Environmental Factors
There are many environmental factors that a multimedia business must consider such as resources, alternatives and limitations; recycling and reusing; pollution; as well as; government legislation.
Alternative Resources
Power
By choosing to use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power technologies, a company can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Material
By choosing to use sustainable materials to produce products. In the multimedia industry, this may mean producing electronic documents rather than printed documents.
Processes
This involves modifying the processes in which a product is produced in order to limit the environmental impact of the production. For example, in the multimedia industry, this may involve making the most of natural lighting whilst filming or working in an office space over powered lighting.
Limitations
This involves placing limits on the product to reduce the impact that the production of the product has on the environment.
By choosing to use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power technologies, a company can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Material
By choosing to use sustainable materials to produce products. In the multimedia industry, this may mean producing electronic documents rather than printed documents.
Processes
This involves modifying the processes in which a product is produced in order to limit the environmental impact of the production. For example, in the multimedia industry, this may involve making the most of natural lighting whilst filming or working in an office space over powered lighting.
Limitations
This involves placing limits on the product to reduce the impact that the production of the product has on the environment.
Resources, Alternatives & Limitations at the ABC
To reduce the impact that the ABC has on the environment, they could distribute products online instead of distributing printed versions of brochures and other printed materials. This would reduce the amount of paper and ink that they use, thus reducing their negative impact on the environment. If the ABC has to distribute some information in printed format, they could use recycled paper to print the information onto. Another way that the ABC could reduce their impact on the environment is by use of mobile device applications, commonly known as ‘apps’ to convey their information to their audience instead of printing material. This reduces the amount of paper that the ABC uses. This would reduce the amount of freight required to send the otherwise printed product. The ABC also could save their television programmes electronically inside of on tapes. The programme would be sent via computer instead of a physical tape being sent to the office of the ABC. Additionally, hard drives could be used to save their products (such as television programmes and radio shows). This reduces the amount of tape that needs to be produced, therefore reducing the impact on the environment. The success of these initiatives though depends on their adoption rate.
Energy reduction initiatives the ABC have are:
Energy reduction initiatives the ABC have are:
- Physical changes to the configuration of building and spaces such as moving Adelaide employees from 6 floors to 3 floors and turning the lights off.
- Lighting being replaced with retrofit LED replacement units
- Air conditioning units being replaced or upgraded
- The ABC have changed 26% of their ink cartridges to eco-friendly cartridges. This means the cartridges are being reused and don’t go into landfill.
Recycling and Reusing
Recycling= The action or process of converting waste into a reusable material
Reusing involves reusing products in their existing state for the same or another purpose. For example, plastic bags used to carry things over and over.
Advantages of Recycling
Disadvantages of Recycling
Governments have encouraged the recycling of materials. Using initiatives such as at the local level of garbage collection for household paper, glass and metal as well as legislation at the industry level to ensure that most waste material is utilised in some way. Industry has also realised that there are financial benefits to their company from recycling and using recycled materials.
Manufacturers are also considering the long-term impact of their products on the environment. A life cycle analysis of products has led to new approaches such as design for re-manufacture and design for disassembly that allow for the recovery of recyclable materials at the end of the service life of the product.
(HSC Online, http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ind_tech/ind_study/2477/recycling.html, last accessed, 23rd January, 2013)
Recycling programs that could be introduced into a multimedia company
Reusing involves reusing products in their existing state for the same or another purpose. For example, plastic bags used to carry things over and over.
Advantages of Recycling
- Decrease in the cost of raw materials, i.e. refilling ink cartridges costs less then buying new cartridges each time. This will also increase profits in the long run.
- Conservation of environment
- Reduced landfill
Disadvantages of Recycling
- Costs to recycle
- Workplace safety due to build up of scraps
- New and emerging technologies may prevent recyclable materials to be used. For example see an article about the new Macbook Pro http://goo.gl/za2BL
Governments have encouraged the recycling of materials. Using initiatives such as at the local level of garbage collection for household paper, glass and metal as well as legislation at the industry level to ensure that most waste material is utilised in some way. Industry has also realised that there are financial benefits to their company from recycling and using recycled materials.
Manufacturers are also considering the long-term impact of their products on the environment. A life cycle analysis of products has led to new approaches such as design for re-manufacture and design for disassembly that allow for the recovery of recyclable materials at the end of the service life of the product.
(HSC Online, http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ind_tech/ind_study/2477/recycling.html, last accessed, 23rd January, 2013)
Recycling programs that could be introduced into a multimedia company
- Repairing parts instead of replacing whole thing, i.e. upgrades etc
- Recycle ink cartridges/Refill ink cartridges
- Recycle paper
- Use rewritable CD's where they can be used
Waste Management and Minimisation
Electronic waste, otherwise known as e-waste, is used to describe discarded electronic devices. It is important that waste is managed correctly to ensure safety to others as well as the environment.
Obsolete computers or other electronics are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly; if not treated properly, they are a source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of computers or other electronic components around the globe. Technical solutions are available, but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before applying a technical solution.
Various recycling techniques for computers in the multimedia industry include:
E-Waste
Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of computers or other electronic components around the globe.
Obsolete computers or other electronics are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly; if not treated properly, they are a source of toxins and carcinogens.
Why is e-waste an issue?
E-waste is rapidly growing, technology products have a short lifespan (cell phones usually have a useful life of 18 to 24 months) and mass production of technology isn’t going to slow down. The toxic materials from electronic devices can also be released into bodies of water. Our technology is evolving extremely rapidly, but how will the world cope with the amount of e-waste we are producing? What are some solutions?
Where can we recycle/dispose of our e-waste safely?
There are many different points that you can drop off or get e-waste picked up from such as e waste-express which safely collects e waste and recycles it. The process includes calling up the company to agree to a time that they can pick it up from you or you can drop it off before proceeding to one of their recycling center.
https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste-resource-recovery/television-and-computer-recycling-scheme/drop-off-points
https://techcollect.com.au/our-locations/
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/waste-and-recycling/e-waste-and-chemicals/e-waste
https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers/
Obsolete computers or other electronics are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly; if not treated properly, they are a source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of computers or other electronic components around the globe. Technical solutions are available, but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before applying a technical solution.
Various recycling techniques for computers in the multimedia industry include:
- Individual Recycling: Individual recycling options consist of sale, donating computers directly to organizations in need, sending devices directly back to their original manufacturers, or getting components to a convenient recycler or refurbisher.
- Corporate Recycling: Businesses have the options of sale or contacting the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and arranging recycling options. Some companies pick up unwanted equipment from businesses, wipe the data clean from the systems, and provide an estimate of the product’s remaining value. For unwanted items that still have value, these firms buy the excess IT hardware and sell refurbished products to those seeking more affordable options than buying new.
- Sale: Businesses may choose to sell unwanted equipment on online auction websites designed for selling used business goods such as GraysOnline. Alternatively, they may choose to sell them through classifieds (private advertisement).
- Takeback: When researching computer companies before a computer purchase, consumers can find out if they offer recycling services. Most major computer manufacturers offer some form of recycling. At the user's request they may mail in their old computers, or arrange for pickup from the manufacturer.
- Exchange: Manufacturers often offer a free replacement service when purchasing a new PC. Dell Computers and Apple Inc. take back old products when one buys a new one. Both will then refurbish these older machines and resell them.
E-Waste
Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of computers or other electronic components around the globe.
Obsolete computers or other electronics are a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly; if not treated properly, they are a source of toxins and carcinogens.
Why is e-waste an issue?
E-waste is rapidly growing, technology products have a short lifespan (cell phones usually have a useful life of 18 to 24 months) and mass production of technology isn’t going to slow down. The toxic materials from electronic devices can also be released into bodies of water. Our technology is evolving extremely rapidly, but how will the world cope with the amount of e-waste we are producing? What are some solutions?
- More recycling, a focus on using old items to remake new objects.
- Lego phone!
- Educating people to purchase higher quality, longer lasting products
- Legislate or govern big companies to only allow a certain amount of updates/models to be released in a particular time frame
Where can we recycle/dispose of our e-waste safely?
There are many different points that you can drop off or get e-waste picked up from such as e waste-express which safely collects e waste and recycles it. The process includes calling up the company to agree to a time that they can pick it up from you or you can drop it off before proceeding to one of their recycling center.
https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste-resource-recovery/television-and-computer-recycling-scheme/drop-off-points
https://techcollect.com.au/our-locations/
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/live/waste-and-recycling/e-waste-and-chemicals/e-waste
https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers/
Recycling, Reusing, Waste Management & Minimisation at the ABC
Does the ABC have any plans in place? Do the follow a particular process to reduce/recycle/reuse
SEUZ maps the waste profile at each site. (https://www.suez.com.au/en-au) SEUZ is a businesses that deals with waste and recycling in Australia and New Zealand
To reduce their environmental impact, the amount of waste and the amount of Greenhouse gases that the ABC produces, the ABC has adopted a variety of methods and alternatives to their current practices. In 2011-2012, the ABC’s magazines Organic Gardener, Gardening Australia and Limelight were produced with sustainably sourced and certified paper, which decreases the amount of resources that need to be sourced in non-sustainable, non-renewable ways.
Most of ABC Radio Australia’s printed materials uses 100% uncoated, recycled card stock that is Forest Stewardship Council of Australia (FSC) certified. This means that the paper was sourced from sustainable forests and is not negatively impacting the environment.
Most of ABC Radio Australia’s merchandise that is purchased uses natural fabrics and fibres. When Radio Australia uses materials that are not sustainable, the suppliers of the materials are chosen only if they offer carbon-offset schemes, such as planting new trees and replacing the sources of the fibres and materials.
In 2011-2012, 85% of the copy paper purchased by the ABC was made from recycled materials. The ABC also encourages its workers to use less paper if possible. The paper consumption of the ABC fell 5% in 2011-2012.
To reduce the Greenhouse gas emissions caused by electricity use at the ABC, new power management software was introduced on 500 of the office computers. This software automatically switches off computers at 6pm if they are accidently left on. This is done to reduce the amount of wasted electricity and greenhouse gas emissions.
The ABC has also introduced ‘virtualisation’ software onto their computers. This is where applications, programs and files are stored on a server and streamed from this server to individual computers instead of installing applications and data onto each device. Additionally, it allows for the implementation of thin clients at user’s desks that require less power. Also, the ABC’s e-waste has been reduced with virtualisation as only the server will need to be upgraded when the company considers upgrading.
The ABC operates separate waste and recycling collections. They have fluorescent tube recycling, toner cartridge recycling and mobile phone recycling to reduce the amount of waste in landfill.
The ABC has also created a “pre-Christmas Switch Off Campaign’ which encourages their staff to switch off and unplug their computers and related devices before they leave for the Christmas holidays. This aims to reduce that amount of electricity used, and in turn, reduce the amount of pollution created.
To reduce the amount of electricity used, the ABC has reconfigured their air conditioning systems to use outside air so that the amount of artificial cooling needed is reduced.
Another way that the ABC is reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emission is by installing movement sensors in the bathrooms to allow lights to be turned off when they are not needed. Also, a lighting control system was introduced to allow the full benefit of natural light to light the rooms.
In the Adelaide office, the car park floodlights have been replaced with magnetic induction lights, to reduce energy consumption. The ABC has also replaced their studio lighting, which were 50-watt halogen bulbs with 10-watt LED down lights, which has reduced the energy consumption of studios by 90%.
In 2011-2012, the ABC reduced their carbon emissions by using hybrid cars, or cars with a Vehicle Guide index of 10 or more, which signifies cars that do not produce a large amount of air pollution. They also pool vehicles to reduce the number of cars in the company fleet. Video conferencing facilities are also used to reduce car and air travel, thus, reducing carbon emissions. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions the ABC has introduced a National Ride to Work Day, on the 12th of October. This is where the ABC encourages its staff to ride their bikes to work instead of driving.
The ABC encourages radio and television show guests to call in to be interviewed, instead of travelling to the offices of the ABC. The call is then broadcasted live to air or pre-recorded. This means that the guest does not have to travel, therefore reducing the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse emissions. This is an effective way for the ABC to reduce their impact on the environment.
Another way that the ABC effectively reduces their carbon footprint is by tapeless recording. This is where video and sound recordings are recorded to discs which save the data in a common file format, such as MP4. This means that recordings are easier to transport because they can be sent via the internet or the ABC’s internal network. This eliminates the need for recordings to be physically transported by freight companies or trucks, meaning that there is no burning of fossil fuels. There also is no e-waste because disc drives can be recorded over and used multiple times.
The ABC makes use of video conferencing to reduce their impact on the environment. This is where staff/clients or customers communication and hold a conference with the use of video cameras and microphones. This eliminates the need for all of the members of the conference to be in the same location, thus reducing the amount of fossil fuels that would be been burnt if the people had to travel. This is a particularly effective method that the ABC has used to reduce their impact on the environment.
To lessen the company’s impact on the environment, the ABC publishes their material and information, such as the annual report, as electronic documents on their website. This eliminates the usage of paper as well as the electricity use of printers. This method also eliminates the need for publications to be physically transported via vehicle, thus reducing the burning of fossil fuels. Due to the elimination of paper, electricity use and transport, this method is very effective in reducing the ABC’s negative impact on the environment.
SEUZ maps the waste profile at each site. (https://www.suez.com.au/en-au) SEUZ is a businesses that deals with waste and recycling in Australia and New Zealand
- In 2017–18, overall ABC energy consumption increased by 0.4% from 2016–17.
- There was a 6% increase in emissions overall in 2017–18, when compared with 2016–17 levels.
- Physical changes to the configuration of building and spaces such as moving Adelaide employees from 6 floors to 3 floors and turning the lights off.
- Lighting being replaced with retrofit LED replacement units
- Air conditioning units being replaced or upgraded
- The ABC have changed 26% of their ink cartridges to eco-friendly cartridges. This means the cartridges are being reused and don’t go into landfill.
To reduce their environmental impact, the amount of waste and the amount of Greenhouse gases that the ABC produces, the ABC has adopted a variety of methods and alternatives to their current practices. In 2011-2012, the ABC’s magazines Organic Gardener, Gardening Australia and Limelight were produced with sustainably sourced and certified paper, which decreases the amount of resources that need to be sourced in non-sustainable, non-renewable ways.
Most of ABC Radio Australia’s printed materials uses 100% uncoated, recycled card stock that is Forest Stewardship Council of Australia (FSC) certified. This means that the paper was sourced from sustainable forests and is not negatively impacting the environment.
Most of ABC Radio Australia’s merchandise that is purchased uses natural fabrics and fibres. When Radio Australia uses materials that are not sustainable, the suppliers of the materials are chosen only if they offer carbon-offset schemes, such as planting new trees and replacing the sources of the fibres and materials.
In 2011-2012, 85% of the copy paper purchased by the ABC was made from recycled materials. The ABC also encourages its workers to use less paper if possible. The paper consumption of the ABC fell 5% in 2011-2012.
To reduce the Greenhouse gas emissions caused by electricity use at the ABC, new power management software was introduced on 500 of the office computers. This software automatically switches off computers at 6pm if they are accidently left on. This is done to reduce the amount of wasted electricity and greenhouse gas emissions.
The ABC has also introduced ‘virtualisation’ software onto their computers. This is where applications, programs and files are stored on a server and streamed from this server to individual computers instead of installing applications and data onto each device. Additionally, it allows for the implementation of thin clients at user’s desks that require less power. Also, the ABC’s e-waste has been reduced with virtualisation as only the server will need to be upgraded when the company considers upgrading.
The ABC operates separate waste and recycling collections. They have fluorescent tube recycling, toner cartridge recycling and mobile phone recycling to reduce the amount of waste in landfill.
The ABC has also created a “pre-Christmas Switch Off Campaign’ which encourages their staff to switch off and unplug their computers and related devices before they leave for the Christmas holidays. This aims to reduce that amount of electricity used, and in turn, reduce the amount of pollution created.
To reduce the amount of electricity used, the ABC has reconfigured their air conditioning systems to use outside air so that the amount of artificial cooling needed is reduced.
Another way that the ABC is reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emission is by installing movement sensors in the bathrooms to allow lights to be turned off when they are not needed. Also, a lighting control system was introduced to allow the full benefit of natural light to light the rooms.
In the Adelaide office, the car park floodlights have been replaced with magnetic induction lights, to reduce energy consumption. The ABC has also replaced their studio lighting, which were 50-watt halogen bulbs with 10-watt LED down lights, which has reduced the energy consumption of studios by 90%.
In 2011-2012, the ABC reduced their carbon emissions by using hybrid cars, or cars with a Vehicle Guide index of 10 or more, which signifies cars that do not produce a large amount of air pollution. They also pool vehicles to reduce the number of cars in the company fleet. Video conferencing facilities are also used to reduce car and air travel, thus, reducing carbon emissions. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions the ABC has introduced a National Ride to Work Day, on the 12th of October. This is where the ABC encourages its staff to ride their bikes to work instead of driving.
The ABC encourages radio and television show guests to call in to be interviewed, instead of travelling to the offices of the ABC. The call is then broadcasted live to air or pre-recorded. This means that the guest does not have to travel, therefore reducing the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse emissions. This is an effective way for the ABC to reduce their impact on the environment.
Another way that the ABC effectively reduces their carbon footprint is by tapeless recording. This is where video and sound recordings are recorded to discs which save the data in a common file format, such as MP4. This means that recordings are easier to transport because they can be sent via the internet or the ABC’s internal network. This eliminates the need for recordings to be physically transported by freight companies or trucks, meaning that there is no burning of fossil fuels. There also is no e-waste because disc drives can be recorded over and used multiple times.
The ABC makes use of video conferencing to reduce their impact on the environment. This is where staff/clients or customers communication and hold a conference with the use of video cameras and microphones. This eliminates the need for all of the members of the conference to be in the same location, thus reducing the amount of fossil fuels that would be been burnt if the people had to travel. This is a particularly effective method that the ABC has used to reduce their impact on the environment.
To lessen the company’s impact on the environment, the ABC publishes their material and information, such as the annual report, as electronic documents on their website. This eliminates the usage of paper as well as the electricity use of printers. This method also eliminates the need for publications to be physically transported via vehicle, thus reducing the burning of fossil fuels. Due to the elimination of paper, electricity use and transport, this method is very effective in reducing the ABC’s negative impact on the environment.
Pollution
Pollution of the environment occurs through the solid, liquid and gaseous by-products of industry. Solid waste ends up in landfill and the costs to industry of storage, transport and disposal are quite substantial. Liquid waste (effluent) contaminates waterways and has ecological consequences on wildlife and the health of the surrounding communities.
Air pollution from emissions affects the health of communities, depletes the ozone layer and reduces air quality in a region. In the multimedia industry there are many environmental and social factors to consider. Some of these factors include computer waste (landfill etc), chemical use and emissions into the atmosphere and wastes produced from packaging.
Chemicals, Landfill and the Social environment
Computers contain more than 1000 materials, many of these materials are not recyclable and are highly poisonous to both the environment and society. Toxic chemicals are used to build sections of the computers such as monitors, disk drives and circuit boards. All of which contain toxins such as lead, mercury and chromium VI.
Lead is used for joining metal parts together. When a computer is placed in land fill, lead can seep through the ground and into drinking water. Ingesting lead into the body can damage the blood system, kidneys, nervous system and the endocrine system (a system of organs that secrete hormones into the blood system and into organs to help them function). Lead can also effect the development of children both mentally and physically. The build up of lead in an environment can also poison plants and animals which are also ingested by humans. From 1997-2004 it is estimated that 315 million computers will end up in landfills.
Mercury is 0% recyclable. It is a chemical that can contaminate drinking water as well as rivers and streams. In rivers and streams mercury settles on the bottom of the sea bed, but as it builds up it begins to contaminate food such as fish which is ingested by humans and wildlife. Mercury causes damage to the brain, miscarriages and defective births.
Like mercury, the recycling factor for chromium VI (CVI) is 0%. Chromium VI is used in computers to prevent the corrosion of metals such as steel. CVI, in particular, effects the respiration system in humans. When CVI is incinerated it is transformed into a toxic ash. This ash can be inhaled and also absorbed through the skin. When CVI has been absorbed into the body it can cause mutations to DNA. Parts of the computer (e.g. keyboards and mice) can be reused on other computers and often charities will take in second hand computers.
Recyclable Materials
Plastics and polystyrene are commonly used for packing computers and computer products. Plastics and polystyrene can take thousands of years to biodegrade. The accumulation of these such products leads to loss or space for landfill and pollution in the environment. Loss of space for landfill means that more land needs to be cleared to accommodate for more waste. Land clearing is the most common cause of habitat destruction and soil erosion. There is however a solution. Plastics and polystyrene casings can easily be reused in the office or home to store, protect or even transport things. If this was put into practice, waste from plastics etc could be reduced dramatically each year.
Recycling paper in the office as well as recycling ink cartridges can also help to benefit the impact that the multimedia industry has on the environment.
Air pollution from emissions affects the health of communities, depletes the ozone layer and reduces air quality in a region. In the multimedia industry there are many environmental and social factors to consider. Some of these factors include computer waste (landfill etc), chemical use and emissions into the atmosphere and wastes produced from packaging.
Chemicals, Landfill and the Social environment
Computers contain more than 1000 materials, many of these materials are not recyclable and are highly poisonous to both the environment and society. Toxic chemicals are used to build sections of the computers such as monitors, disk drives and circuit boards. All of which contain toxins such as lead, mercury and chromium VI.
Lead is used for joining metal parts together. When a computer is placed in land fill, lead can seep through the ground and into drinking water. Ingesting lead into the body can damage the blood system, kidneys, nervous system and the endocrine system (a system of organs that secrete hormones into the blood system and into organs to help them function). Lead can also effect the development of children both mentally and physically. The build up of lead in an environment can also poison plants and animals which are also ingested by humans. From 1997-2004 it is estimated that 315 million computers will end up in landfills.
Mercury is 0% recyclable. It is a chemical that can contaminate drinking water as well as rivers and streams. In rivers and streams mercury settles on the bottom of the sea bed, but as it builds up it begins to contaminate food such as fish which is ingested by humans and wildlife. Mercury causes damage to the brain, miscarriages and defective births.
Like mercury, the recycling factor for chromium VI (CVI) is 0%. Chromium VI is used in computers to prevent the corrosion of metals such as steel. CVI, in particular, effects the respiration system in humans. When CVI is incinerated it is transformed into a toxic ash. This ash can be inhaled and also absorbed through the skin. When CVI has been absorbed into the body it can cause mutations to DNA. Parts of the computer (e.g. keyboards and mice) can be reused on other computers and often charities will take in second hand computers.
Recyclable Materials
Plastics and polystyrene are commonly used for packing computers and computer products. Plastics and polystyrene can take thousands of years to biodegrade. The accumulation of these such products leads to loss or space for landfill and pollution in the environment. Loss of space for landfill means that more land needs to be cleared to accommodate for more waste. Land clearing is the most common cause of habitat destruction and soil erosion. There is however a solution. Plastics and polystyrene casings can easily be reused in the office or home to store, protect or even transport things. If this was put into practice, waste from plastics etc could be reduced dramatically each year.
Recycling paper in the office as well as recycling ink cartridges can also help to benefit the impact that the multimedia industry has on the environment.
Sustainable Development
Satisfying the material needs (food, housing, clothing, infrastructure, energy, etc.) of the world's growing population requires the continual use of the Earth's renewable and non-renewable resources. Ensuring that these resources are utilised responsibly, now and into the future, requires governments, industries and individuals to manage development in an ecologically sustainable manner.
The most common definition of sustainable development, and the principle used to formulate most government policy is:
"....to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
The most common definition of sustainable development, and the principle used to formulate most government policy is:
"....to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Rehabilitation of Commercial Sites
Land rehabilitation is the process of returning the land in a given area to some degree of its former state, after some process (industry, natural disasters, etc.) has resulted in its damage. Many projects and developments will result in the land becoming degraded, for example mining, farming and forestry. (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_rehabilitation last accessed, 23rd January, 2013)
Although the rehabilitation of commercial sites is not a major concern of those in the multimedia industry, business must ensure that their sites can be reused for other purposes in the future. One instance where this was not the case was in regards to the ABC site at Toowong, Queensland.
Although the rehabilitation of commercial sites is not a major concern of those in the multimedia industry, business must ensure that their sites can be reused for other purposes in the future. One instance where this was not the case was in regards to the ABC site at Toowong, Queensland.
Legislative Requirements
All Australian businesses can play a part in environmental management, but whether environmental laws affect your business directly will depend on individual business activities. Federal, state and local governments jointly administer the environmental protection laws in Australia through bilateral agreements.
The federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, covers the assessment and approval process of national environmental and cultural concerns.
The Department also administers specific Acts that cover activities relating to:
Government agencies and industry groups also have a role in developing voluntary codes of practice that address the industry's impact on the environment.
For example, The Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Program requires businesses that use large amounts of energy to identify, evaluate and report publicly on opportunities to save energy. The program is mandatory for larger businesses that use more than 0.5 petajoules of energy per year, however small businesses are also encouraged to participate. (Note that the ABC in the 2011-2013 period, only used 170 531 gigajoules of energy, or 0.171 petajoules. (ABC Annual Report, 2012, p. 133) Therefore it is unlikely that this program would be mandatory for multimedia businesses)
In New South Wales, The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environment protection legislation administered by Office of Environment and Heritage.
The federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, covers the assessment and approval process of national environmental and cultural concerns.
The Department also administers specific Acts that cover activities relating to:
- the sea
- importing
- heritage issues
- hazardous waste
- fuel quality.
Government agencies and industry groups also have a role in developing voluntary codes of practice that address the industry's impact on the environment.
For example, The Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Program requires businesses that use large amounts of energy to identify, evaluate and report publicly on opportunities to save energy. The program is mandatory for larger businesses that use more than 0.5 petajoules of energy per year, however small businesses are also encouraged to participate. (Note that the ABC in the 2011-2013 period, only used 170 531 gigajoules of energy, or 0.171 petajoules. (ABC Annual Report, 2012, p. 133) Therefore it is unlikely that this program would be mandatory for multimedia businesses)
In New South Wales, The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environment protection legislation administered by Office of Environment and Heritage.
State
State governments can make laws on any issue that the Australian Government can not. State laws usually cover issues like education, health, the environment, and the operation of emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).
It is possible in some cases for the Australian Government and the states to make laws on the same issue. Where a Commonwealth law and a state law do not agree with one another, the Commonwealth law is followed.
Federal
The Australian Federal Government generally makes laws on matters which affect the country as a whole, and on matters where it would be unhelpful for the law to be different in each state. Section 51 of the Australian Constitution defines forty specific areas over which the Commonwealth has the power to make laws. Examples of these are: currency, postal and telephone services, relations with other countries, immigration, quarantine, and the operation of a defence force. The Australian Government can also make laws about Australia's territories.
Studies
The main law regulating land use in NSW is the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979(EPA Act). The Act is administered by the NSW Department of Planning. The Minister responsible for the Act is the Minister for Planning.
The EPA Act allows plans to be made (environmental planning) to guide the process of development and to regulate competing land uses.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a general term which refers to the process of assessing the potential impacts of a proposed development or activity.
Most development applications must be accompanied by some form of EIA to enable the decision-maker to understand the likely impacts of the proposal before deciding whether to grant consent or not. The assessment process should also encourage the applicant and the decision-maker to consider what measures can be adopted to minimise the impact of a proposal.All development applications except for designated or State significant development must be accompanied by a statement of environmental effects (SEE).
The SEE may be prepared by the applicant or by a consultant acting on behalf of the applicant.
The SEE must identify the environmental impacts of the development and how they were identified, and the steps which will be taken to protect the environment or reduce the harm.
For Part 4 developments under the EPA Act (developments requiring local council approval), require an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS must accompany the DA.4 The EIS can be prepared by the applicant, but it is usually a very complex document which is prepared by a consultant on behalf of the applicant.
State governments can make laws on any issue that the Australian Government can not. State laws usually cover issues like education, health, the environment, and the operation of emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).
It is possible in some cases for the Australian Government and the states to make laws on the same issue. Where a Commonwealth law and a state law do not agree with one another, the Commonwealth law is followed.
- The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) Administered by the Office of Environment & Heritage
- Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act)
Federal
The Australian Federal Government generally makes laws on matters which affect the country as a whole, and on matters where it would be unhelpful for the law to be different in each state. Section 51 of the Australian Constitution defines forty specific areas over which the Commonwealth has the power to make laws. Examples of these are: currency, postal and telephone services, relations with other countries, immigration, quarantine, and the operation of a defence force. The Australian Government can also make laws about Australia's territories.
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Studies
The main law regulating land use in NSW is the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979(EPA Act). The Act is administered by the NSW Department of Planning. The Minister responsible for the Act is the Minister for Planning.
The EPA Act allows plans to be made (environmental planning) to guide the process of development and to regulate competing land uses.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a general term which refers to the process of assessing the potential impacts of a proposed development or activity.
Most development applications must be accompanied by some form of EIA to enable the decision-maker to understand the likely impacts of the proposal before deciding whether to grant consent or not. The assessment process should also encourage the applicant and the decision-maker to consider what measures can be adopted to minimise the impact of a proposal.All development applications except for designated or State significant development must be accompanied by a statement of environmental effects (SEE).
The SEE may be prepared by the applicant or by a consultant acting on behalf of the applicant.
The SEE must identify the environmental impacts of the development and how they were identified, and the steps which will be taken to protect the environment or reduce the harm.
For Part 4 developments under the EPA Act (developments requiring local council approval), require an environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS must accompany the DA.4 The EIS can be prepared by the applicant, but it is usually a very complex document which is prepared by a consultant on behalf of the applicant.
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Government Legislation at the ABC
There is various legislation that exists to outline how multimedia companies, such as the ABC, should run their companies in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.
The Telecommunications Act 1997 states how the environment should be protected and what considerations should be taken when developing telecommunication and infrastructure. This legislation is effective in providing guidelines that the ABC must follow when developing new infrastructure.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 is legislation that affects the ABC and outlines how the ABC should be run. This Act does not provide guidelines or regulations advising the ABC how to run the company in environmentally friendly and sustainable ways. This legislation is not effective in regards to maintaining the sustainability of the company, and by extension, the industry.
The Protection of the Environment Act 1997 grants the Australian Government the power to set out policies for the explicit protection of the environment. This legislation is very effective in forcing multimedia companies, such as the ABC, to run their companies in ways that are in the best interest of the environment. This is because the Act provides explicit guidelines for the running of the companies, with the breaking of these guidelines resulting in heavy penalties.
The Telecommunications Act 1997 states how the environment should be protected and what considerations should be taken when developing telecommunication and infrastructure. This legislation is effective in providing guidelines that the ABC must follow when developing new infrastructure.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 is legislation that affects the ABC and outlines how the ABC should be run. This Act does not provide guidelines or regulations advising the ABC how to run the company in environmentally friendly and sustainable ways. This legislation is not effective in regards to maintaining the sustainability of the company, and by extension, the industry.
The Protection of the Environment Act 1997 grants the Australian Government the power to set out policies for the explicit protection of the environment. This legislation is very effective in forcing multimedia companies, such as the ABC, to run their companies in ways that are in the best interest of the environment. This is because the Act provides explicit guidelines for the running of the companies, with the breaking of these guidelines resulting in heavy penalties.
Location
There are many different factors relating to the location of a business that affect the viability and organisation of that business.
Land Costs and Availability
Additionally, businesses must purchase land that is available to them with consideration to transport facilities, the workforce, the impact the business will have on the surrounding population, resources available nearby, geographical factors and waste management. Businesses will purchase land in areas in which it is available and within the budget of the business. If a business purchases land outside their budget, they may not have enough funds to ensure the viability of the company. |
Transportation Facilities
Although, with the emergence of teleconferencing, this is becoming less of an issue. This is as teleconferencing allows employees to work from home and remotely access office servers. Employees though would have to access the premises if they needed to use plant equipment or equipment that was not readily available at home. For a multimedia business, a good location would involve being easily accessible by public transport and/or private transport. This is to ensure that employees and clients are able to easy access the facilities.
Workforce
The location of a business can influence the employees that are attracted to work there. For instance, a multimedia business that chooses to establish itself within a rural community may be limiting the amount of workers it will be able to attract in as many ways as not be willing to move to the country.
Impact on Surrounding Population
Although, businesses may have a negative impact on the surrounding population. For instance, a business may attract excessive traffic and/or produce excessive noise and/or pollution. For example a new mine being established within a rural town, or a film crew setting up production in a small town or suburb. Businesses can have an impact on the surrounding population. For instance, a business may provide work opportunities to a community in which there are not many opportunities. For instance, a business starting in a small rural town such as Crookwell. This would be considered a positive impact.
Resource Availability
Businesses would survey various locations before establishing in order to ensure that the required resources will be available. Although, with internet bandwidth being increased, it is becoming easier to transmit electronic documents thus allowing documents to be shared on a larger scale. For example, if a multimedia business needed a file printed on a mass scale, they may be able to electronically transmit that file to a printing company.
Geographical Factors
When choosing a location, businesses must take note of the geographical features of the site they are choosing as this may have an impact on their business. For example, an area that has a large amount of mountains surrounding it may not provide a strong mobile phone reception. Although, for a TV broadcaster, they may be able to mount a TV transmitter onto it.
Waste Management
Businesses must ensure that their location allows for sufficient and environmentally friendly waste management policies to be implemented. For example: recycling and pick-up programs