Introduction

With increasing concerns about climate change, carbon footprint and energy production, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings concerning the subject. This course will try to clear up these misunderstandings and misconceptions by going into some depth about the various forms of energy production, their environmental impacts, waste management issues and the global challenges in these areas that we all have to deal with. As the push is on now to moving towards a low carbon future, organizations have to ensure that their staff are being kept current and informed.

Workshops, DVD videos and classroom exercises will be used during the seminar to enhance the learning process.

Objectives

·         Learn about the various types of energy production, their positives and negatives, cost comparisons and which ones are being recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

·         An in-depth look at Sustainability

·         Calculation of Carbon Footprints

·         The significance of Climate Change and Why a global perspective with global input is necessary

·         Why Waste Management issues and the availability of Water are important components of the equation

·         Learn about the concept of Zero Waste and the benefits of an integrated Waste Management System

Training Methodology

The course will encourage delegates’ participation and the atmosphere in the classroom will be tailored to asking questions and the delegates will be made to feel welcome in a stress free atmosphere. The instructor having worked in a nuclear power station and fossil fuelled generation stations (oil, coal and natural gas) will share some technical practical experiences during some of the discussions.

Organizational Impact

·         The organization, based on the training received by its employees at the course, will be more aware of sustainability and carbon footprint issues at the plant and be able to advise/recommend solutions when requested. This usually results in improved productivity

·         As climate change is now a global issue, an informed employee will be able to differentiate between misconceptions and factual information on this issue.

·         Enhanced reputation of the organization in the community knowing that the company is doing its part concerning reducing its carbon footprint

·         Concerning energy production, by knowing the positives and negatives of each form of energy production and their relative costs, the informed employee can make the appropriate recommendations for optimizing the plant’s current energy producing method and also offer some valuable input if a new energy producing method is planned

·         By addressing any real or potential contamination problems, the company is proactive in doing its part in minimizing any adverse environmental impacts from its operations

·         An improved image of the organization with the Regulatory Authorities

Personal Impact

·         Personal satisfaction of the employee knowing that the organization is providing the necessary information required for him/her to stay current on energy, carbon and environmental issues

·         Risk Reduction knowledge which will provide lasting benefits both personally and professionally

·         Information acquired during the course will contribute to a safer working environment

·         Personal psychological advantage of an employee doing his or her part concerning one of the recommendations of UNEP ( United Nations Environmental Program) – "Think Globally, Act Locally”

·         Personal pride in being part of an organization that’s committed to protecting the environment and preventing pollution

·         Personal pride in having the necessary information to discuss what’s known and what’s not known about climate change issues

Who Should Attend?

·         Health & Safety and Environmental Professionals

·         Staff responsible for monitoring energy usage

·         Staff responsible for managing wastes and contamination issues

·         Laboratory technicians

·         Technical assistants and anyone who has a role to play in Health & Safety and Environmental matters of the organization

·         Emergency Personnel

seminar outline