluate your improvements against. The data you use should be current (i.e. no
more than 2 years old) and contain at least 12 months data.
The baseline data needs to be reviewed against your 2-year period data. You need to
determine if it represents a typical year at your workplace. If not, you should indicatewhy and
estimate what a typical year will look like.
Step 4 – Identify Activities
When analyzing your data, it is preferable to divide it by activities at your workplace rather than
departments or sections.
Use of resources and the waste generated is usually relevant to particular activities so this will
give you more accurate information to work with. You will need to start by listing all the
common activities.
Step 5 – Estimate Resource Use and Waste Generation for Key Activities
As the use of resources and the wastes generated are often inter-related, you should firstly
undertake an integrated mass and energy balance for the whole site.
When estimating the resource use and waste generation for each activity, remember these key
principles:
 Sum (individual activity resources/wastes) = Total resource/wastes
 Sum (inputs) = sum (outputs)

Self-Check -3 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. What information should we collect to undertake the assessment of data (4points)
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 2. Demonstrate the five steps ofresource use, waste generation and efficiency profile
(10 points)
3. What are the appropriate techniques to resource usage (4)

Note: Satisfactory rating – above 9 points Unsatisfactory - below 9 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Information Sheet-4 Recording and filing documentation

4.1 Record and file documentation measuring current usage

Organizations record information, create documents and file them for future use as part of daily
business activity. Filing can be one of the most frustrating jobs for any employee, but when it is
done in a structured way it can be done quickly and save a lot of time when a document is
required in the future. You need to select the most appropriate method for recording
information based on what you are recording, the nature of your organisation and any
particular procedures and guidelines that already exist. You need to ensure you familiarise
yourself with your organisation’s requirements.

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Why record and file documents?
The previous section explained the importance of measuring resource usage.
This is because it helps provide information on how effectively an environmental initiative has
reduced resource usage, identifies opportunities for improvement and helps us understand any
cost savings.
It is important that this data is recorded and filed for future access. Some reasons for this are
listed below.
Compliance
There may be workplace policies and procedures in place that require this data to be collected
and stored for a period of time.
Often these procedures are to support legal requirements, so it is important that the records
are kept and stored for audit purposes
Record usage
How often you collect resource usage data will depend on the type of document you use to
record your information.
Generally, if you are collecting data regularly, it is most useful to record that data in a database
format, whether in a spreadsheet or a database.
It is helpful, though notnecessary, to name date columns with numbers, rather than text, as this
helps keep them in order in some applications. For example, if you sorted months
alphabetically your list would start with April, August, December – and end with September.
Putting the year before the month means that it is easier to compare the same month in
different years without confusion.
How you structure your table will depend on how you wish to present your data.
For future analysis, it is helpful to keep one master table that summarises the key information
and then select different fields to create any graphs or diagrams. If data is stored in several
places, it’s much harder to analyse results.
File documents
Documents are filed so that they can be easily accessed at a future date, whether for
further business use or for legal compliance requirements. Filing can be done either
electronically or in hard copy. Files are increasingly being stored electronically, as this is
much simpler for organisations to manage and it is easier to control access.
Self-Check -4 Written Test
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 Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. What are the reasons to file a document (6point )
2. Why record and file documents?(4 points)

Note: Satisfactory rating – above 5 points Unsatisfactory - below 5 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Information Sheet-5
Identifying Workplace environmental hazards to
appropriate personnel

5.1 Workplace environmental hazards

Workplace environmental hazards include noise pollution, air pollution, chemicals, dust, fumes
and disposal hazards.
When considering what environmental hazards might exist in a workplace, think about what
might happen if things go wrong. For example, storing chemicals may not be a significant
environmental hazard, but a leak or spill can create a more significant hazard. Therefore, when
assessing environmental hazards, you should think about all possibilities, not just what
happens in daily business. Here are some examples of workplace environmental hazards.
Noise pollution; - Prolonged periods in a noisy environment can cause damage to hearing
such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or permanent hearing loss. This can occur in
manufacturing environments, for example. If you work in such an environment, you may be
required to use protective equipment such as ear plugs or ear muffs to protect your hearing.
Air pollution Air pollution can come from many sources, the most common being general
smog levels, vehicle emissions and industrial emissions. Air pollution can cause a range of

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health problems including eye and throat irritations or more severe conditions such as
bronchitis.
Chemicals;- There are many potentially hazardous chemicals used in workplaces. These
include corrosives such as sulphuric acid and caustic soda, irritants such as ammonia, and
sensitising agents. Exposure can cause skin disease, poisoning or respiratory illness. These
chemicals must be handled using the appropriate procedures and protective equipment.
Dust and fumes;–Dust and fume hazards can be created in a variety of ways and may
result in respiratory concerns. Most people are aware of the risks when handling lead or
asbestos but some timbers, other building materials, paints and cement can also potentially
affect your health and the environment. Be sure to use the appropriate protective equipment.
Disposal hazards;- There are regulations for the correct disposal of many chemicals and
other potentially hazardous materials. It is not appropriate to pour some chemicals down the
sink or to throw some things, like batteries, into general rubbish. These materials are usually
clearly marked and you should follow instruction carefully.

Self-Check -5 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. Write the defence between risk and hazard (4 points)
2. Write examples of workplace environmental hazards(6points)

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Note: Satisfactory rating – above 5 points Unsatisfactory - below 5 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Instruction Sheet LG11 : Comply with environmental regulations

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 following work place procedures to ensure compliance
 Reporting breaches or potential breaches
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:
 follow work place procedures to Ensure compliance
 Report breaches or potential breaches
Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Follow the instructions described below 18 to 21
3. Read the information written in the information “Sheet 1, and Sheet 2,
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1, Self-check and Self-check”2in page -19 and
21respectively.

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 Information Sheet-1 following work place procedures to ensure
compliance

1.1 Complying with environmental regulations

Compliance is about meeting the requirements of accepted practices ,legislation , prescribed

rules /regulations , specified standards , or the terms of a contract . Businesses must comply
with environmental standards to ensure sustainability.

 Legislation and Compliance

What is Compliance? Compliance is acting in accordance with rules or standards.

What is an act? An act is a written law passed by Parliament.

What is a regulation? A regulation is a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

Rules designed to control or govern conduct.

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What is a code of practice? A code of practice is a set of rules or standards which have
been designed in accordance with legislation and regulations, and are enforced by local
government agencies.

Is also written guidelines issued by an official body setting out recommended or preferred
processes, actions or organizational structures to be applied in a given setting.

Law - legislation passed by governments which is enforceable by courts.

Best practice - methods and techniques that have consistently shown superior results which
are used as benchmarks .

 Compliance may include but not limited to:

 meeting relevant laws, by-laws and regulations or best practice to support
compliance in environmental performance and sustainability at each level as
required (such as Environmental Protection or Biodiversity Conservation Act):
 international
 local government
 industry
 organization

Self-Check -1 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. Describe the following words:-
a. Compliance (2point)
b. Best practice (2point)
c. a regulation (2point)
d. an act (2point)

2. what are work place compliances (4points)

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Note: Satisfactory rating – above 6 points Unsatisfactory - below 6 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Information Sheet-2
Reporting breaches or potential breaches
2.1 Report breaches and potential breaches
Once you have identified a breach or potential breach, you should report it to the appropriate
personnel. This can be difficult when you have identified a breach or potential breach
performed by another employee. Most people do not like to feel like they are creating trouble
for their peers or colleagues.
However, you must remember that breaches can put you, other employees or the
environment at risk. In some cases, they may also affect the organization’s compliance with
external laws and regulations.
Who to report to

How you should report the breach or potential breach will depend on your organization’s
structure. You should find out who in your organization is responsible for managing breaches
or potential breaches of workplace procedure, particularly those relating to environmental
regulations.
Your organization may have an environment officer who has responsibility for the whole
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organization or there may be a representative in each department whoreports to the
environment officer. The person responsible for workplace health and safety may also have
responsibility for environmental hazards and breaches.
In smaller organizations, this role may not be specifically assigned, requiring youto report it to
the owner or manager.
Different breaches may need to be reported to different people, particularly in larger
organizations. Your supervisor should be able to advise who a breach is reported to. Even if
you report it to another supervisor or manager, you should still in form your supervisor.

Things that might affect who you report a breach to include:

•Where the breach occurred, which will affect if you tell your supervisor or one
in another area
• The time at which the breach or potential breach was observed and who is
available to report it to
• Whether it is an actual breach that is currently occurring and represents a risk,
or a potential breach that requires preventative action.

Self-Check -2 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the
next page:
1. How you should report the breach or potential breach’s(3points)
2. Write the things that might affect who you report a breach.(3 points)

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Note: Satisfactory rating – above 3 points Unsatisfactory - below 3 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

LG-12:Seek opportunities to improve resource

Instruction Sheet
efficiency

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Following Organizational plans
 Seeking Work as part of a team
 Making suggestions for work place improvements
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:
 Follow Organizational plans
 Seek Work as part of a team
 Make suggestions for work place improvements

Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.

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 2. Follow the instructions described below 24 to 33.
3. Read the information written in the information “Sheet 1, Sheet 2,and Sheet 3
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1, Self-check and 2, Self-check 3in page -27, 29 and 33
respectively.

Operation Sheet 1
Following Organizational plans

1.1 Follow plans to improve environmental practice and resource

efficiency

An important part of achieving any objective is to develop a plan for achieving it.
When a business has an objective such as improving resource use or reducing their
environmental footprint, they must develop a detailed plan to help them achieve
In fact, in a business where there may be many people involved in achieving an objective, it is
even more important to have a clear plan with supporting procedures, schedules and work
plans, so that all employees know what is expected of them. This is called an organizational
plan.
An organizational plan is a detailed outline of the work that must be completed for a business
to achieve its objectives. Some organizations refer to this as the business plan.

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 Develop organizational plans
Some organizational or business plans are developed and updated annually, as part of
the regular business planning process. Often, organizational plans are developed in such
a way that the work being done throughout the organization is in line with the key
objectives.
There are usually several steps to developing the plan:

1. Develop key objectives

2. Develop departmental objectives
3. Develop team objectives
4. Develop individual objectives
5. Documented policies and procedures
6. Work plans to minimize waste or to increase efficiency of resources
such as a green office program, supply chain program for purchasing
sustainable products or an environmental management framework

Develop key objectives

Key objectives are generally limited to between three and five goals; however, there may be
numerous supporting projects to achieve these objectives.
Usually completed by senior management, these objectives are generally very high level.
 Lighting initiatives, such as changing to more efficient forms of lighting or installing
sensor lighting in less frequently used work areas
 Making adjustments to office climates, so that the air-conditioning and heating
systems run more efficiently
 Waste reduction programs.

Supply chain programs

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The employees responsible for managing purchasing can help reduce the organization’s
environmental footprint by making environmental issues one of the criteria for their purchasing
decisions. Cost, value for money, reliability and product warranty will remain important criteria,
but often purchasing items with good environmental credentials will also be financially
beneficial. For example, a printer that can print on both sides of the paper and is more energy
efficient may be more expensive to purchase, but it will have reduced running costs because it
uses less electricity and paper, so it may be cheaper in the long run. Other supply chain
initiatives that can contribute to environmental sustainability are outlined below.

Supply chain programs

Purchasing products in bulk to reduce the amount of

packaging required

Working with suppliers to make deliveries using

re-usable
Packaging rather than disposable packaging

Choosing equipment that has a higher electricity or

water efficiency
Rating when replacing office equipment

Choosing vehicles for company fleets that are more

fuel efficient
And consequently cheaper to run

Ensuring equipment and vehicles are regularly maintained to

Increase their efficiency

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 Supporting suppliers with a good reputation for environmental
Management

Purchasing products that are made from

renewable resources,
Such as office paper made from
recycled materials

Self-Check -1 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. What is an organizational plan? (2point)
2. Write the five steps to develop plan (10 points)

Note: Satisfactory rating – above 6 pointsPage 25 of 32

Unsatisfactory - below 6points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.
 Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Information Sheet- 2 Seeking Work as part of a team

2.1Work as a team to identify possible areas for improvement

to work practice
Many of the most effective changes to improve environmental practices and resource
efficiency are simple changes that can be made with little or no financial investment. Those
that do require investment are often paid back by savings from reducing use of the resources
required.
You should continually look for opportunities to improve environmental work practices and
resource efficiency in your home, school or workplace.
Identifying these opportunities gives you and your colleagues the chance to implement them
and help reduce the environmental impact of your daily activities.

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 2.2Workpracticeimprovementopportunities
Most workplaces, schools and homes have a number of opportunities for improvement in
environmental work practices and resource efficiency. This can before various reasons,
including that:
 Current practices have been in place for a long time and have not been reviewed
with the objective of reducing the environmental footprint
 Staff changes have meant that procedures designed to reduce environmental
impact are not being followed thoroughly
 Existing procedures for reducing environmental impact have been successfully introduced,
but further refinement will increase their success
 Other changes in the organization have created additional opportunities for reducing
environmental impact
 There has not previously been a focus on improving environmental work
practices or resource efficiency.

Self-Check -2 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the next
page:
1. Write the reasons for workplaces, schools and homes have a number of
opportunities for improvement in environmental work practices and resource
efficiency. (10point)

Page 27 of 32
Note: Satisfactory rating – above 5 points Unsatisfactory - below 5points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: ______________

Information Sheet- 3 Make suggestions for work place

improvements

2.1 Suggest improvements to work place practices

The previous section explained how to identify opportunities to improve environmental
performance and resource efficiency.

Making suggestions for improvement can benefit the whole workplace, as well as the
environment. How you make a suggestion can affect how successful you are in persuading
your team or supervisor to participate.
This section provides some information about how to make suggestions.
Making suggestions for improvement is part of your role as a member of a team or work group.
If you have thought of something that makes your work easier or reduces the amount of
resources used, then you should share it so that other members of the team benefit. Your
suggestions may help other people in the team and, in turn, they may also make suggestions
that can help you.

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 How to make suggestions
How you make suggestions will depend on several things, including the type of suggestion, the
nature of your work group, the size of your work group and your supervisor’s preferences.
In a relaxed, relatively informal work group, it may be appropriate to offer verbal suggestions
during team meetings, without prior notice. This may work for simple suggestions, with little or
no funding required; for example, suggesting that everyone use a cardboard box at their desk
for recycling office paper to make it easier than walking to the recycling bin several times a day.
Written suggestions may be appropriate for more-complex suggestions, which may require
either a significant set-up effort or initial funding. In this case, you may develop a short proposal
to present to your supervisor. Your proposal may include the objective, background, outline,
funding, advantages, risks and recommendations. These are described in detail here.
Risk
Identify any risks, inconveniences or possible disadvantages withthe suggestion. When
identifying them, explain how these risks will be minimized. For example, the risk that people
will not use the duplex function on a new printer will be minimized by asking the

IT department to set it as a default for everyone’s computer.

Recommendations
Briefly recommend implementing the suggestion, with some persuasive comments about the
advantages. Use brief, clear sentences and bullet points where possible. A short proposal
that generates interest and further discussion is often more effective than a longer,more
informative one that is put aside until your supervisor has to read it.
Written suggestions may also be appropriate if you work in a more formal environment, or if
you do not have regular team meetings where suggestions can be raised. Even if you have
prepared a written document, it is usually more effective to arrange a meeting where you

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review the document with your supervisor, so that you can address any questions or
concerns.

Suggestions may include but not limited to ideas that help to:
 Improve energy efficiency
 Increase use of renewable, recyclable, reusable and recoverable resources
 Maximise opportunities such as use of solar power or other alternative forms
of energy, where appropriate
 Prevent and minimise risks
 Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
 Reduce use of non-renewable resources

When to make suggestions for improvements

Deciding how to present a suggestion will depend on your judgment. For example, think
about how your supervisor behaves in team meetings. Do they respond favourably to new
ideas? Or are they in a hurry to complete the agenda and finish the meeting? Does your
supervisor like time to process an idea before deciding what to do?
For complex suggestions or those that may require substantial set-up effort or funding, you
should generally try to raise the idea with your supervisor privately, before suggesting it to a
group. You may still choose your time carefully; for example, don’t make a suggestion if your
supervisor seems rushed or under pressure. Wait until they have time to listen properly and
consider the suggestion carefully.
If you have a regular private meeting with your supervisor, this is a good time to discuss
suggestions. You may choose to raise it briefly with them and then offer to develop a written
proposal that gives full details for their approval. Employees who make well-considered
suggestions for improvement and follow them through are considered highly by their
supervisors and managers.

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 Self-Check -3 Written Test

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet
provided in the next page:
1. How to make suggestions? (2point)
2. What Suggestions are made for improvements to workplace practices
in own work area (6point)

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Note: Satisfactory rating – above 4 points Unsatisfactory - below 4 points

You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Answer Sheet
Score = ___________

Rating: ____________

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

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