4.4 Ecologically Sustainable Development

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) identifies the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) as:

decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations;
if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;
the principle of inter-generational equity – that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations;
the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making; and
improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

Section 516A of the EPBC Act requires the department to report on the following subsections of the Act in its Annual Report.

Legislation administered by the department during 2010-11 accords with Ecologically Sustainable Development Principles (Section 516A(6)(a))

Of the pieces of legislation managed by the department in 2010-11, the Gene Technology Act 2000 was relevant to, and met ecologically sustainable development principles.

The Gene Technology Regulator administers the Gene Technology Act 2000. This Act aims to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by gene technology and managing those risks through regulating dealings with genetically modified organisms.

Further details on legislation administered by the department can be found in the Administrative Arrangements Order at: www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/index.cfm.

Outcome contribution to Ecologically Sustainable Development (section 516A(6)(b))

In 2010-11, the department, through the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, continued to support the Gene Technology Regulator in regulating activities involving live and viable genetically modified organisms. These activities ranged from contained work in certified laboratories to releases of genetically modified organisms into the environment. The Gene Technology Regulator imposed licence conditions to protect the environment, and used extensive powers to monitor and enforce those conditions.

The effect of departmental activities on the environment (section 516A(6)(c))

In 2010-11, the department’s key environmental initiatives related to reducing consumption of energy, minimising waste and maximising the efficient use of resources through its business activities.

The department is committed to making a positive contribution to sustainable practices and uses benchmark indicators and targets set by government agencies such as Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the Australian National Audit Office to monitor performance.

The department has identified key aspects of its operations that have an effect on the environment. The department aims to effectively monitor and manage this through processes detailed in the following pages.

Measures taken to minimise the impact of activities on the environment (section 516A(6)(d))

During 2010-11, the department commenced the redevelopment of its Environmental Management System (EMS) to align it with the Environmental Standard AS/NZ ISO 14001. The EMS assists the department to monitor and manage its environmental performance by setting objectives and targets against energy efficiency, efficient use of resources, effective waste management and water conservation. The revised EMS will deliver improved environmental practices and outcomes which will support more comprehensive reporting in future years.

Energy Consumption

In 2010-11, the department consumed approximately 44,070 gigajoules of energy. Included in this consumption is the department’s special purpose laboratory which is occupied by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). In previous years the TGA reported as a separate entity for the Online System for Comprehensive Activity Reporting (OSCAR) reports which is reported annually in October. This process has been revised and the TGA will be included in the department’s overall consumption for OSCAR in October 2011 to more effectively reflect the department’s energy usage as a whole.

The Energy Efficiency in Government Operations (EEGO) policy establishes energy intensity targets of 7,500 megajoules per person per annum (MJ/person/annum) for tenant light and power to be met by June 2011. The department has previously achieved this target and anticipates that it will be maintained for 2010-11. This will be reported in OSCAR when complete figures are available.

As part of its strategic accommodation plan, the department relocated to a number of new buildings with improved energy efficiency. National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and Greenstar ratings are taken into consideration when acquiring new premises.

Energy saving initiatives in the department’s leased property portfolio include high efficiency T5 lighting and movement activated sensor lighting, double glazed and specially treated glazing panels and ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. This ensures that NABERS and Greenstar ratings are achieved. The following table details the department’s NABERS ratings that achieve over 4.5 stars.

Building
NABERS

Waymouth Street, Adelaide
5

St Georges Terrace, Perth
5

Woods Street, Darwin
5

Sirius Building, Canberra
4.5

Scarborough House, Canberra
4.5

Melville Street, Hobart
4.5

Ann Street, Brisbane
4.5

Collins Street, Melbourne
4.5

Building	NABERS
Waymouth Street, Adelaide	5
St Georges Terrace, Perth	5
Woods Street, Darwin	5
Sirius Building, Canberra	4.5
Scarborough House, Canberra	4.5
Melville Street, Hobart	4.5
Ann Street, Brisbane	4.5
Collins Street, Melbourne	4.5

Leased Vehicle Fleet

During 2010-11, the department maintained a fleet of 74 vehicles. The fleet contained 73 vehicles that meet the Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) score of 10.5. The only vehicle scoring below 10.5 was a fit for purpose vehicle used in rural and remote areas. Of the 74 vehicles in the fleet, 23 are Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles.

The department’s procurement procedures state that all new or replacement vehicles must have a GVG score of over 10.5 to ensure compliance in the future.

Waste Management and Recycling

The department has committed to the protection of the environment through implementation of effective waste management programs.

In the majority of the department’s leased accommodation, segregated waste streams including general waste, commingled recycling, organic recycling and paper and cardboard recycling have been implemented. Further recycling efforts include printer and toner cartridges, mobile phones, and batteries. This ensures that these items are diverted from landfill.

Waste (Tonnes)	Commingled	Paper & cardboard	Organic
2009-10	29.7	20.8	3.13
2010-11	32.8	38.6	1.88

The department has implemented a centrally managed paper supply which monitors the usage of paper. Of the 51,200 reams purchased in 2010-11, 79% had recycled content.

Paper
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11

Total reams
81,779
79,910
65,452
72,722
51,200

Percentage change in consumption
20%
-2.3%
-18.1%
11.1%
-29.5%

Paper	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11
Total reams	81,779	79,910	65,452	72,722	51,200
Percentage change in consumption	20%	-2.3%	-18.1%	11.1%	-29.5%

The department operates and encourages the use of an Excess Stationery Store. This encourages staff to recycle and reuse existing stationery before ordering new supplies. The store aims to reduce excess waste going to landfill and also helps to reduce the demand for natural resources and energy used in relation to the manufacturing process and environmental degradation associated with packaging and transport of goods.

Water Conservation

The department occupies a range of buildings that have NABERS water ratings and water saving initiatives such as the use of grey water to flush toilets, waterless urinals and water saving shower heads.

Mechanisms for reviewing and improving measures to minimise the impact of the department on the environment (section 516A(6)(e))

The department is committed to making a positive contribution to sustainable development and conservation through the adoption of better practice within its business operations.

In 2010-11, the department actively participated in Earth Hour 2011 by switching off building lights, computers, monitors and multi-functional devices around Australia.

The department’s central offices in Canberra access the whole-of-government electricity supply contract which is managed by the Department of Defence. This includes a supplied 10% of green power.

In 2011-12, the department will implement the revised EMS which will further assist with identifying, managing and reducing the department’s impact on the environment and provide a consolidated system for monitoring and measuring these impacts. The revised EMS also provides the department with a systematic and methodical approach to improving and reviewing its environmental performance in the future.

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