KTUQBANK.

COM
 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

MODULE 3 – TOOLS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Syllabus Covered

1. Environmental Management Standards

2. ISO 14000 Series
3. Life Cycle Analysis- Scope & Goal
4. Biomimicking
5. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) - Procedures of EIA in India

1. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

Every organization may be connected to the environment by its

1. Land
2. Location
3. Functions
4. Emissions
5. Products or Services
6. Consumption of natural resources
7. Utilization of energy sources

A sustainable organization requires an Environmental Management System (EMS) that enables

the organization to control impact of its activities, products or services on the natural
environment. The basic EMS framework follows a PLAN - DO – CHECK - ACT cycle. The
functions of EMS are as follows:-

1. To serve as a comprehensive, systematic tool to manage organization’s environmental

affairs
2. To give consistency in addressing environmental concerns
3. To focus on the continual improvement of the system

2. ISO 14000 SERIES

ISO has developed standards that help organizations to take a proactive approach in managing
environmental issues. The ISO 14000 family of environmental management standards helps
organizations to meet their needs of environmental management, socially responsible
behaviour, and sustainable growth and development.

ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207, Environmental management, is responsible for

developing and maintaining the ISO 14000 family of standards. ISO/TC 207 was established in
1993, as a result of ISO’s commitment to “sustainable development” articulated at the 1992
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 2

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

The ISO 14000 family is designed according to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, as given
below:-

Plan - Identify environmental aspects, establish goals in accordance with organizations

environmental policy

Do – Implement the planned processes which includes training and operational controls

Check – Monitoring and corrective actions

Act – Review to ensure continuous improvement of the system

The objective of the ISO 14000 family standards is to:-

1. Reduce raw material/resource use

2. Reduce energy consumption
3. Improve process efficiency
4. Reduce waste generation and disposal costs
5. Utilization of recoverable resources

ISO Standard Subject

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

Provides guidance to manage the impact of their

activities on the environment and to demonstrate sound
environmental management.
ISO 14004 Complements ISO 14001 by providing additional
guidance and useful explanations.

ISO 14006 Eco-design

ISO 14011 Environment Audit.

Provides guidance on principles of auditing, managing

audit programmes, the conduct of audits and on the
competence of auditors
ISO 14020 Series Environment Labeling

Addresses environmental labels and declarations,

including eco-labels (seals of approval), self-declared
environmental claims, and quantified environmental
information about products and services.
ISO 14031 Environmental Performance Evaluation

Provides guidance on how an organization can

evaluate its environmental performance.
ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 3

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for identifying and

evaluating the environmental aspects of products and
services from the “cradle to the grave” : from the
extraction of resource inputs to the eventual disposal of
the product or its waste. The ISO 14040 gives
guidelines on the principles and conduct of LCA studies
that provide an organization with information on how to
reduce the overall environmental impact of its products
and services.
ISO 14045 Eco-efficiency Assessment

Provides principles and requirements for eco-efficiency

assessment.
ISO 14051 Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA)

Provides guidelines for general principles and

framework of material flow cost accounting (MFCA).
MFCA is a management tool to promote effective
resource utilization, mainly in manufacturing and
distribution processes, in order to reduce the relative
consumption of resources and material costs.
ISO 14063 Environmental Communications

On environmental communication guidelines and

examples, helps companies to make the important link
to external stakeholders.

ISO 14064 & ISO 14065 GHG Accounting & Verification

International greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and

verification standards which provide a set of clear and
verifiable requirements to support organizations for
GHG emission reduction projects.
ISO 14067 & ISO 14069 Carbon Footprint of Products, Services and Supply
chain

Purpose is to quantify the carbon footprint and

methodologies for communicating the carbon footprint
information

3. LCA (LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT)

What is LCA?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool for the systematic evaluation of the environmental
aspects of a product or service system through all stages of its life cycle.

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 4

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

The term “life cycle” refers to the major activities in the course of the product’s life-span from its
raw material acquisition, manufacture, use, and maintenance, to its final disposal. Fig 1
illustrates the possible life cycle stages that can be considered in an LCA and the typical
inputs/outputs measured.

Life cycle assessment is a “cradle-to-grave” approach for assessing industrial systems. “Cradle-
to-grave” begins with the gathering of raw materials from the earth to create the product and
ends at the point when all materials are returned to the earth.

Fig 1. Life Cycle Stages

Why LCA?

1. Minimise the magnitude of pollution

2. Conserve non-renewable resources
3. Conserve biological systems
4. Develop and utilise the cleaner technology
5. Maximise recycling the raw materials and waste
6. Apply the most appropriate pollution prevention and/or abatement technologies

How do LCA?

LCA is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a
product, process, or service, by:

1. Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental

releases
2. Evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with identified inputs and
releases

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 5

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

3. Interpreting the results to help decision-makers make a more informed decision.

Phases of Life Cycle Assessment

The LCA process is a systematic, phased approach and consists of four components: goal
definition and scoping, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation as illustrated
in Fig 2:

Fig 2. LCA Framework

1. Goal Definition and Scoping - Define and describe the product, process or activity.
Establish the context in which the assessment is to be made and identify the boundaries
and environmental effects to be reviewed for the assessment. LCA being an iterative
process, the scope once fixed may vary based on the later stage of analysis. For the
goal definition, answers has to be found for the following questions:
a. Why is LCA being conducted for this product?
b. What are the system boundaries?
c. Who will do LCA?
d. Who will participate?
e. What data and methodologies are used in the analysis?
f. What are the expected challenges in the analysis?
g. What are the assumptions made in the analysis?

2. Inventory Analysis - Identify and quantify energy, water and materials usage and
environmental releases (e.g., air emissions, solid waste disposal, waste water discharges)
based on the product. The objective of this step is to compile an inventory table which lists all
inputs from the environment and all releases to the environment in terms of functional units like
kg of iron ore, cubic metres of water, kg of carbondioxide.

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 6

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

3. Impact Assessment - Assess the potential human and ecological effects of energy, water,
and material usage and the environmental releases identified in the inventory analysis. This
step deals with three major aspects of the influence of the inputs from the environment and the
releases to the environment:
a. Classification – categorizes the impacts as impact on health, resource, ecosystem
etc.
b. Characterization – Quantification of the effects
c. Valuation – Significance of each impact os observed and specified

4. Interpretation - Evaluate the results of the inventory analysis and impact assessment to select
the preferred product, process or service with a clear understanding of the uncertainty and the
assumptions used to generate the results.

Limitations of LCA

1. Performing an LCA can be resource and time intensive.

2. Since the data collection is tedious, researchers may go for assumptions, leading to
insufficient and inaccurate data.
3. LCA will not determine which product or process is the most cost effective or works the
best.

4. BIOMIMICKING
Biomimicry is the unioin of Greek words – Bio (means life) and Mimesis (means imitate). This
term was introduced by Janine Benyus in her popular book, “Biomimicry : Innovation inspired by
Nature” in 1997. According to her, biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature,
based not on what we can extract from the natural world, but on what we can learn from it. It is
in fact imitating nature to find viable, sustainable solutions to the problems of mankind.

The underlying principle of biomimicry is that during nature’s 3.8 billion years of existence and
development, nature has evolved highly efficient, sustainable systems, from which we can learn
and emulate to form sustainable systems. The nine basic laws underlying the biomimicry
concept are listed below:-

1. Nature runs on sunlight.

2. Nature uses only the energy it needs
3. Nature fits form to function
4. Nature recycles everything
5. Nature rewards co-operation
6. Nature banks on diversity
7. Nature demands local expertise
8. Nature curb excesses from within
9. Nature taps the power of limits

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 7

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

The steps involved in biomimicking are listed below:

1. Discover situations/lives of other living beings which imitate the existing problem
2. Abstract the successful pattern of life of other living beings
3. Emulate solutions by observing nature’s solution
4. Compare solutions from nature with our solutions
5. Develop and redefine the obtained solution further to make it more sustainable

Some of the new biomimicking designs are given below:

1. Self cleaning paints/textiles/surfaces, water repellant surfaces/glass - inspired from

Lotus leaves
2. Design of Shinkansen Bullet train nose cone - based on the beak of Kingfisher
3. More efficient Solar cells mimicking leaves
4. Ventilated design of buildings – based on natural ventilation inside termite mounds
(East Gate Complex, Harare, Zimbabwe)
5. Design of new adhesive - Gecko tape which mimics the mechanism employed by the
Gecko lizard to walk on surfaces including glass ceilings

5. EIA (ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT)

What is EIA?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process which ensures that all environmental
matters are taken into account quite early in the project at planning process itself. It takes into
consideration not only technical and economic considerations but also, traditional aspects like
impact on local people, biodiversity etc.

Why EIA?

EIA is intended to prevent or minimize potentially adverse environmental impacts and enhance
the overall quality of a project. The main benefits and advantages of EIA are:

1. Lower project costs in the long-term

2. Increased project acceptance
3. Improved project design
4. Informed decision making
5. Environmentally sensitive decisions
6. Increased accountability and transparency
7. Reduced environmental damage
8. Improved integration of projects into their environmental and social settings

Who require EC (Environmental Clearance)?

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 8

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

The following projects or activities shall require prior environmental clearance before any
construction work, or preparation of land is started on the project or activity:

1. Mining, Extraction of Natural Resources & Power Generation - Mining of Minerals,

Offshore and Onshore Oil and Gas Exploration, River Valley Projects, Thermal /Nuclear
Power Plant

2. Primary Processing - Coal Washeries, Mineral Beneficiation

3. Materials Production - Metallurgical industries (ferrous & non ferrous), Cement Plants

4. Materials Processing - Petroleum Refining, Coke Oven Plants, Asbestos Milling &
Asbestos based Products, Chlor - Alkali industry,Soda Ash Industry, Leather/Skin/Hide
Processing Industry

5. Manufacturing/Fabrication - Chemical Fertilizers, Pesticides Industry,Petro-Chemical

Complexes, Man-made Fibres Manufacturing, Synthetic Organic Chemicals Industry,
Distilleries, Paint Industry, Pulp & Paper Industry, Sugar Industry, Induction/Arc
Furnaces

6. Service Sector - Oil & gas transportation pipe line passing through ecologically
sensitive areas, Isolated storage & handling of hazardous chemicals

7. Physical Infrastructure – Airports, Ports, Highways, Aerial Ropeways, Industrial

Estates, EPZs, SEZs, Ship Breaking Yards, Common hazardous waste treatment,
storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs),Common Effluent Treatment Plants
(CETPs),Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility (CMSWMF)

8. Construction Sector - Building and Construction Projects, Townships and Area

Development Projects

How projects/activities are classified in EIA?

All projects and activities are broadly categorized into two categories based on the spatial extent
of potential impacts and potential impacts on human health and natural and man made
resources.

1. Category A

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 9

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

Some examples of category A Projects/Activities are given - Petroleum Refining,

Asbestos Milling & Asbestos Products, Chemical Fertilizers, Pesticides Industry

2. Category B

Some examples of category B Projects/Activities are given - Paint Industry, Sugar

Industry, Arc Furnaces, Common Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility

Which projects require EC (Environmental Clearance)?

1. All New Category A and B projects/activities

2. Expansion and modernization of existing Category A and B projects or activities
3. Any change in product –mix in an existing manufacturing unit of Category A and B
projects or activities

Who give EC (Environmental Clearance)?

For Category ‘A’

Category ‘A’ projects/activities shall require prior environmental clearance from the Central
Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on the recommendations of an
Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) to be constituted by the Central Government.

For Category ‘B’

Category ‘B’ projects/activities shall require prior environmental clearance from the State/Union
territory Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The SEIAA shall base its decision
on the recommendations of a State or Union territory level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC).

State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)

A State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority shall be constituted by the Central
Government, comprising of three Members including a Chairman and a Member-Secretary to be
nominated by the State Government or the Union territory Administration. The members shall
have a fixed term of three years. All decisions of the SEIAA shall be unanimous and taken in a
meeting.

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)/ State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC)

The SEAC at the State or the Union territory level shall be constituted by the Central
Government in consultation with the concerned State Government or the Union territory
Administration. The EAC and SEAC shall be reconstituted after every three years. The
authorised members of the EAC and SEAC, may inspect any project/activity site(s). The EAC
and SEACs shall function on the principle of collective responsibility.

How to Apply for EC (Environmental Clearance)?

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 10

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

An application seeking prior environmental clearance shall be made in the prescribed Form 1
and Supplementary Form 1A, after the identification of prospective site(s) for the project/
activities, before commencing any construction activity, or preparation of land, at the site by the
applicant. The applicant shall furnish, along with the application, a copy of the pre- feasibility
project report/conceptual plan.

FORM 1

The investor shall fill the following details:-

1. Basic Information – Name, Location, Size, Expected cost of the Project, Contact
Information, Screening Category
2. Construction, Operation or Decommissioning Project/Activity
a. Physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, water bodies)
b. Use of Natural resources (land, water, materials or energy, non-renewable)
c. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances harmful to human
health or the environment
d. Production of solid wastes (MT/month)
e. Release of pollutants , toxic substances to air (Kg/hr)
f. Generation of Noise and Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat
g. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants
h. Risk of accidents during construction or operation
i. Factors which should be considered lead to environmental effects
j. Environmental Sensitivity

Stages in the Prior Environmental Clearance (EC) Process for New Projects

The environmental clearance process for new projects will comprise of the following four
stages:-

1. Stage (1) Screening (Only for Category ‘B’ projects and activities)
2. Stage (2) Scoping
3. Stage (3) Public Consultation
4. Stage (4) Appraisal

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 11

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

Stage (1) – Screening

The screening stage is applicable only for Category B projects. This stage involves the scrutiny
of application by SEAC (State level Expert Appraisal Committee) to determine whether the
project requires further environmental studies for preparing Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA). The projects requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment report shall be termed
Category ‘B1’ and remaining projects shall be termed Category ‘B2’ and will not require an
Environment Impact Assessment report. For categorization of projects into B1 or B2, the
Ministry of Environment and Forests shall issue appropriate guidelines from time to time.

Stage (2) – Scoping

Refers to the process by which the EAC in the case of Category ‘A’ projects or activities, and
SEAC in the case of Category ‘B1’ projects or activities, determine detailed Terms Of Reference
(TOR). TOR addresses all environmental concerns for the preparation of an Environment
Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. TOR is prepared on the basis of the information furnished by
the investor in the prescribed application Form1/Form 1A and a site visit by a sub- group of
EAC/SEAC.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) shall be conveyed to the applicant/displayed on MOEF website
by the EAC/SEAC within sixty days of the receipt of Form 1.

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 12

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

Applications for prior environmental clearance may be rejected by the regulatory authority
concerned on the recommendation of the EAC or SEAC at this stage itself. In case of such
rejection, the decision together with reasons for the same shall be communicated to the
applicant in writing within sixty days of the receipt of the application.

Stage (3) – Public Consultation:

“Public Consultation” refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and
others who have plausible stake in the environmental impacts of the project or activity are
ascertained.

All Category ‘A’ and Category B1 projects or activities shall undertake Public Consultation,
except the following:-

(a) modernization of irrigation projects

(b) all projects or activities located within industrial estates or parks
(c) expansion of Roads and Highways which do not involve any further acquisition of land.
(d) all Building /Construction projects/Area Development projects and Townships
(e) all Category ‘B2’ projects and activities.
(f) all projects or activities concerning national defense and security

The Public Consultation shall ordinarily have two components comprising of:-

(a) a public hearing at the site or in its close proximity- district wise, for ascertaining concerns of
local affected persons;
(b) obtain responses in writing from other concerned persons having a plausible stake in the
environmental aspects of the project or activity.

The public hearing shall be conducted by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Union
territory Pollution Control Committee (UTPCC) and forward the proceedings to the regulatory
authority concerned within 45 days.

After completion of the public consultation, the applicant shall address all the environmental
concerns expressed during this process, and make appropriate changes in the draft EIA. The
final EIA report shall be submitted by the applicant to the concerned regulatory authority for
appraisal.

Stage (4) – Appraisal

Appraisal means the detailed scrutiny by the EAC/SEAC of the application and other documents
like the Final EIA report and outcome of the public consultations including public hearing
proceedings. This appraisal shall be made in a transparent manner in which the applicant shall
be invited for furnishing necessary clarifications in person or through an authorized
representative. On conclusion, EAC/SEAC shall make categorical recommendations to the
regulatory authority either for grant of prior environmental clearance on stipulated terms and
conditions, or rejection of the application for prior environmental clearance, together with
reasons for the same.

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 13

 KTUQBANK.COM
Module 3- Introduction to Sustainable Engineering - SIMAT

Grant or Rejection of Prior Environmental Clearance (EC):

The regulatory authority shall consider the recommendations of the EAC or SEAC and convey
its decision to the applicant within forty five days of the receipt of the recommendations. If
Environment Impact Assessment is not required, applicant is informed within one hundred and
five days of the receipt of the complete application with requisite documents.

The regulatory authority shall normally accept the recommendations of the Expert Committees
In cases where it disagrees with the recommendations of the Expert Committee (Central or
State), the regulatory authority shall request reconsideration by the Central or State Expert
Appraisal Committee. After reconsideration, irrespective of views of Expert Committee, decision
of the regulatory authority concerned shall be final.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. What is EMS? How it is important to an organization?

2. Explain the steps involved in ISO 14000 certification.
3. Name and detail any five standards of ISO 14000 family.
4. What is Biomimicking? Give some examples of design inspired from nature.
5. What is LCA? What are the steps involved in LCA?
6. What is EIA? When is it done?
7. Discuss the various situations in which EIA is mandatory.
8. Describe the EIA procedure followed in India.

ASSIGNMENT/PROJECTS

1. Prepare the lifecycle analysis

a. Product - soft drink aluminium can/PVC bottle/Ball Pen/Fluorescent Lamp
b. Activity – Landfilling/Open burning of waste

2. Conduct EIA study of a project – Athirappilly Hydroelectric Project/Koodamkulam

Nuclear Power Plant/Gas pipe thru Koottanad/ Aranmula Airport / Express highway

References
1. Training Material from KTU site – EIA, LCA, ISO, Biomimicking ppts
2. EIA – Govt of India Guidelines - http://envfor.nic.in/legis/eia/so1533.pdf
3. ISO 14000 Series - http://www.iso.org/iso/theiso14000family_2009.pdf
4. Introduction to Sustainable Engineering – R L Rag, L D Remesh

source: www.eeesimat.blogspot.com Page 14

 KTUQBANK.COM

BE103 INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING

Module 3

Q1) Write short notes on screening and scoping process in EIA.

Answer:
Screening is the process of deciding on whether an EIA is required. The output from the
screening process is often a document called an Initial Environmental Examination or
Evaluation (IEE). This may be determined by size. Alternatively it may be based on
site-specific information. The main conclusion will be a classification of the project
according to its likely environmental sensitivity. This will determine whether an EIA is
needed and if so to what detail.
Scoping is the process of identifying the key environmental issues and is perhaps the most
important step in an EIA. Several groups, particularly decision makers, the local
population and the scientific community, have an interest in helping to deliberate the
issues which should be considered, and scoping is designed to canvass their views.

Q2) (a) Explain the relevance of EIA. Discuss the situations in which EIA is
mandatory. (5 marks)
Answer:

• EIA is the “systematic and well documented procedure to identify, describe and assess
the direct and indirect effects of a development projects on different
environmental/social/cultural/economic factors for environmentally compatible and
sustainable development.

Relevance of EIA
Conducting an EIA helps to:
1) Predict environmental impacts of projects
2) Find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts
3) Refine/shape the proposed project to suit the local environment
4) Present the predictions and options before the decision makers

List of projects requiring environmental clearance from the central government:

1) Nuclear power and related projects
2) Petroleum refineries
1
 KTUQBANK.COM

3) Chemical fertilizers
4) Bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals
5) Thermal power plants
6) Dyes
7) Cement etc.

Q3) Explain with the help of case study the life cycle assessment in detail. (5
marks)
Answer:
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) involves evaluating the environmental effects of a product,
process or activity by looking at the entire life cycle of the product or process from raw
materials extraction through consumer use.
It is also referred to as “Cradle to Grave” analysis.

Trees are This

cut down mixture is
in forests converted
A er Rolls of
reading, paper are
newspaper used to
are put in
Newspapers
from recycle
bins are

Q4) Nature is the most successful designer and the most brilliant engineer that
has ever evolved. Discuss ( 5 marks)

• Our natural ecosystems are sustainable. ‘Nature knows what works, what is appropriate,
and what lasts here on Earth’.
• Bio=“life or living things”; mimicry=“copying or emulating”.

2
 KTUQBANK.COM

• Biomimicry is the science of taking inspiration from nature, its systems, processes and
elements to solve human problems in a sustainable manner.
• Egs: Shinkansen bullet train – from kingfisher
• Water repellent surface – lotus leaves
Principle applied to Ships- from shark’s skin

Q5) Explain the benefits of Environmental Management System.

Answer:
a) Improved environmental performance – enhances energy and waste reduction and
pollution prevention
b) Enhanced compliance- complying with existing environmental laws and
legislations
c) Increased efficiency and reduced costs
d) Competitive advantage in the global market
e) Improved image for the organization among the public
f) Enhanced employee morale
g) Reduced risk potential
h) Pollution reduction and resource conservation
Q6) Explain the basic components in the LCA process?
Answer:
Interpreta
Goal and
on
Scope

Inventory
analysis

Impact
Assessmen
1) Goal and Scope Definition:

✓ Identification of the purpose and scope of doing LCA.

✓ It helps in making effective use of time and resources for the analysis.

2) Life Cycle Inventory:

3
 KTUQBANK.COM

✓ This inventory can be considered as the heart of the LCA method.

✓ This method involves the process of quantifying the inputs(energy and raw material
requirements) and the outputs(atmospheric emissions, solid wastes etc.) for the entire life
cycle of a product, process or activity.

3) Life Cycle Impact Assessment:

✓ It is the evaluation of potential human health and environmental impacts of the

environmental resources and releases identified during the LCI procedure.

✓ It attempts to establish a linkage between the product or process and its potential
environmental impacts.

4) Interpretation:

✓ Life cycle interpretation is a systematic technique where the results from the inventory
analysis and impact assessment are summarized:

✓ The outcome of the interpretation phase is a set of conclusions and recommendations for
the study.

✓ Interpreting the results help in arriving at a more informed decision/best alternative.

✓ Hence, it is crucial that data used for the completion of a life cycle analysis is accurate
and current.

Q7) EMS framework follows a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. Discuss.

Answer:

4
 KTUQBANK.COM

PLAN
Establi
shes
ACT DO
Evalua Con nu Imple
te, ally ment
CHECK
Improve
Monit
or,

Q8) Explain the procedure of EIA in India.

Answer:

1. Project 6. Prepara on
Descrip on of EIA report
2. Screening 7. Public
hearing
3. Scoping and
considera on 8. Reviewing the
EIA report &
4. Baseline
studies 9. Monitoring
the clearance
5. Impact
predic on,
1)Project Description:
⦁ Description of all aspects of the project showing project boundary, site layout etc.

5
 KTUQBANK.COM

⦁ Submission of proposal – commencement of the EIA process.

2) Screening:
⦁ Process of scrutinizing the application seeking whether a project requires environmental
clearance.
3) Scoping and consideration of alternatives:
⦁ In this stage, those impacts which might have significant effect on the environment are
determined.
⦁ For every project, possible/available alternatives should be considered/identified.
⦁ Baseline studies:
⦁ The baseline situation is the existing environmental situation or condition in the absence
of the activity.
⦁ The baseline situation is a key concept in EIA.
5) Impact prediction, assessment and mitigation measures:
⦁ Predicting the magnitude of impacts of a project and assessing their significance is core
to the whole EIA process.
⦁ Impact of an activity – a deviation/change from the baseline situation that is caused by
the activity.
⦁ Mitigation- recommends the action to reduce and avoid the adverse environmental
consequences of an activity.
6)Preparation of EIA report:
⦁ An EIA report should provide clear information to the decision maker on the
different environmental scenarios.
7) Public hearing:
⦁ After completion of EIA report, public must be informed and consulted on the
proposed development.
8) Receiving the EIA report and decision making:
⦁ After going through the EIA report and public hearing report, the decision whether
the proposed project is approved, rejected or needs further change, is taken by the
Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
9) Monitoring of environmental clearance condition:
⦁ The industry is required to file once in six months a report demonstrating the
environmental compliance, if the project is approved.
⦁ Monitoring the environmental clearance condition is carried out during both the
construction and the operation phase of the development project.

Q9) Explain the steps involved in ISO 14001 certification.

6
 KTUQBANK.COM

Apply to accredited conformity assessment body for

ISO 14001 cer fica on
Evaluate readiness for cer fica on by comprehensive
documenta on review & preliminary audit
Implement improvements from documenta on review
& preliminary audit

Cer fica on audit, management review &

implementa on of further improvements
Plan correc ve ac on in response to any non
conformi es raised
Cer fica on granted for three years

Conduct surveillance audits ini ally six monthly then annually

Conduct annual management reviews

Conduct Triennial recer fica on audits