AOS 2 Unit 3 Flashcards
The six sustainability principles:
- Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity
- Efficiency of resource used
- Intergenerational equity
- intragenerational equity
- Precautionary principle
- User pays principle
Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity:
Maintenance of the abundance of different species living within a particular region, the genetic diversity in a population and the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its biotic and abiotic organisation and function in the face of changing environmental conditions, including a capacity of self-renewal
Efficiency of resource use:
Use of smaller amounts of physical resources to produce the same product or service while minimising environmental impacts.
Intergenerational equity:
Preserving natural resources and the environment for the benefit of future generations
Intragenerational equity:
Preserving natural resources and the environment for the benefit of the current generation.
Precautionary principle:
A guideline that is triggered when the risk of harm to the environment due to a proposed action is high but the scientific evidence is uncertain, requiring that measures be taken to prevent environmental damage and that the proof of no, or minimal, harm be provided by the prosperity.
User pays principle:
Calls upon the user of a service or resource to pay directly for the amount they use, rather than the cost being shared by all the users or a community equally.
Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity - infrastructure projects
Road planning that includes wildlife corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation. Minimising air, water and noise pollution during construction.
Efficiency of resource use - infrastructure projects
Using recycled asphalt and sustainable construction materials
Intergenerational equity - infrastructure projects
Designing long-term sustainable transport solutions to reduce future pollution.
Intragenerational equity - infrastructure projects
Ensuring low-income community near the road have access to green spaces
Precautionary principle - infrastructure projects
Conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA’S) before approving road projects.
User pays principle - Infrastructure projects
Toll roads fund environmental offsets for their impacts.
Biodiversity - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
The project impact local wildlife habitats due to land clearing and construction. To address this, wildlife corridors, native vegetation replanting, and habitat offsets could be used.
Ecological Integrity - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
Construction activities can lead to air, water and noise pollution. Measures such as sediment control in waterways, dust suppression and noise barriers can help maintain ecological balance.
Intragenerational equity - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
The freeway expansion aims to improve transport efficiency for current users, but some communities may face negative effects such as increased noise or air pollution. Environmental justice strategies can help mitigate inequities.
Intergenerational equity - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
Future generations will benefit from reduced congestion and improved transport. However, if emissions increase due to expanded roads, long-term sustainability goals could be compromised. A balanced approach with public transport integration could enhance equity.
Efficiency of resource use- VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
Using a recycled asphalt, energy-efficient machinery, and water saving technologies during construction can reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
User Pays principle - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
If tolls or levies are used, the revenue could help fund environmental restoration projects related to the freeways impact. However, affordability and fairness must be considered.
Precautionary principle - VIC Big Builds Eastern Freeway
If there is uncertainty about long-term environmental effects, the project should take preventative measures such as conducting thorought environmental impact assessments (EIA’S), traffic modelling, and community consultation before finalizing plans.
Stakeholders in the Big Builds
- Residents
- Businesses
- Commuters
- Workers
- Governments
- Environmental scientists
- Ecosystems= (Air), Animals, plants, (Water)
Environmental Management system (EMS)
- EMS= a structured framework organisations use to reduce environmental impacts and comply with regulations
- EMS- applies to all stakeholders
- ISO- The International Organisation for Standardization = independent and non-governmental = NOT COMPUSLURY
ISO: ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a structured framework for organisations to develop, implement, and improve an Environmental Management systems (EMS)
- It helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, ensure regulatory compliance, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
- Supports decision making by incorporating scientific data, legal requirements, and stakeholder concerns into environmental planning.
- Stakeholder negotiation is often necessary to resolve competing priories, and an EMS provides a transparent process for identifying risks and agreeing on actions.
Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
- A structured framework applied across project stages to manage environmental impacts
- Includes legally binding Environmental Performance Requirements (EPR’s) that must be met during design, construction, and operation.
Key Environmental Focus Areas:
- Air quality, noise, vibration, water management, visual impacts, and biodiversity protection
- Managed through detailed plans like the surface water management plan (SWMP)
Tools and compliance:
- Scientific monitoring programs assess compliance with EPR’s
- Plans are developed in consultation with EPA Victoria to ensure regulatory
Purpose of EMFS in this project:
- Ensure environmental protection and legal compliance
- Balance stakeholder expectations and long term community outcomes
