Environmentally efficient management

Sustainability in economic terms means the efficient management of scarce resources as well as a prospering industry and economy. In the environmental sense it means not placing an intolerable load on the ecosphere and maintaining the natural basis for life. In social terms it means that human beings are the center of concern (Morse, 1998). 

An overview of animal welfare in organic farming by Vonne Lund is presented elsewhere (see Chapter 8). Animal welfare is reduced in conventional intensive housing systems because of high densities and lack of stimuli like straw, and this may lead to behavioural disturbances, injuries or some diseases. Livestock housing on organic farms should allow for the behavioural requirements of different farm animal species, facilitate efficient management, and use environmentally friendly construction materials and methods. 

The impact of soil management on water quality and the greater use of vegetative buffers is only a part of the picture. Efficient management of inputs is both profitable and environmentally beneficial. Several states require livestock farms to have comprehensive nutrient management plans that account for all sources of nutrients and match nutrient application and availability to crop needs (USDA-ERS, 1997). 

Work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Waste Management, Efficient Separations and Processes Program under contract number W-31-109-ENG-38. 

The data obtained on heavy metal concentrations in the air at TNB provided information on natural and/or anthropogenic events. The combination of three analytical techniques (INAA, ETA-AAS and HPLC) has proved important in the evaluation of the environmental state of the atmosphere where concentrations are so low. Finally, the elaboration and the analysis of the monitoring data continues therefore, more definitive conclusions may be available at a later stage. The Madrid Protocol also requires the preparation of emergency plans and this contributes to the safety of stations. From the Italian experience it can be said that the Madrid Protocol is a major contribution to the protection of Antarctic environment, to the efficient management of research stations and to the safety of Antarctic personnel. 

Transportation System Engineering. Transportation System Engineering entails the efficient management and operation practices, design, and assessment of the cost-effectiveness of transportation systems. The assessment of transportation systems requires performance modeling techniques, traffic simulation, and environmental impact (noise and air pollution) analyses. 

Efficient management of the supply chains is necessary to ensure safe, smooth, and energy-efficient mnning of the process plants while not allowing any environmental pollution to take place—whether the production activities are going on or not. 

Talvivaara has continued to develop its operations in line with its sustainable development policy which emphasizes continuous improvement and operational excellence. With respect to safety issues Talvivaara s goal is a safe and healthy working environment. The company has continued to develop its safety culture based on zero accident philosophy. The company is also committed to continuous improvement in environmental efficiency, operational risk management and reduction of environmental impact. 

In both the materials used and the construction process, sustainability and efficiency will become standard. Improvements mjob site management and building design will reduce waste and cost of construction. Materials such as engineered wood, recycled carpeting, and cellulose insulation, which have lower environmental impact, will become cheaper and more widely available. Not only are buildings constructed with such material friendlier to the environment, they also provide higher-quality, lower-cost solutions. 

See also Appliances Behavior Capital Investment Decisions Demand-Side Management Efficiency of Energy Use, Economic Concerns and Efficiency of Energy Use, Labeling of Environmental... 

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