Sample Not For Training Purposes: Student Workbook

M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Student Workbook
N
ot
fo
rt
ra
SA
BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and

procedures for sustainability
Part of a suite of support materials for the
BSB Business Services Training Package
1st Edition 2015
Copyright and Trade Mark Statement

2015 Innovation and Business Industry Skills Council Ltd
All rights reserved. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, Innovation and Business Industry Skills
Council Ltd (IBSA).
Use of this work for purposes other than those indicated above, requires the prior written permission of IBSA. Requests
should be addressed to the Product Development Manager, IBSA, Level 11, 176 Wellington Pde, East Melbourne VIC
3002 or email sales@ibsa.org.au.
Innovation and Business Skills Australia, IBSA and the IBSA logo are trade marks of IBSA.
Disclaimer
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Care has been taken in the preparation of the material in this document, but, to the extent permitted by law, IBSA and
the original developer do not warrant that any licensing or registration requirements specified in this document are
either complete or up-to-date for your State or Territory or that the information contained in this document is error-free
or fit for any particular purpose. To the extent permitted by law, IBSA and the original developer do not accept any
liability for any damage or loss (including loss of profits, loss of revenue, indirect and consequential loss) incurred by any
person as a result of relying on the information contained in this document.
The information is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the information contained in this document undertake
responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. If this information appears online, no responsibility
is taken for any information or services which may appear on any linked websites, or other linked information sources,
that are not controlled by IBSA. Use of versions of this document made available online or in other electronic formats is
subject to the applicable terms of use.
To the extent permitted by law, all implied terms are excluded from the arrangement under which this document is
purchased from IBSA, and, if any term or condition that cannot lawfully be excluded is implied by law into, or deemed to
apply to, that arrangement, then the liability of IBSA, and the purchasers sole remedy, for a breach of the term or condition
is limited, at IBSAs option, to any one of the following, as applicable:
if the breach relates to goods: (i) repairing; (ii) replacing; or (iii) paying the cost of repairing or replacing, the goods;
or
(b)
if the breach relates to services: (i) re-supplying; or (ii) paying the cost of re-supplying, the services.
SA
(a)
fo
rt
ra
Published by: Innovation and Business Industry

Skills Council Ltd
Level 11
176 Wellington Pde
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: +61 3 9815 7000
Fax: +61 3 9815 7001
Email: reception@ibsa.org.au
N
ot
www.ibsa.org.au
ISBN: 978-1-925123-54-8
Stock code: BSBSUS5011W
1st edition published: April 2015
1st edition version: 1
Release date: April 2015
Table of Contents
Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
Features of the training program .................................................................................1
Structure of the training program ................................................................................1
Recommended reading ................................................................................................1
Section 1 Develop Workplace Sustainability Policy .......................................................3
What skills will you need? ............................................................................................4
What is sustainability in a business context? .............................................................4
Sustainability policies ...................................................................................................6
Define the scope of sustainability policy .....................................................................8
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Review the legislative environment for sustainability ............................................. 10

Sustainability standards and best practice guidelines ........................................... 13
Approaches to sustainability ..................................................................................... 16
Implementation strategies ........................................................................................ 22
Identify and consult with stakeholders..................................................................... 23
Make recommendations for policy ........................................................................... 26
Integrate policy with organisational strategy ........................................................... 30
Agree to appropriate methods of implementation .................................................. 32
Section summary ....................................................................................................... 33
SA
Further reading .......................................................................................................... 34

Section checklist ........................................................................................................ 35
Section 2 Communicate and Implement Sustainability Policy .................................. 36
ra
What skills will you need? ......................................................................................... 37
rt
Promote policy: the communication strategy........................................................... 37

Develop procedures................................................................................................... 40
fo
Implement policy and strategies............................................................................... 41

Implement continuous improvement ....................................................................... 47
N
ot
Section summary ....................................................................................................... 58

Further reading .......................................................................................................... 59
Section 3 Review Workplace Sustainability Policy...................................................... 61

What skills will you need? ......................................................................................... 62
Identify trends and variance from performance targets ......................................... 62
Document outcomes and provide feedback ............................................................ 66
Investigate success of policy..................................................................................... 74
Section summary ....................................................................................................... 76
Further reading .......................................................................................................... 77
BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Glossary ............................................................................................................................ 78
Appendices ....................................................................................................................... 81
Appendix 1: Australian Hardware business plan excerpt ........................................ 81
Appendix 2: Australian Hardware key personnel ..................................................... 82
Appendix 3: Australian Hardware organisation chart .............................................. 84
Appendix 4: Australian Hardware operational plan ................................................. 85
Appendix 5: Australian Hardware sustainability policy ............................................ 88
Appendix 6: Australian Hardware performance management policy ..................... 91
Appendix 7: Australian Hardware procurement policy ............................................ 92
N
ot
fo
rt
ra
SA
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Appendix 8: Sample policy and procedure layout template.................................... 98

Student Workbook
Introduction
Introduction
Features of the training program
The key features of this program are:
Student Workbook Self-paced learning activities to help you to develop an
understanding of key concepts and terms. The Student Workbook is broken down
into several sections.
Facilitator-led sessions Challenging and interesting learning activities that can be
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
completed in the classroom or by distance learning that will help you consolidate
and apply what you have learned in the Student Workbook.
Assessment tasks Summative assessments where you can apply your new skills
and knowledge to solve authentic workplace tasks and problems.
Structure of the training program
This training program introduces you to developing workplace policy and procedures for
sustainability. Specifically, you will develop the skills and knowledge in the following topic
areas:
1. Develop workplace sustainability policy.
SA
2. Communicate and implement sustainability policy.

3. Review workplace sustainability policy.
rt
ra
Your facilitator may choose to combine or split sessions. For example, in some cases, this
training program may be delivered in two or three sessions, or in others, as many as eight
sessions.
fo
Recommended reading
N
ot
In print
Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental
management systems Requirements with guidance for use, Standards

Australia/Standards New Zealand.
Dallas, N., 2008, Climate change basics: 24 lessons revealing the fundamentals,
McGraw-Hill, Australia.
Moscardo, G., Lamberton, G., Wells, G., et al., 2012, Sustainability in Australian
business: Principles and practice, Wiley, Qld.


Page 1 of 98
Introduction
Student Workbook
Wells, G., 2013, Sustainable business: theory and practice of business under
sustainability principles, Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, Massachusetts.

Wells, P., 2013, Business models for sustainability, Edward Elgar Publishing
Limited, Massachusetts.
Online documents
National Sustainability Council, 2013, Sustainable Australia report 2013:
Conversations with the future, Canberra, available online, viewed January 2015,
available from <http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/
e55f5f00-b5ed-4a77-b977-da3764da72e3/files/sustainable-report-full.pdf>.
Winfree, T., 2006, Guideline brief: Knowledge and skills for sustainability, National
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Centre for Sustainability, Hawthorne, available online, viewed January 2015,

<http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs/Innovation/Knowledge/knowledge/Final_IBS
A_GBrief_06.pdf>.
Websites
Australian Government, Department of the Environment, viewed January 2015,
<http://www.environment.gov.au/index.html>.
The Guardian, Guardian Sustainable Business, viewed January 2015,
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business>.
The Guardian, Sustainable business best practice exchange, Guardian
SA
Sustainable Business, viewed January 2015,

<http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/best-practice-exchange>.
Innovation & Business Skills Australia, Sustainability and energy efficiency, IBSA,
ra
viewed January 2015, <https://www.ibsa.org.au/landingpage/sustainability-andenergy-efficiency>.
Milne, M. and Gray, R., Explainer: what is the triple bottom line?, The Conversation,
fo
rt
viewed January 2015, <http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-the-triplebottom-line-22798>.

Sustainable Business Australia, viewed January 2015,
<http://www.sba.asn.au/sba/>.
N
ot
Swinburne University, Welcome to the EfS (Education for Sustainability) Resource
Hub, EfS Hub, viewed January 2015,

<http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs/efshub/>.
Please note that any URLs contained in the recommended reading, learning content and
learning activities of this publication were checked for currency during the production
process. Note, however, IBSA cannot vouch for the ongoing currency of URLs.
Every endeavour has been made to provide a full reference for all web links. Where URLs
are not current we recommend using the reference information provided to search for the
source in your chosen search engine.

Page 2 of 98

Student Workbook
Section 1 Develop Workplace Sustainability Policy
Section 1 Develop Workplace

Sustainability Policy
This section will explore sustainability from the point of view of developing sustainability
policy to further organisational sustainability and business aims and values. To work
effectively in this area, you will need to define the scope of your organisations
sustainability policy what areas of sustainability it covers, or what methods or standards
are employed. You will then need to consult widely to develop cost-effective
recommendations for policy and strategies for effective promotion, integrate policy with
organisational strategic planning, and agree on methods of appropriate implementation.
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Scenario: Australian Hardware
Australian Hardware (a simulated business) is a large and expanding hardware and

homewares retailer with approximately 140 stores located across Australia. In its vision
statement, Australian Hardware outlines that it intends to lead the hardware and homeimprovement market in Australia within five years. In order to realise this vision, the
organisation will take the following strategic objectives, outlined in its business plan.
Increase sales revenue and gross profit.
Maintain or increase market share.
Control direct and indirect operational costs.
SA
Maintain superior product and service quality standards.
Establish reputation of Australian Hardware as a socially and environmentally
ra
responsible company.
rt
As part of supporting these objectives, and particularly the last, Australian Hardware
intends to review its sustainability policy to:
improve its environmental performance as well as performance on social
fo
measures such as labour practices and product responsibility as set out in the
Global Reporting Initiative Framework
N
ot
reduce risk of non-compliance

improve community goodwill and legitimacy
integrate sustainability efforts more closely with business strategy.
Connie is the newly employed HR Manager. As HR manager, she has responsibility for
overseeing the review and potential redevelopment of policy. She intends to undertake
a review of the legal environment, standards and methodologies in sustainable practice
and reporting, and explore ways in which sustainability may be better integrated with
the Australian Hardware business model. She will conduct her review in close
coordination and partnership with senior management.


Page 3 of 98
Student Workbook
Note: Australian Hardware simulated business information, including business and

operational plans, financial information, and HR policies and procedures can be
located online at: <http://simulations.ibsa.org.au/>.
What skills will you need?

In order to develop workplace sustainability policy, you must be able to:
define scope of sustainability policy
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy

include appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource
use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing life cycle
management approaches
identify and consult stakeholders as a key component of the policy development
process
make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness,
timeframes and cost
SA
develop policy that reflects the organisations commitment to sustainability as an

integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity
agree to appropriate methods of implementation.
rt
ra
What is sustainability in a business context?
N
ot
fo
Since the industrial revolution in the 19th Century, natural resources have been used at
an ever increasing rate. In the latter half the 20th century, a rising concern for
sustainable practice began to emerge. In the 21st century an active push has begun
towards sustainability in all aspects of life, including business contexts. This has come to
affect numerous situations such as personal lifestyle choice, living arrangements, the
provision of services, the manner and way in which we work, the manufacturing of goods,
and the renewal and saving of energy resources.
A general definition of sustainability or sustainable development was put forward in a
1987 United Nations report by the World Commission on Environment and Development.
The report stated that sustainability is defined as development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. 1
World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, Our common future, Oxford
University Press, Oxford, available online, viewed January 2015,
<http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf>.

Page 4 of 98

Student Workbook
The report signalled the clear approach

towards sustainability that was required for
not only the natural environment, but for a
sustainable interaction with the
environment. This includes how a workplace
or organisation should conduct itself in its
day-to-day activities.
Definition: Sustainability
Sustainable development is
development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
In a business context, sustainable development often translates to minding the triple

bottom line:
Environmental sustainability:
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Making sure current processes of interaction with the environment are pursued
with intent to maintain the long-term health of the natural environment.
Socio-political sustainability:
Undertaking social actions and

legal compliance to promote
sustainability and social
justice. From a business
perspective, this may mean
complying with relevant
legislation and, for example,
providing fair working
conditions and remuneration.
Environmental
Social
SA
Economic sustainability:
Economic
fo
rt
ra
Making sure current processes

of interaction with the
environment are economically
viable. From a business
perspective, this may mean
reducing costs through
reduced wastage.
N
ot
Organisations with an eye on sustainability will ensure they set goals and report on the
above aspects of sustainability in addition to traditional measures of business success.
To support these goals, organisations need to develop policy as a way of articulating and
promoting organisational sustainability aims.
Approaches to sustainability in a business context may not be the same as sustainability
from a government policy-making perspective, or the perspective of the environmentally
aware or well-meaning individual or consumer. From a business perspective, economic
measures of sustainability tend to predominate. This means that, in organisational
strategic planning, social and environmental sustainability may not always be treated as
ends in themselves, but as means to drive cost-cutting, profitability, or long-term
workforce capacity. However, businesses are not just about making money: taking into
consideration stakeholder interests beyond owners and investors means seeing the
business as part of and dependant on fulfilling social needs and the business and society
as both dependant on a sustainable environment.


Page 5 of 98
Student Workbook
Learning activity: Business sustainability

Consider your organisation or one you wish to research.
Does your organisation have a sustainability policy?
What does it cover?
Does your organisation have sustainability (or triple bottom line) goals or targets?
Do these targets align with stated policy?
How does your organisation report on sustainability success or failures?
Australian Hardware
CoffeeVille.
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Note: If you do not have access to organisational documentation such as business or

strategic planning or policies and procedures you may wish to study examples of
simulated business documentation for:
Simulated business information for each business can be accessed by navigating to

the intranet tab and clicking access intranet. The simulated businesses are available
at: <http://simulations.ibsa.org.au/>.
SA
Sustainability policies
fo
rt
ra
Beyond explicit goals for sustainable practice, policies and procedures are the main
documents outlining organisational aims and approaches to sustainability. Policies will
set out the general aims of the organisation with respect to aspects of sustainability,
summarise how the policy will be put into practice, and declare senior management
commitment to the policy. Procedures give practical, sometimes step-by-step guidance for
carrying out policy aims. Lets begin by looking at sustainability policy and factors that
underpin policy success in more detail. We will then consider the key processes of
defining the scope of policy and gathering information, which will comprise the bulk of the
remaining discussion in Section 1.
N
ot
Policy
A policy is a general statement of aims. For example, a sustainability policy may state the
intention of an employer to comply with relevant environmental legislation and reduce the
impact of the organisation on the environment. Policies usually contain statements or
reference regarding the:
purpose or intent of policy
responsibilities for implementation
scope, or what areas or people the
applicable legislation, standards and
policy covers or may cover
codes of practice.
At a minimum, a workplace policy should contain a statement of purpose and one or more
broad guidelines on action to be taken to achieve that purpose.

Page 6 of 98

Student Workbook
Sustainability policies typically set out how the organisation or specific business functions
will adhere to sustainability principles such as reducing the impact on the environment or
protecting the environment for future generations. Importantly, organisations acting
sustainably does not simply mean acting charitably or altruistically. Sustainability may be
seen as a strategic approach to achieving a number of business aims. For example,
building an organisations reputation for environmental and socially responsibility can
have a direct effect on the marketability of the organisation as a consumer brand. It can
also contribute to becoming an employer of choice, which allows the organisation to
recruit the talent it needs to remain profitable over the long term.
Policy underpinnings
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Policies are typically supported by a range of factors, including organisational culture and
management practices. To be effectively implemented, policies need whole-hearted
commitment from all levels of the organisation, including senior management.
The sustainability policy should refer to the following underpinning success factors.
Culture
Compliance
Accountability
Consultation
Capacity
Culture
SA
Many of these factors may be discussed in the purpose statement or introduction of

policy statements. Note that some factors may be dealt with in separate sections of the
body of the policy. Other factors may not be explicitly referred to in the policy, particularly
if they are clearly implied by the policy or organisational context. Lets explore the
significance of the underpinning factors further.
N
ot
fo
rt
ra
Management commitment to sustainability should be expressed in the organisations

sustainability policy. Your policy should include a statement of the organisations
commitment to sustainability principles. Ideally the organisations commitment should be
connected to the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organisation, as well as its
environmental management systems, operations, products and services. In other words,
the culture the official, management-supported sense of how we do things sustainably
needs to be explicitly summed up in the policy.
Compliance
The policy should reference, and be developed in accordance with, the legal obligations
and compliance requirements related to sustainability. Your policy should refer to relevant
Acts, Regulations and codes of practice. For example, relevant legislation may include:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
relevant state or territory legislation.
The policy may also reference industry or best practice standards or internal benchmarks
for the organisation. For example, a relevant standard for sustainability is the:
AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems.


Page 7 of 98
Student Workbook
Accountability
A key underpinning feature of environmental management systems is that persons are
given specific management responsibilities and are held accountable for carrying out
those responsibilities to the required standard. Policies should outline responsibilities for
managing key aspects of the policy, including for example, environmental risk
management, monitoring and reporting.
A policy should broadly outline the workgroups and individuals who will be responsible for
implementing the major elements of the policy. Responsibilities may lie with:
senior managers
staff
department managers
visitors
supervisors
contractors.
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Consultation
In order to gather the widest possible input and promote the wide acceptance and
support for sustainability policy, the policy should value and support a clear process for
consultation with stakeholders from all levels of the organisation including employees,
suppliers, clients, managers and external experts where relevant.
Your policy needs to be communicated to all affected employees and should be available
to all interested parties, including stakeholders, employees, suppliers and customers.
Capacity
SA
The sustainability policy should outline the requirements of the system in terms of the
resources, personnel and capabilities essential for the system to function. Your policy
should include delegated responsibilities for various elements of the system, and
describe processes for training staff and allocating resources.
rt
ra
Define the scope of sustainability policy
fo
The scope describes the extent of a policy. A policys scope refers to what and who will be
impacted by its application, for example, the particular location, workgroup, or applicable
legislation.
N
ot
When specifying the scope, you may refer to:

standards, guidelines and approaches that apply, such as ecological footprinting,
AS/NZS ISO 140001:2004
methodologies of improving sustainability (Global Reporting Initiative, life-cycle
analysis, supply chain management, etc.)

your approach to sustainability environmental, economic and/or social
business, industry or market context
relevant legislation
the part of the organisation to which the policy applies, such as a particular
department.

Page 8 of 98

Student Workbook
Legislation, standards and methodologies will be discussed in more detail later in this
Section.
Gather information relevant to scope

To ensure you define the scope of your organisations sustainability policy in a way that
suits your organisational goals and specific conditions, you will need to gather
information. You may need to gather information on:
the legal and regulatory environment
standards and best practice guidance
methods and approaches
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
strategies for effective implementation such as promotion or training.
You will need to conduct research and consult with relevant personnel and stakeholders
on both technical details and the organisational context.
Learning activity: Sustainability policy
Access the sustainability policy for your organisation and several that you wish to
research and compare. For example, compare your organisations policy with the
following sustainability policies (or search online to find policies from your industry):
Fujitsu sustainability policies, Fujitsu,
SA
<http://www.fujitsu.com/au/sustainability/our-sustainabilityprogram/sustainability-policies/>.
Environmental sustainability policy (Australia only), Monash University
ra
<http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/management/facilitiesservices/environmental-sustainability-policy.html>.
rt
Answer the following questions:
What are some of the biggest differences between the policies (in content,
fo
structure or organisation)?
What additions or changes would you make to one or more of these policies to
N
ot
enable it to provide more effective support for the organisations approach to

sustainability?
How would you go about gathering the relevant information to improve a policy?
What is the scope of your organisations policy?
What legislation, standards, methodologies, frameworks or philosophies are
referred to in the policy?

How well does your organisations policy reflect the policy underpinnings
discussed above?


Page 9 of 98
Student Workbook
Over the next few chapters we will discuss important considerations when determining
the scope of the policy, specifically:
making reference to legislation and standards
identifying the organisations approach/es to sustainability management
identifying implementation priorities and approaches.
Review the legislative environment for sustainability

To ensure the scope of your organisations sustainability policy covers key areas of
compliance, you will need to gather information on your organisations legislative
environment.
Federal
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Determining the legislative obligations of your workplace may be quite difficult, so you
may be required to seek the assistance of a lawyer or consultant. The various levels of
laws and regulations are outlined below.
The Department of the Environment serves to implement national

policy, programs and legislation to protect Australias environment
and heritage.
SA
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999 is the Australian Governments central piece of
environmental legislation. This legislation and other relevant
federal legislation can be viewed at:
Department of the Environment,
<http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/legislation>.
State and territory government laws for the environment vary in

name and function, and the majority of laws relating to preserving
the environment in Australia are state/territory based.
Local
Local councils have regulations and guidelines related to the

environment for their specific area of jurisdiction.
N
ot
fo
rt
ra
State/Territory
Federal legislation
Legislation administered by the Department of the Environment

The central piece of federal environmental legislation the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) has been developed to protect areas of
national environmental significance. The EPBC Act aims to:
protect Australias biodiversity
protect international biodiversity by keeping flora and fauna within their natural
borders (e.g. not allowing Australian animals and plants to escape and become
pests overseas)

Page 10 of 98

Student Workbook
require environmental assessments and approval processes when dealing with the
eight areas of national significance

encourage development that is environmentally sustainable.
You need to particularly pay attention to the requirements of the EPBC Act if you or the
organisation you act on behalf of:
owns land
develops land
farms
works for a council, state, territory or federal agency
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
is in an industry with a significant impact on the environment.
The EPBC Act is administered by the Department of the Environment along with a range of
other legislation. The federal environmental legislation is listed on the Department of
Environments website at:
Legislation, Department of the Environment,
<http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/legislation>.
Other relevant federal legislation
Environmental legislation is not the only legislation that will be relevant to your
sustainability policy. You will also need to identify how other major areas of Australian law
relate to your organisations sustainability practices.
rt
ra
SA
For example, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 does not specifically address
sustainability and environmental concerns, but it can be relevant to sustainability policy.
For example, if your organisation makes claims about environmental and sustainable
aspects of operation, it is important to make sure the claims are accurate and correct.
Some common claims that you should take particular care in making include making
claims that products or services are:
green
recyclable
carbon neutral
environmentally safe
renewable
energy efficient
produced using green energy.
N
ot
fo
environmentally friendly
Making accurate claims is both good business practice and the law. This area of law is
regulated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).


Page 11 of 98
Student Workbook
Case study: Misleading conduct

In 2010, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) was successful
in taking legal action against Goody Environment Pty Ltd for claiming that their Goody
brand of plastic bags was biodegradable and compostable in accordance with the
Australian Standard AS4736-2006.
This environmental claim was found to be misleading because the bags contained a
heavy metal in excess of the concentration prescribed by the standard and they did not
biodegrade, disintegrate or compost as prescribed by the standard.
Goody was ordered by Justice Lander to:
publish corrective notices on its website and in The Advertiser newspaper
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
implement a Trade Practices Compliance and Education Program, and

contribute $65,000 to the ACCC's costs of the proceedings. 2
As well as making accurate and correct claims about business operations, you also need
to take care when selecting images for your product or advertising. Using images of
forest, earth or endangered species can itself be deemed as an environmental claim and
found to be misleading if your product does not benefit those things.
Example: Misleading images
SA
A picture of a dolphin on a tuna product may be taken by consumers as a symbol to

mean the tuna has been fished in a manner that does not harm dolphins. If this is not
the case then the use of the picture risks misleading consumers. 3
rt
ra
The ACCC provides a guide to green marketing which provides a useful overview on how
to avoid making misleading and inappropriate claims. For more information, refer to the
following publication:
fo
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, 2011, Green marketing and the
N
ot
Australian Consumer Law, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,

Canberra, available online at <http://www.accc.gov.au/publications/greenmarketing-and-the-australian-consumer-law>.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 2011, Misleading conduct in relation to

Goody plastic bags, ACCC, viewed January 2015, <http://www.accc.gov.au/mediarelease/misleading-conduct-in-relation-to-goody-plastic-bags>.
2
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 2011, Green marketing and the Australian
Consumer Law, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Canberra, p.11, available
online, viewed January 2015,
<http://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Green%20marketing%20and%20the%20ACL.pdf>.
3

Page 12 of 98

Student Workbook
State legislation
States and territories also have a range of legislation that describes sustainable
management of resources. Areas of state legislation that can apply to your organisations
management of sustainability can include:
planning
waste management
primary industry
energy
environmental protection
vegetation
conservation
animal management
water resources
marine and coastal environments.
Environment protection authorities
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
Most Australian states have an Environment Protection Authority (EPA), authorised under
a state department, that is responsible for enforcing compliance with state-based
environmental legislation. Your states EPA website may provide resources that can guide
your business towards better work practices.
Sources of information on compliance with state legislation
To find out about legislation applicable in your state or territory, visit business.gov:
Environmental legislation, Business.gov.au,
<http://www.business.gov.au/business-topics/business-planning/environmentalmanagement/Pages/environmental-legislation.aspx>.
SA
For additional state information, you should visit the website of:
your states government department that is concerned with the environment or
sustainability, such as:
ra
your states environment protection authority.
fo
rt
These websites provide lots of advice on how you and your business can protect the
environment and comply with regulations.
N
ot
Sustainability standards and best practice guidelines

Standards can provide a recognisable framework for implementing your organisations
policy commitments. They can also provide a method for integrating sustainability into
existing management systems. As part of determining the scope of your sustainability
policy, you will need to consider referring to standards and best practice guidance.
The Environmental Management Systems Standard

The AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems Standard sets out
guidelines for what an environmental policy needs to include. You can review policy to
determine if it meets the Standard. According to the Standard, the scope of the policy
should:


Page 13 of 98
Student Workbook
be appropriate to the nature, scale and environmental impacts of the organisations
activities, products and services

include a commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution
include a commitment to comply with applicable legal requirements and with other
requirements which relate to the environmental aspects of the organisations

operations
provide the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and
targets
be documented, implemented and maintained
be communicated to all persons working for or on behalf of the organisation
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
be available to the public. 4
The standard also lays out a framework for planning and implementing policy based on
the well-known Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle:
Establish
sustainability
objectives and
processes
Implement the
process
Do
ra
SA
Plan
N
ot
fo
Act to continually
improve processes
and results
rt
Act
Check
Monitor and
measure success
against policy
objectives and
processes
A key to the effective use of the standard is putting in place systems of continuously
reviewing policy and taking action to improve environmental performance.
Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management

systemsRequirements with guidance for use, Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, p. 4.

Page 14 of 98

Student Workbook
Best practice
There are many sources of information about sustainability best practice, so it is
important to find those most relevant to your industry sector and workplace. You can find
out how best practice applies to your workplace by:
gaining some background knowledge on general sustainability and environmental
principles via internet research, books, magazines and other media sources
identifying best practice models developed by industry associations
consulting government departments, industry associations and other relevant
organisations with interest in environmental and sustainability concerns

reviewing other premier businesses and organisations as case studies (especially
environmentally award-winning companies)

management.
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
reviewing the policies and procedures of your organisation related to environmental
Lets look at some possible sources of best practice information.
The Guardians best practice exchange for sustainable business
It is important to know what progress is being made towards a more sustainable

Australia, but international case studies and resources can also provide you with an
understanding of sustainability best practice and innovation
SA
One international resource that you may find helpful and informative is The Guardians
best practice exchange for sustainable business:
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/best-practice-exchange>.
Sustainable Green Print
rt
ra
The Sustainable Green Print (SGP) is the Australian printing industry's own recognisable
certification program designed to help printing companies meet their environmental
responsibilities and go above and beyond compliance.
fo
SGP is based on the ISO14001 international standard. SGP is tailored to meet a printers
business requirements, the demands of their customers and the changing trends in
dealing with managing environmental responsibility.
N
ot
This multi-level system provides a choice of four linked achievement levels including ISO
14001 (Level 3 SGP) allowing printers to choose their participation and progress levels. 5
5Printing Industries Association of Australia, 2013, Sustainable green print, available online,
viewed January 2015,
<http://www.printnet.com.au/verve/_resources/SGP_Brochure_2013_web.pdf>.


Page 15 of 98
Student Workbook
Green Office Guide

The Green Office Guide has been produced as part of the National
Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Program, supported by the
Commonwealth, state and territory governments, to help businesses
buy environmentally friendly office equipment and use it to reduce
their operating and environmental costs, including greenhouse gas
emissions.
The guide outlines the benefits of green power and provides
guidelines for purchasing office equipment and training staff in new
environmental systems. You can access the guide at:
Green office guide, Department of the Environment: Publications archive, viewed
Who leads the field?
M
in PL
in E
g
pu
rp
os
es
January 2015,
<http://www.environment.gov.au/archive/settlements/publications/
government/purchasing/green-office-guide/>.
SA
You can gain an understanding of best practice by finding out whos doing it best in their
environmental approaches. The Banksia Environmental Foundation, established in 1989,
is a national non-profit organisation that promotes environmental excellence and
sustainability through its awards program and other associated events. The Banksia
Environmental Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious environmental awards
in Australia. You can search for award winners from previous years to find out more about
innovative and leading approaches to sustainability.
Learning activity: Banksia Environmental Awards and best practice
ra
Research the leadership winners from last year in the categories of Setting the
Standard for Large Organisations and Setting the Standard for Small to Medium
Businesses.
rt
Identify why each of the organisations won the award. Why are the organisations
fo
regarded as industry leaders for their field and size?

What best practice standard guidance or model would work best for your industry
N
ot
or organisation? Why?
Approaches to sustainability
As part of determining the scope of your sustainability policy, you will need to consider
various approaches or recognised methodologies for overcoming traditional, linear
models of resource use and achieving sustainability goals. You may also need to consider
approaches to supply chain management and reporting. Finally, you will also need to
consider strategies for implementing approaches and methods.

Page 16 of 98


Sample Not For Training Purposes: Student Workbook

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Sample Not For Training Purposes: Student Workbook

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

M

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and

Part of a suite of support materials for the

BSB Business Services Training Package

1st Edition 2015

Copyright and Trade Mark Statement

Published by: Innovation and Business Industry

1st edition published: April 2015

1st edition version: 1

Release date: April 2015

Review the legislative environment for sustainability ............................................. 10

Further reading .......................................................................................................... 34

What skills will you need? ......................................................................................... 37

Promote policy: the communication strategy........................................................... 37

Implement policy and strategies............................................................................... 41

Section summary ....................................................................................................... 58

Section 3 Review Workplace Sustainability Policy...................................................... 61

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

1st edition version: 1

Appendix 8: Sample policy and procedure layout template.................................... 98

1st edition version: 1

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

and knowledge to solve authentic workplace tasks and problems.

Structure of the training program

2. Communicate and implement sustainability policy.

Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental

management systems Requirements with guidance for use, Standards

business: Principles and practice, Wiley, Qld.

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

1st edition version: 1

sustainability principles, Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, Massachusetts.

Centre for Sustainability, Hawthorne, available online, viewed January 2015,

Australian Government, Department of the Environment, viewed January 2015,

The Guardian, Guardian Sustainable Business, viewed January 2015,

The Guardian, Sustainable business best practice exchange, Guardian

Sustainable Business, viewed January 2015,

viewed January 2015, <https://www.ibsa.org.au/landingpage/sustainability-andenergy-efficiency>.

viewed January 2015, <http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-the-triplebottom-line-22798>.

Swinburne University, Welcome to the EfS (Education for Sustainability) Resource

Hub, EfS Hub, viewed January 2015,

1st edition version: 1

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Section 1 Develop Workplace Sustainability Policy

Section 1 Develop Workplace

Scenario: Australian Hardware

Australian Hardware (a simulated business) is a large and expanding hardware and

Control direct and indirect operational costs.

Maintain superior product and service quality standards.

Establish reputation of Australian Hardware as a socially and environmentally

reduce risk of non-compliance

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

1st edition version: 1

Section 1 Develop Workplace Sustainability Policy

Note: Australian Hardware simulated business information, including business and

What skills will you need?

gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy

develop policy that reflects the organisations commitment to sustainability as an

What is sustainability in a business context?

1st edition version: 1

BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Section 1 Develop Workplace Sustainability Policy

The report signalled the clear approach

In a business context, sustainable development often translates to minding the triple