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1 – 10 of over 4000Because medical waste may present potential hazards to employees,waste handlers and the general public, all facilities generating thisform of waste should develop and implement a…
Abstract
Because medical waste may present potential hazards to employees, waste handlers and the general public, all facilities generating this form of waste should develop and implement a medical waste management strategy. This strategy should be prepared after conducting a survey to determine the types and estimated amounts of medical waste generated by the facility. The strategy should address medical waste handling, including segregation, packaging, in‐house transport and storage. The management plan must also prescribe appropriate treatment procedures for contaminated waste, and designate proper methods for final disposal of medical wastes and treatment residues. Finally, the facility must ensure the implementation and monitoring of this strategy.
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Peter Letmathe and Roger K. Doost
An environmental cost accounting system is a flow‐ and decision‐oriented extension of traditional cost accounting systems. It is based on cause‐and‐effect analysis which helps to…
Abstract
An environmental cost accounting system is a flow‐ and decision‐oriented extension of traditional cost accounting systems. It is based on cause‐and‐effect analysis which helps to assign the costs of environmental impacts correctly to their perpetrators. This article attempts to demonstrate how to use an environmental cost accounting system for internal and external audits and performance improvements. The generated information is appropriate to see if objectives and targets are achieved. High amounts of environmental impacts point to inefficiencies in the production area. Their elimination can help accomplish both ecological and business goals of a company.
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Peter Ikome Kuwoh Mochungong, Gabriel Gulis and Morten Sodemann
Incinerators are widely used to treat clinical waste in Cameroon's Northwest Region. These incinerators cause public apprehension owing to purported risks to operators…
Abstract
Purpose
Incinerators are widely used to treat clinical waste in Cameroon's Northwest Region. These incinerators cause public apprehension owing to purported risks to operators, communities and the environment. This article aims to summarize findings from an April 2008 case study.
Design/methodology/approach
Three incinerators were randomly selected and investigated for site, design and operating standards. Empirical field observation was adopted and data collected through inventory and informal interviews. Bottom ash samples collected from the incinerators were prepared according to standard procedures and analyzed for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Emission Spectroscopy.
Findings
Shortcomings associated with site selection, design and operation standards were identified. Chemical analysis revealed that Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mg and Ca were present in the bottom ash with mean concentration ranging from 10 mg/kg for Pb to 178080 mg/kg for Ca.
Research limitations/implications
For logistic reasons, feedstock quantity and quality into the incinerators were not investigated. Neither were soil samples around and away from the incinerators.
Practical implications
Although highly favored, clinical waste incineration methods in this region have to be reconsidered. A thorough health and environmental impact assessment is suggested before subsequent decisions on choice and disposal site is made. This will curb potential negative impacts to the environment and public health.
Originality/value
This article adds a different perspective and sheds additional information to the debate on unsatisfactory clinical waste incinerators in resources‐poor countries. Alternative methods to incineration are presented that will be helpful to practitioners.
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Budiman Ginting, Rosnidar Sembiring, Mahmul Siregar and Afrita Abduh
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide legal certainty in developing a special economic zone (SEZ) in order to build the national and regional economy. Besides that, an…
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide legal certainty in developing a special economic zone (SEZ) in order to build the national and regional economy. Besides that, an other purpose is to push the Central Government, the Provincial Government, the Regional Goverment, and the Management Institution to complete the infrastucture and also harmonize the policies and regulations regarding the SEZ in Indonesia, especially in Sei Mangkei.
Design/Methodology/Approach – The research method that authors used is the sociological legal research and the normative legal research which approach the economic development in social economic zone in Sei Mangkei, the issues that happened in reality, and they analyze the related regulation in SEZ.
Findings – The result thus obtained shows that legal certainty has not been realized completely which caused undevelopment of SEZ in Sei Mangkei. Besides the legal certainty factor, the unfinished infrastructure also caused the undevelopment, even though according to Act number 39 of 2009 regarding SEZ, an operated SEZ has fulfilled the needs and appropriateness of the infrastructure. In reality, Sei Mangkei SEZ, which has been operational, is not supported by the appropriateness of the infrastructure such as the port, train rail, hazardous waste material management facility, final disposal vessel, and also the issue of electricity and gas.
Practical Implications – This result can help Central Government or Provincial Government in establishing the regulations that can provide the legal certainty in developing the SEZ in Sei Mangkei.
Originality/Value – In addition to increasing the role of law in economic development understanding, this paper can be of legal and economic relevance.
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Robert R. Harmon, Haluk Demirkan and David Raffo
This paper aims to explore the strategic dimensions and drivers of sustainable IT and roadmaps its likely development as a disruptive innovative force over the next decade as it…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the strategic dimensions and drivers of sustainable IT and roadmaps its likely development as a disruptive innovative force over the next decade as it moves beyond the datacenter and throughout the IT organization, the firm, markets, and society at large. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive view of the emerging industry to inform sustainable IT strategy development and stimulate future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a qualitative three‐phase process to develop the technology roadmap for the sustainable IT industry. The phases are domain analysis, which features a comprehensive literature review and expert panel depth interviews; roadmap development, which involved two technology roadmapping brainstorming sessions; and follow‐up activity, to confirm roadmap session results with the expert panel.
Findings
The paper defines the emerging field of sustainable IT and its green IT and sustainable IT services dimensions. It identifies market segments, products and services, technologies, compliance and reporting requirements, organizational changes, and value migration and roadmaps a likely future landscape for the development of sustainable IT strategy.
Practical implications
Developing a sustainable IT strategy is a major issue for most organizations. Managers and researchers can use the results of this study to better understand the dimensions of sustainable IT and its likely future growth paths. Researchers will find the comprehensive approach to the topic useful for planning future technological innovations and determining their disruptive potential. Managers can use the results to benchmark their current situation and develop strategies for the next generation of sustainable IT service solutions.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to apply technology roadmapping to the emerging sustainable IT industry. It provides a strategic planning perspective of the future of the industry as it migrates from green‐IT strategies for reducing the costs and energy use of computing to sustainable IT services that hold the potential for transforming complex environmental and social responsibility problems into business opportunities.
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The Equator Principles are a transnational corporate social responsibility initiative in the project finance sector. In 2013, the Equator Principles Association celebrated the…
Abstract
The Equator Principles are a transnational corporate social responsibility initiative in the project finance sector. In 2013, the Equator Principles Association celebrated the tenth anniversary of its principles and at the same time the formal launch of the latest generation of the Equator Principles (EP III). The paper describes the historic development of the Equator Principles – from the initial drafting process in the early 2000s up to the latest review process which led to the third generation of the Equator Principles. The paper also analyzes the current state of affairs of the Equator Principles (Association) and gives a brief outlook on potential lines of (future) development. In particular, the paper deals with the following questions: What are the main characteristics of the Equator Principles framework? What are the relevant actors involved in the drafting and reviewing process? Why are the EPs and other organizational and associational codes of conduct in the finance sector so important? What has been achieved so far by the Equator Principles (Association) and the participating (financial) institutions and what remains to be done?
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Rochelle Owen, Erica Fisher and Kyle McKenzie
The purpose of this paper is to outline a unique six‐step process for the inclusion of climate change adaption goals and strategies in a University Climate Change Plan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline a unique six‐step process for the inclusion of climate change adaption goals and strategies in a University Climate Change Plan.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed‐method approach was used to gather data on campus climate change vulnerabilities and adaption strategies. A literature review highlighted common themes in adaption research. Meetings, surveys, and a specialized workshop with climate scenarios were created to elicit campus and community input.
Findings
The majority of the peer‐reviewed and grey literature surrounding climate change adaptation planning is aimed at larger levels of organization than a University campus (e.g. nations, populations, regions, and cities). An original planning process was created to identify vulnerabilities, risks and strategies. Key vulnerabilities fell into three main areas of concern: energy, transportation, and built environment. Adaptation goals, objectives and strategies were outlined for the Dalhousie University Climate Change Plan, based on risk levels associated with vulnerabilities.
Research limitations/implications
The adaption survey and workshop was created for this research. Small improvements were suggested for future use. The six weather scenarios presented at the workshop emphasized extreme events. Some participants felt that scenarios should be developed that feature smaller climate changes over a longer period of time. The prioritization activity used to establish risk needed to clarify the definition of risk being used. Future scenarios could include more consideration of socio‐economic factors.
Originality/value
Specific planning frameworks to create campus‐level climate adaptation strategies are sparse. A unique planning framework and workshop was developed to identify key climate change adaption strategies for universities.
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A systems perspective of waste management allows an integratedapproach not only to the five basic functional elements of wastemanagement itself (generation, reduction, collection…
Abstract
A systems perspective of waste management allows an integrated approach not only to the five basic functional elements of waste management itself (generation, reduction, collection, recycling, disposal), but to the problems arising at the interfaces with the management of energy, nature conservation, environmental protection, economic factors like unemployment and productivity, etc. This monograph separately describes present practices and the problems to be solved in each of the functional areas of waste management and at the important interfaces. Strategies for more efficient control are then proposed from a systems perspective. Systematic and objective means of solving problems become possible leading to optimal management and a positive contribution to economic development, not least through resource conservation. India is the particular context within which waste generation and management are discussed. In considering waste disposal techniques, special attention is given to sewage and radioactive wastes.
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All disasters produce wastes of some kind, be it the trees fallen by a cyclone, a house destroyed by an earthquake, a beach coated by an oil spill, or animals killed by a flood…
Abstract
All disasters produce wastes of some kind, be it the trees fallen by a cyclone, a house destroyed by an earthquake, a beach coated by an oil spill, or animals killed by a flood. Postdisaster responses also produce wastes – from the human excreta of people staying in the camp to day-to-day household wastes. The issue of management of wastes created by disasters is becoming an increasingly important issue to be addressed in postdisaster response due to their scale, complexity, and cost. The cost of disaster waste management (DWM) has crossed the billion dollar mark in some of the major disasters, which is necessitating and prompting the emergence of a separate stream of expertise in DWM. In January 2011, the Joint Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme and Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) came out with Disaster Waste Management Guidelines (2011).