Environmental Management ISO 14000

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Includes a compulsory site visit.

200 hours

Admission to post graduate studies in engineering or equivalent

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

AIMS

Environmental Management ISO 14000 aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to apply and help develop environmental management systems. The subject builds on the student’s knowledge of risk management, such as that gained in CVEN30008 Risk Analysis, and develops their ability to identify, assess and manage environmental risk that arises from the construction and operation of manufacturing or infrastructure facilities. It also builds on knowledge about sustainability such as is learnt in the subject CVEN90043 Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering, and other management systems such as those learnt in CVEN90045 Engineering Project Implementation.

At the conclusion of the subject, it is expected that students should be able to work under supervision in a capacity where they are responsible for the maintenance of an existing environmental management system, or assist in developing a new system. They should also be in a position to conduct simple internal audits and assist in more complex internal audits. The subject does not provide students with sufficient practice and skills to immediately become an accredited auditor in Australia.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Environmental Management ISO 14000 will cover the following related areas of study: the history of EMS from Demming Wheel to ISO 14000 series; the elements of an EMS; systems audit and review and gap analysis; legal requirements, due diligence document control, liability and ISO 9000 review; regulation and accreditation; community consultation; emerging issues in environmental management.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Describe the role of the ISO 14000 series of standards in industry
2. Describe, in detail, the elements of the ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 standards
3. Identify production processes and likely risks to the environment embodied in such processes
4. Use risk management standards to review and prioritise the environmental risks of a facility
5. Conduct an environmental performance audit of an industry
6. Conduct an EMS systems audit of a commercial operation
7. Write an EMS manual for particular business
8. Prepare an environmental emergency response manual

• Computer-based quiz on the elements of ISO 14001; approximately 10 hours work; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 2 addressed; due Week 2 (5%)
• Written report identifying aspects & impacts of a complex activity with significant environmental interactions; approximately 13-15 hours work; ILOs 2,3 & 4 addressed; due about Week 4 (10%)
• Written environmental assessment based on research and site observations of a complex activity with significant environmental interactions; approximately 40 hours work; ILOs 3,4 & 5 addressed; due about Week 8 (30%)
• Preparation of an audit checklist and conduct of an audit of the management of complex activity with significant environmental interactions; approximately 40 hours work; ILOs 2,3,4 & 6 addressed; due about Week 10 (30%)
• Written report demonstrating practical understanding of how elements of an EMS inteact to guide continual improvement and consistent environmental performance; approximately 30-35 hours work; ILOs 7 & 8 addressed; due start of exam period (25%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to select and apply international engineering standards to a process
• Ability to design and implement a systems-based approach to managing risks
• Ability to apply knowledge of basic risk engineering fundamentals
• In-depth technical competence in both environmental and risk engineering disciplines
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution in respect to risk control
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
• Effective risk communication with senior management, risk engineers team and the community.

Safety boots, high visibility vests and safety spectacles are required for site visits.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The key learning method used in the subject is build knowledge and understanding around the site chosen for the visits and assessment. Intensive workshops and lectures are used to highlight the main issues. These are concentrated in first 8 weeks of the semester to allow this information to be applied the main assignment.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Standards Australia (2004) AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use. Sydney.
Standards Australia (2004) AS/NZS ISO 14004:2004 Environmental management systems - General guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques. Sydney.
Standards Australia (2009) AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines. Sydney.

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

This subject uses a real industry site as the basis for the learning and assessment. Students visit the site and undertake preparatory activities for writing components of an environmental management system for the site. The subject also invites experienced EMS auditors and consultants to assist in teaching activities and assessment.