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Environmental
Sustainability:
An Industry Response
Table
Of Contents
Environmental
sustainability requires the
design and provision of
products and services that
incorporate and promote
waste minimisation and the
efficient and effective use
and reuse of resources.
02 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Summary 4
Executive Summary 4
Section 1: Defining The Issues 8
Sustainability - a definition to direct ISC activity 8
Introduction 8
Definition 8
Environmental sustainability practices 8
Rationale and Background 9
Industry approach to environmental sustainability 11
Industry Skills Councils’ Response 11
Guiding principles for workforce development in environmental sustainability 12
Is the VET workforce up to the challenge? 13
Section 2: ISC Response 18
AgriFood Skills Australia 18
Key drivers for AgriFood industries 19
Sustainability in AgriFood Skills Australia Training Packages 19
AgriFood Australia sustainability initiatives 20
Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council 21
Key drivers for the CS&H industries 21
Sustainability in CS&H Training Packages 21
CS&H Sustainability Initiatives 22
Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council 23
Key drivers for the CPS industries 23
Sustainability in CSPISC Training Packages 24
CPSISC Sustainability Initiatives 25
Electrocomms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council 26
Key Drivers for the EE-Oz industries 26
Sustainability in EE-Oz Training Packages 27
EE-Oz Sustainability Initiatives 28
Government Skills Australia 29
Key drivers for the GSA industries 29
Sustainability in GSA Training Packages 30
GSA Sustainability Initiatives 31
ForestWorks Industry Skills Council 32
Key drivers for ForestWorks industries 33
Sustainability in ForestWorks Training Packages 33
ForestWorks Sustainability Initiatives 34
Innovation & Business Skills Australia (IBSA) 35
Key drivers for the IBSA industries 35
Sustainability in IBSA Training Packages 36
IBSA Sustainability Initiatives 37
Manufacturing Skills Australia 38
Key drivers for manufacturing industries 39
Sustainability in MSA Training Packages 39
MSA Sustainability Initiatives 40
SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council) 41
Key drivers for the DMC industries 41
Sustainability in SkillsDMC Training Packages 41
Skills DMC Sustainability Initiatives 42
Service Skills Australia Industry Skills Council 43
Key drivers for the SSA industries 44
Sustainability in SSA Training Packages 44
Service Skills Sustainability Initiatives 45
Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council 46
Key drivers for the TL&I industries 46
Sustainability within TLISC Training Packages 47
TLISC Sustainability initiatives 47
03 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Executive
Summary
As a collective, Industry Skills Councils are
concerned at the absence of an overarching picture
and broad understanding of how the skills relating to
sustainable practice are being developed and embedded
within industry.
The issue is clearly complex.
But good policy formation is evidentiary based
and must consider not only the written word but
the unwritten sensitivities which will ultimately
determine its success.
It is in this context - amid a growing debate on
‘green skills’ and a worrying plethora of accredited
courses and policy - that the ISCs have commissioned
this report into the drivers and sensitivities of
industry’s shift towards sustainable practice,
and what work is already in place by ISCs to
support the shift.
The wave of change is clearly upon us. and proliferation of initiatives that range
Enterprises, industries, communities from the sublime to the ridiculous. It
and governments are all looking, testing is in this climate that the VET sector
and thinking about solutions to reduce must provide a practical and effective
Australia’s carbon footprint. In some way to develop and disseminate the
areas there is clear progress but for skills and knowledge required to fuel an
many, this process is just beginning. environmentally sustainable economy.
Many of the high emissions industries
It is the role of the Industry Skills
are still to establish the implications of Councils (ISCs) to identify and respond
the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme to the skilling needs of their industries.
(CPRS); others are focused on delivering To achieve this, they must be well
government initiatives such as the connected to their stakeholders, develop
installation of solar panels, insulation and Training Packages that accurately reflect
smart meters. There is an overwhelming industry needs and provide leadership in
amount of information and opinions, workforce development that is based on
04 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
the latest industry intelligence. From The overall goal of achieving 3. Adds value - Workforce skill
this position, the ISCs have examined environmental sustainability requirements to support
the current impacts of environmental incorporates a wide range of practices. environmental sustainability
sustainability on their industry These include personal responsibility, objectives must be carefully
sectors and implemented a range analysis skills, for example product assessed to determine the need for
of initiatives to address current and lifecycle analysis, transparency, new skills and the appropriateness
emerging priorities. In addition, they including compliance auditing and of existing skills. It is important that
have collectively developed a range of reporting, conservation, and waste skill development adds to workforce
principles to ensure that their activities management. It requires a climate capacity in a meaningful way and
are well targeted and effective. of innovation, collaboration and does not add unnecessarily to
leadership. Ultimately, it must support the burden faced by enterprises
Firstly, the ISCs have agreed on a the deployment of technologies and in meeting the new focus of
definition to clarify the challenge for work practices and build Australia’s environmental sustainability.
their industries. It is important to workforce capacity to achieve The ISCs are concerned that a
note that the ISCs do not support environmentally sustainable outcomes. ‘blanket’ or fixed process that treats
the current popularity of ‘green’
each industry in a similar fashion,
terminology as they believe it promotes In order to achieve this, the ISCs
or results in a standardised process
a message that can exclude some propose three essential guiding
of incorporating environmental
industry sectors and is quite often principles to underpin all VET activity.
used incorrectly or in a misleading sustainability skills into Training
manner. Many of the products and 1. Industry specific - Environmental Packages, would work against these
services currently deemed ‘green’ sustainability must be approached important principles and be highly
quite simply, are not. In addition, in a manner that is specific to the detrimental to achieving the skill
the ISCs acknowledge that a truly needs of the job and the industry outcomes that industry needs.
‘sustainable’ outcome is one that within which the employee works.
There is extensive evidence of work
achieves a balance between social, Skill needs will differ from industry
completed and current initiatives
financial and environmental outcomes. to industry and job to job and
to ensure that Training Packages
The current challenge however is must be addressed in a meaningful
support workforce development in
focused on the environmental aspects and relevant way to ensure the
environmental sustainability. In line
of this equation and so the ISCs appropriate deployment of new
with the principles outlined above,
define ‘environmental sustainability’ technologies and work practices.
the ISCs have been actively engaging
to accurately direct these priorities. 2. Appropriately timed - Environmental their stakeholders to determine how
Environmental sustainability is sustainability skill needs will emerge Training Packages can best serve
defined as: in an incremental way and at different industry in this agenda. The responses
rates from industry to industry. are as varied and diverse as the
Environmental sustainability The drivers for each industry are
requires the design and provision industries themselves.
different and priorities for change
of products and services that will vary accordingly. Those sectors There are a significant number of skills
incorporate and promote waste
affected by compliance requirements currently being used that will support
minimisation and the efficient
will be primary instigators for new environmental sustainability. In general,
and effective use and reuse
developments in technology and the majority of skills will not be entirely
of resources.
work practices. new. Many units of competency and
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Executive
Summary
qualifications already cover these skills new markets in biofuels, are driving
adequately as they are; others are being new skill imperatives in this industry.
revised to add specific and relevant skill Many industries are looking for ways
or knowledge to actively incorporate or to capitilise on the opportunities that
strengthen components such as waste environmental sustainability brings
management and efficient use and wanting to expand their technical
of resources. competence and capacity.
Many Training Packages, such as the Where new skills and knowledge needs
Competitive Manufacturing, Water and are clearly identified, the ISCs have
Rural Production Training Packages, developed and endorsed new units to
have always had environmental target specific skills. A new sustainability
sustainability; resource efficiency and pathway is being developed for the
waste management; as central principles Manufacturing Technology qualification;
of competency. higher level units and qualifications
are targeted for trade waste and
ISC research has identified a range of hydrography. A mandatory unit of
new skills that have or are emerging as competency has been introduced
a result of environmental sustainability across construction qualifications to
drivers. For industries likely to be affected ensure that this workforce incorporates
by the CPRS, emissions monitoring, environmental sustainability practice.
auditing and reporting skills are high on Units of competency are being mapped
the list as are design and development to key government land care initiatives.
strategies to improve energy efficiencies The sustainability guideline units are
and design technology improvements. widely incorporated into qualifications
Risk management and environmental across Training Packages.
market research are also important new
areas. Work is underway to define the Nearly all ISCs have designated a staff
new skills and knowledge requirements member to oversee environmental
for these. For those affected by sustainability activity and extensive work
government initiatives, there is an is in process for the development of
immediate call for specific technical new units and qualifications. All Training
skills. EE-Oz has developed new units Package reviews currently underway
and Skill Sets in the installation of grid or planned, now incorporate an
connected photovoltaic systems and analysis of environmental sustainability
smart meters to ensure skills are available considerations for skill and knowledge
to realise these government initiatives. development. Extensive stakeholder
consultation mechanisms are in place
The forestry industry is in a unique across the board to ensure that ISCs
position in that its net effect is to create a have the latest industry intelligence to
reduction in Australia’s carbon footprint. inform a strategic response.
However, restrictions on the use of
chemicals, impacts of climate change The ISCs are confident that effective
such as bush fires and opportunity for measures to address environmental
06 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
sustainability in the workplace are engage a range of delivery techniques expands its installation scheme.
well in hand when it comes to Training to ensure that key learnings are The capacity of the VET sector to
Packages. There are still however achieved. Experiential learning, action deliver will need further examination to
many hurdles for the VET sector research, project based learning and determine how it needs to
as a whole and, as we move into a other learner-directed processes will prepare for an environmentally
more ‘interconnected tertiary sector’, be required to navigate a domain sustainable economy.
the urgent need to address how that in many cases is relatively
research findings and new knowledge unknown. This will be part of fostering VET implementation programs
generated by universities can be a climate of innovation and problem will need to be innovative and
effectively disseminated through VET solving, central practices to achieving developed in ways that draw upon the
pathways. environmental sustainable outcomes.. expertise of industry, involve various
However these are techniques that stakeholders and create new networks
Training Packages rely on effective may need to be improved for many of collaboration and sharing of
implementation. As the ISCs look trainers and represent an area where resources. Centres of Excellence and
to their industries and research to professional development is required best practice models will be important
inform Training Package development, resources to ensure that trainers and
trainers and assessors will need Trainers will often be facilitating skill industry have access to the most
access to targeted professional development, rather than sharing their current information and industry
development to ensure they can own skills; the trainers will need to specific tools.
deliver on the new skills and be adept learners themselves. This
knowledge that are needed with means that they will need a range of Environmental sustainability presents
environmental sustainability. educational and consultative skills to a host of challenges, at all levels.
work with industry to develop training The VET sector must stay focused
Environmental sustainability is an programs that add value in on its role to support the deployment
evolving field of expertise. This means the environmental capacity of of technologies and work practices
that trainers and assessors will need the workforce. that will enable industry to embrace
access to ongoing professional environmental sustainability in
development to ensure they are up RTOs are already facing skill shortages a manner that is effective and
to date with the changes. In many and these will be further strained meaningful. The higher education
circumstances this will be within the by industries wanting to implement sector has a major role in the
capacity of trainers, especially where responses to climate change. In development and dissemination of
new practices are an extension of addition, many struggle to access new knowledge and research. This
established skills. However for many resources and up to date equipment report provides many examples of the
areas, especially those at higher levels to deliver on current skills. RTOs VET sector at work to equip the future
or in new areas such as sustainable wanting to deliver training in grid workforce. It is essential that this
design, emissions auditing, or connected solar systems will need to important work continues to grow and
renewable energy, this will pose a invest approximately $100,000 per evolve as the concepts and learnings
serious capacity challenge. This is not campus to establish suitable training about environmental sustainability
only in accessing the necessary skill infrastructure. This will be out of reach evolve. It will be a long road, but this is
and knowledge but also in the ongoing for many, especially smaller (and the VET sector’s core business and the
investment required in research and rural) facilities. This limitation alone ISCs are committed to ensuring that
updating of teaching resources. could significantly affect the ability of industry has the right skills, at the right
Environmental sustainability outcomes providers to deliver the skills required time in the right place.
are also likely to require trainers to after July 1 when the Government
07 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Defining
The Issues
Sustainability
- a definition to direct ISC activity
Section 1: Introduction Environmental
Globally, we are at a challenging time sustainability practices
Section 1 of this report in the development of humanity; we Environmentally sustainable practices
defines the issues have learnt that our current way of living then are those that target:
of environmental is not sustainable and that unless we
sustainability, a general make radical changes, future, even • PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:
current generations, will be significantly The skill and knowledge to reflect on and
description of how the
and adversely affected. As we grapple manage one’s own actions to ensure
ISCs are responding and with the implications of this situation that they:
explores some of the throughout our societies, we find
capacity issues for the ourselves today with a myriad of terms - comply with and demonstrate
VET sector. and concepts to express a vast array of an understanding of established
perspectives, priorities and approaches environmental standards,
to address this critical issue. - procedures and compliance
requirements
The Industry Skills Councils acknowledge
that solutions lie in all aspects of society - reflect awareness of the environmental
and from many directions. In order for impact of their actions
the Vocational Education and Training - contribute to decision making
(VET) sector to generate focused and and continual improvement
meaningful sustainability outcomes, processes targeting personal and
the ISCs have established an agreed organisational efficiencies in the use
definition to underpin their activities. of resources, reduction of waste
and in the improvement of products
Definition and processes to reduce their
environmental impact
In order to target the priorities of ISCs, - embrace continual improvements
and provide meaningful direction for their and lifelong learning to improve
industry stakeholders, the ISCs define environmental conditions now and for
‘Environmental Sustainability’ as having the future
a focus on the environmental aspects of
sustainability, rather than ‘sustainability’ • ANALYSIS:
per se which is generally recognised as Analysis of the environmental impact
incorporating environmental, social and of products and processes – this
economic factors. The agreed definition includes lifecycle analysis from
therefore states: creation to disposal, development and
implementation of testing processes,
Environmental sustainability requires
comparative and critical analysis,
the design and provision of products
environmental risk analysis
and services that incorporate
and promote waste minimisation
• TRANSPARENCY:
and the efficient and effective use
Determination of environmental
and reuse of resources.
monitoring and reporting requirements
and the subsequent development and
implementation of monitoring and
08 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
reporting procedures – this includes • LEADERSHIP: solutions based on creativity and
identifying and reporting on regulatory Leadership – including modeling innovation, than on naming and
and compliance requirements personal responsibility and developing blaming; after all, we are all now part
relevant to organisational operations, it in others, creating an environment of the problem. With this in mind, it is
environmental audits, environmental of cooperation and flexibility in order important that current definitions of
accounting to facilitate ongoing changes and sustainability uphold a vision that is
improvements to technology and inclusive in its application across all
• INNOVATION: processes, value based leadership industries and all participatory levels
Technical development – research, and that it avoids marginalising any
design and development of new and • WORKFORCE CAPABILITY: particular group.
improved materials, products and Building the cultural maturity and skills
processes that result in the reduction capability of the Australian workforce How green is sustainability?
of waste, increases in energy and to recognise and engage in appropriate This brings us to the current popularity
resource efficiencies, recycling environmental sustainability practices. of the term ‘green’. It is clear that this
term is generating widespread support
• CONSERVATION: Rationale and background and usage; it’s catchy, affirmative and
Management of existing resources media friendly. However identifying
– determination of protection To determine the suitability of this sustainability as being ‘green’ has
requirements, efficient and selective definition, it has been important a number of potential problems
use of resources to examine some of the current and limitations. Firstly, the ‘green’
terminology and perspectives. movement has a history of being
• WASTE MANAGEMENT: confrontational, often interpreted as
Reduction of waste, increased The evolution of sustainability. challenging the interests of industry
reuse and recycling – the skills and The sustainability ‘movement’ can be and without arguing the merits of
knowledge to improve efficiencies in defined as having evolved through a this, there are many sections of our
current technologies and processes, series of key stages1. The first ‘wave’ communities and industries that still
control pollution and manage waste being the ‘green movement’ in the harbor a negative view about the term
by-products 1960s and 70s which pushed for green and green campaigners. Using
government change and corporate ‘green’ terminology risks alienation
• COLLABORATION: regulation, often working in opposition of a wide range of people and may
Cross disciplinary collaboration – to business interests. Then in the limit support of genuine sustainability
including cooperative research and 1980s and 90s, fueled by highly discussions and solutions.
development, brokerage of ideas publicised social and environmental
and developments across traditional disasters, sustainability concepts Secondly, it is incorrect to assume
industry boundaries, collaborations expanded to target corporate that ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ have
throughout supply chains, responsibilities. The new millennium the same meaning or indeed the
capacity building saw a significant shift of focus to same outcome. There is a growing
globalisation and with it demands misunderstanding about this.
• DEPLOYMENT: for responsible globalisation and Green can indicate a preference
Commercialisation – economic, the rise of anti-globalisation. Today for natural rather than man-made
social and environmental analysis of we are experiencing a wave that is materials/products/processes etc.
initiatives, national and international seeking sustainability at the individual, Where in reality, given factors such
deployment into markets, procurement industry, community, government and as population, climate, lifestyle,
decisions, provision of advice international levels. What is exciting economics and resource availability,
to consumers about this new era is that it is focused the most environmentally friendly and
more on generating collaborative sustainable solutions are quite likely
1. Sustainability http://www.sustainability.com/insight/trends-and-waves.asp
09 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Defining
The Issues
to involve extensive use of man- integral to reporting for the Carbon This definition contains within it two
made technologies. Alternatively, Pollution Reduction Scheme, but are key concepts:
green implies that the outcome of the not necessarily ‘green skills’.
product or service will in some way 1. the concept of ‘needs’, in
benefit the environment. Again, this The popularity of green branding is particular the essential needs of all
is more often than not inaccurate and undisputable, but we are still in early communities which can take into
risks sending confusing messages to days of this social change and already account equality issues across
consumers. For example, while solar there is significant risk that the plethora communities and countries; and
panels are considered to be ‘green’ of claims that range from scientifically 2. the idea of limitations imposed by
technology, the process of replacing a proven to marketing driven, will dilute the state of technology and social
functioning electric hot water system and cliché this important process that organization on the environment’s
that has 10 years life left, with a new needs to integrate communities at a ability to meet present and
solar system could result in a net loss very practical level. future needs.
to the environment when the use of What is noticeable about this
The ISCs are reluctant to enter the
resources and generation of waste are definition is that it allows for a multi-
current proliferation of claims about
taken into consideration. While solar dimensional approach to sustainability
the ‘green’ merits of initiatives and are
clearly offers significant options in that incorporates environmental,
more concerned with the development
renewable energy, the example is given social, economic and potentially more
and deployment of skill and knowledge
merely to illustrate the simplicity of aspects for consideration. It implies
required to achieve practical, long
the green branding approach. Efforts that sustainability is the achievement
term, sustainable outcomes. To
to carry out recycling of many of the of a balance between these values
support this position, the ISCs need an
products used by our society may that can be maintained over the long
interpretation of ‘sustainability’ that is
sound like a “green” initiative; however term, even indefinitely. The focus of
relevant to its workforce development
in reality some recycling activities today’s priorities is on addressing
responsibilities.
create more carbon emissions than an imbalance in the environmental
would simple disposal of the original The most well known and accepted aspects of sustainability and a
product. Recycling may allow people focus per se on ‘sustainability’ risks
to feel as though they are behaving in a
definition of sustainability is:
underplaying the critical focus now
“green” fashion, however reducing the ‘Development that meets the required on environmental values. In
use of products that create pollution in needs of the present without order to ensure that the environment
their manufacture, distribution and use, compromising the ability is central to current sustainability
is far more important than recycling. of future generations to meet efforts; although not to the exclusion
Sustainability and carbon pollution are their own needs’ of social and economic factors; the
complex issues and not adequately (World Commission on Environment ISCs have adopted the terminology
represented by a general populist term and Development 1987)2. of ‘environmental sustainability’ as
such as “green”. the target for definition, to clearly
identify this new directive and help to
Finally the ‘green’ terminology is
focus workforce development in this
difficult for many industries to relate to.
area. This will also assist to identify
Industries such as community services,
skilling gaps from the other extensive
cultural services, entertainment and
sustainability skills already firmly
financial services would all consider
integrated into training initiatives.
their role in sustainability to be a
valuable contribution, however may
not easily package their products
as green. Accounting skills will be
2. The Report of the Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future, published by Oxford University Press, 1987
10 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Industry approach to At this stage, many new initiatives are Industry Skills Councils’
based on solutions that are ready to
environmental sustainability implement. For example, Government Response
The ISCs are keenly aware of the funding for installation of solar panels,
In an industry driven system such as
growing focus on environmental insulation and smart meters have
Australia’s VET system, the onus is on
sustainability and the important role allowed these industries an immediate
the ISCs to ensure their contact with
that the tertiary sector will play in response to environmental objectives.
industry is able to effectively identify
disseminating the skill and knowledge EE-Oz has had Certificate II – IV
and respond to the new skill needs
necessary to achieve improved qualifications in Renewable Energy
that emerge, promptly and accurately.
environmental outcomes. They are for some time, however the ISC has
The ISCs see this level of contact to be
also very much in touch with the now also developed new units and
essential to their core business and all
drivers and challenges that each of Skill Sets in the installation of grid
have extensive strategies in place to
their industry sectors are facing with connected photovoltaic systems
achieve this outcome. Their approach
regards to adoption and compliance and smart meters to ensure skills are
to environmental sustainability skills is
of sustainable practice. Extensive available to realise these initiatives.
as it is for any emerging technology,
work has already been completed by The Certificate IV in Renewable
skill or process: i.e. industry specific,
the ISCs to prepare the workforce to Energy provides a specialised
relating to specific workforce
install, operate, maintain and apply pathway for both qualified electricians
development needs, and based
sustainable technologies and work and apprentices in the design and
on industry directives. This makes
practices. For most, environmental installation of these new technologies.
the ISC response to environmental
sustainability is not a new concept and sustainability two-fold. Firstly ensuring
a variety of approaches to addressing For some industries, environmental
sustainability is nothing new. Forestry that Training Packages are responsive
these skill needs have been in place for
already provides a carbon capture to workforce development needs,
some time. This section of the report
capability which is well recognised, and secondly providing leadership
provides an overview on how the
while agriculture has been struggling on workforce development that
ISCs are approaching environmental
with water and land sustainability is informed by the latest industry
sustainability issues and workforce
issues for many years. Accordingly, intelligence.
development needs.
the Rural Production Training Package
A stocktake of current coverage within
Section 2 provides a more detailed already has extensive coverage of
description of the drivers and Training Packages demonstrates that
environmental sustainability at both the
sensitivities for the various even at this formative stage of the
unit and qualification level.
industry sectors and the ISC debate, environmental sustainability is
specific responses. For other industries, change will be a already covered at a number of levels:
much slower process. Coal mining for
The impacts and timing of 1. Within existing skills and
example is an infrastructure intensive
environmental sustainability qualifications in their current
industry which will still remain a
agendas on the workforce are still format. This reflects the reality that
primary energy resource, despite its
being identified. Industry is still many skills used to produce, apply
emissions. Details and scope of the
sifting through the mountain of new and use new technologies and
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
information and opinions to determine processes are the same.
and other government imperatives are
what environmental sustainability For example fundamental
not yet available, and so the immediate
means for them, what are the new manufacturing skills such as quality
implications and priorities are still to be
technology needs and how will checking, measuring, machine
determined at an enterprise level, for
workplaces be affected? Also, many operations etc. can be applied in a
those industries that will be affected.
question – what actually will make similar way, regardless of
a difference? the product. This also acknowledges
11 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Defining
The Issues
‘Work effectively and sustainably’
that central issues such as waste A wide range of projects are being
management and energy efficiency undertaken (or completed) to address
are often already addressed, environmental sustainability in Training
for example within Competitive Packages. Examples include:
Manufacturing, Water and Rural
Production Training Packages. • Inclusion of a new unit ‘Work
Where specific additional knowledge effectively and sustainably in the
is required to support the application construction industry’ as mandatory Guiding principles for
of skills in a new environmentally for all those working in the workforce development in
sustainability context, this is being construction industry.
environmental sustainability
incorporated into existing units. • Industry consultation to determine
2. Within newly developed units. workplace impacts in the mining The ISCs agree on three guiding
Where new skills and knowledge industry. principles to address environmental
needs are clearly identified, the • Development of a sustainability sustainability in Training Packages.
ISCs have developed and endorsed pathway within the Manufacturing These support appropriate and
new units to target specific skills. Technology qualification. effective workforce development
This is especially the case where • Development of higher level units and strategies. Essentially, Training
government initiatives or new qualifications for trade waste and Package developments for
regulatory requirements have driven hydrography for the Water environmental sustainability should
change in work practices. Training Package. be industry specific, implemented as
3. Within Sustainability Guideline required by industry in a way that adds
• Rework on Competitive value to workforce outcomes.
Units. Most qualifications in Training Manufacturing units to incorporate
Packages now incorporate or have environmental sustainability 1. Industry specific - Environmental
access to the sustainability guideline more specifically. sustainability must be approached
units. Many ISCs are currently in a manner that is specific to the
• Updating of fire protection units, and
reviewing the appropriateness of needs of the job and the industry
drafting of new units to meet ozone
these units for their industry sectors. within which the employee works.
depletion compliance regulations.
• Rework of units within the Plumbing Skill needs will differ from industry
As illustrated in Section 2 of this to industry and job to job and
Training Package to more specifically
report, the ISCs are engaged in must be addressed in a meaningful
target waste management.
extensive research to continually and relevant way to ensure the
identify the implications and needs • Identification of Rural Production appropriate deployment of new
that result from environmental units that support implementation technologies and work practices.
sustainability drivers. In addition, most of Government Natural Resource
Management programs. 2. Appropriately timed - Environmental
have also completed or are currently sustainability skill needs will emerge
engaged in further initiatives that are • Incorporation of performance in an incremental way and at different
reviewing and strengthening Training criteria in complying with workplace rates from industry to industry.
Package coverage of environmental environmental standards, in the Food The drivers for each industry are
sustainability skills. Almost all ISCs Processing Training Package. different and priorities for change
have designated a staff member to • Development of photovoltaic will vary accordingly. Those sectors
oversee environmental sustainability installation and smart meter affected by compliance requirements
developments across their units and Skill Sets within the will be primary instigators for new
Training Packages. Electrotechnology Training Package. developments in technology and
work practices.
12 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
3. Adds value - Workforce skill
requirements to support
environmental sustainability
objectives must be carefully
assessed to determine the need for
new skills and the appropriateness
of existing skills. It is important that
skill development adds to workforce
capacity in a meaningful way and
does not add unnecessarily to
the burden faced by enterprises
in meeting the new focus of
environmental sustainability.
Is the VET workforce
up to the challenge?
The VET sector, and increasingly, are industry specific; they are timed many areas, especially those at
the notion of a broader tertiary sector appropriately; and that they add higher levels or in new areas such as
will play a critical role in achieving value. These principles need to be sustainable design, emissions auditing,
maintained at the delivery level in or renewable energy, this will pose a
Australia’s carbon reduction goals.
order to support industry to meet the serious capacity challenge. Embedding
It will diffuse the skills and knowledge
new environmental challenges. the required skills within the tertiary
needed to deploy new technologies
A standardised approach to delivering workforce, and crucially, maintaining
and work practices across entire
training in environmental sustainability the currency of those skills, will not be
industries. It will act as a major
will not be effective in generating the achieved through a limited investment
agent in organisational and
long-term changes that are needed. model. The speed with which
technological change.
technology, practices and knowledge
This presents a range of issues for will continue to evolve in this area must
The effectiveness of this sector delivering training in environmental
depends on the quality and relevance be met with a matching commitment
sustainability: from government and providers alike
of Training Packages and their
implementation. This section of the 1. Environmental sustainability
report looks at the training delivery
2. Environmental sustainability
is an evolving field of expertise. requires a range of learning
issues and implications of the
environmental sustainability agenda. While Training Packages themselves outcomes.
will provide guidance in this area,
The ISCs have established that the learning strategies and training This includes receiving new knowledge
skill needs, environmental drivers, resources will need to stay current, and developing new skills, but also
priorities and national policy initiatives incorporate new work practices and developing problem solving ability,
vary from sector to sector. In order to technologies as they emerge and apply selecting particular behaviours and
respond accordingly to this variety of them to a range of work contexts. In applying an attitude that supports
conditions, the ISCs have established many circumstances this will be within sustainable actions. Getting learners
three guiding principles for the the capacity of trainers, especially to fully appreciate the environmental
inclusion of sustainable practice: where new practices are an extension implications of their actions and to
that Training Package developments of established skills. However for then choose sustainable actions,
13 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Defining
The Issues
“The products are generally better at
describing the ‘what’ than the ‘how’”
presents a difficult challenge. in many RTOs engaging third party In addition to equipment, a suite
Environmental sustainability also experts to achieve effective delivery of of new learning resources will be
calls on expertise from a range of Competitive Manufacturing programs. required to support new environmental
disciplines, requiring collaborative It is possible that this strategy may sustainability skilling goals, as well
work practices and an environment of be required for some of the training as rework of existing resources to
innovation. In all, gaining ‘competency’ in environmental sustainability incorporate new information.
in environmental sustainability is (dependent on the availability of A review of sustainability resources for
likely to require a range of learning these skills). Alternatively, additional industry conducted in 2004 found that
experiences and require trainers to use professional development for trainers “The majority of the products reviewed
a variety of non-traditional educational will be required. are guides, providing background
models such as experiential learning, information and/or listing requirements.
action research, and other learner- 4. New technologies will The approach is usually prescriptive
directed education techniques. need new learning resources and therefore not always relevant to
and facilities. the audience.”4 “The products are
A study conducted by Clayton and generally better at describing the
Blom (2004), found that teacher The ability of training organisations to ‘what’ than the ‘how’”. While there
confidence in applying these kinds provide a learning facility that includes may well be improved resources now
of learning models is actually quite the latest technologies has long been available, it is likely that continual
low. Only 50% of teachers indicated a concern for industry, with many improvements will be necessary to
that they felt they had the skills believing that RTOs are struggling to support quality training outcomes in
in ‘enhancing learner autonomy, keep up with current technologies. environmental sustainability.
negotiated learning, collaborative Lack of access to equipment not only
assessment, implementing innovative affects a trainer’s ability to deliver
approaches and using problem-based skills, but also to develop their own.
learning approaches.’3 The budget constraints of many public
(and private) providers are likely to
3. Teachers will hinder training initiatives. For example,
also be students. RTOs wanting to deliver training in grid
connected solar systems will need to
Trainers will need to provide invest approximately $100,000 per
customised skill solutions for clients campus to establish suitable training
that may be performing beyond their infrastructure. This will be out of
own skill and knowledge. Rather than reach for many, especially smaller
provide a known solution, trainers will (or rural) facilities. This limitation
need to work collaboratively with their alone could significantly affect the
clients to develop meaningful training ability of providers to deliver the
programs. This requires trainers to skills required after July 1 when the
have consultative skills to determine Government expands its installation
delivery options and also to distill their scheme. Government commitments
own learning into training resources. such as the ‘Skills for the Carbon
The implementation of the Competitive Challenge’ initiative need to identify
Manufacturing Training Package also and target skills issues like this in order
requires this kind of consultative to effectively move forward with its
process where the trainer’s own carbon reduction objectives.
knowledge and skill may be less
than their client’s. This has resulted
3. Finding the common ground: Is there a place for sustainability education in VET? 4. Industry Sustainability Toolkit Project: A review of sustainability resources for industry. Australian Research
Institute in Education for Sustainability and Arup Sustainability for the Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australian Government. 2004. Canberra Publishing and Printing.
14 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
5. The VET sector already professional development support a range of up-skilling opportunities
faces a skill shortage. to enable trainers and assessors to such as specialised courses,
deliver an effective service. engagement of experts, mentoring
A shortage of qualified trainers and programs, research projects, use
an aging workforce are a capacity Up skilling opportunities of e-learning resources etc. Project
issue across most industries. based activities and partnerships
Environmental sustainability training Opportunities for trainers from both are also considered to be valuable
will require teaching staff in both RTOs and enterprises to develop in generating collaborative skill and
generic sustainability skills (such as their environmental sustainability knowledge transfer. There are many
change management, supervision, skills, need to be as wide and varied highly successful school-based
problem solving, leadership etc.) and as the application of new skills examples of this at work. For example,
their application as well as technical, demand. Areas of particular need for Coffs Harbour High School engages
industry specific skills. In addition, professional development are those Coffs Harbour Jetty DuneCare
these trainers will need to understand that mirror the new sustainability skills Inc, Coffs Harbour & District Local
environmental sustainability issues and that are emerging so far. For example: Aboriginal Land Council and local
be able to instill in others, a supportive government to provide support and
• Compliance strategies and
attitude to the changes required. The mentorship in its environmental repair
management including environmental
shortages are cause for concern, as and education program.
auditing and environmental
the technical teaching workforce will
impact statements One ISC is currently exploring an
be under increasing pressure to help
industries respond to energy efficiency • Pollution control and waste industry proposal for the development
and carbon reduction initiatives in prevention and management of specialist qualifications to provide
coming years. pathways for up-skilling existing
• Risk management and sustainability
workers so they can take on training
• External/community liaison roles. These qualifications include
The tertiary sector as a whole • Environmental and sustainability technical skills as well as program
will require serious and long term management systems development and delivery skills
investment to increase its capacity • Cleaner production underpinned by the existing
to deliver skills that will fuel an Certificate IV in Training
environmentally sustainable economy. • Environmental markets (carbon and Assessment.
trading implications)
Professional Ongoing analysis will be required to
In addition, professional development identify emerging skill gaps in trainers
Development Strategies in learner-directed education and assessors.
strategies, industry consultative
With environmental sustainability one techniques and interdisciplinary,
of the key priorities for governments collaborative work practices could
and communities, VET is under also support the dissemination of
pressure to address its capacity sustainability skills.
issues. While some of these can be
managed through financial investment, Skill development for trainers and
many point to a critical need for assessors could be facilitated through
15 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Defining
The Issues
Australia faces a range of challenges
in order to equip the workforce
with skills
A life-long learning approach
to professional development
In order to evolve with new technologies
and practices, it is essential that trainers
and assessors continually evolve
themselves. Currently, registration
requirements for RTOs do not include
professional development expectations,
and RTOs vary in their own mandates.
It is acknowledged that, especially with
skill shortages as they are, trainers are
sorely missed (and expensive to replace)
when they return to industry or attend
development programs. However,
the current variations in approach to
professional development do not support
a strong culture and system of skill
development for trainers and assessors.
At the same time, it was apparent
through the assessment program
implemented recently by the Institute
of Trade Skills Excellence (ITSE) that
there are many RTOs that have excellent
arrangements with industry that support
the professional development of their
trainers. This type of relationship
must be encouraged and supported
in order to stay close to industry
developments and applications for
environmental sustainability. Partnerships
with government agencies, research
organisations, industry, other institutes,
professional networks and industry
associations are also essential in
maintaining professional currency.
Quality implementation
resources
The provision of high quality training
resources to support environmental
sustainability will not only support the
quality of training delivery, but also
provide a valuable learning resource
16 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
for trainers themselves. Advice for can provide an RTO context and Australia faces a range of challenges
the need for updates will also help information hub for professional in order to equip the workforce with
to keep RTOs informed and their development opportunities. They also the skills needed for a future that
delivery, current. ensure that those less well resourced, will largely be determined by its
still have access to quality information environmental sustainability. VET’s
Sharing and promotion of best and resources. core business is supporting the major
practice models, delivery resources, strategic shifts in the skills profile
activities, simulations and case The Swinburne Institute’s National of Australia’s workforce needed
studies will help to equip RTOs with Centre for Sustainability provides to meet Australia’s economic and
industry relevant information and a range of resources that support social policy. We will know we have
tools to develop their capacity in the learning for sustainability. succeeded when sustainable practice
area of environmental sustainability. More supports like this and with is embedded to the point of being
It is probable that additional support greater scope, must be available invisible; when our practices are so
will be required to ensure that delivery to help facilitate this significant smart that they are synonymous with
meets the needs of industry. change process. and drive productivity growth; that
as a country, we are seen as cutting
Whole of sector approach: Centres of Excellence could be
edge not just in the skills of our
industry focused or issue focused
Centres of Excellence (for example renewable energy,
people but in the system that builds
our workforce.
waste management) but should be
The needs of industry are specific
developed as central resources that
and different. At the same time they
build capacity, link and strengthen
may cross sectors and disciplines,
private and government resources,
up and down the skills hierarchy.
and result in skills for industry.
New jobs are being created and
career pathways are changing. New
technologies are emerging and work
practices being applied in different
ways. There is an imposing amount
of information, some accurate,
some not. It’s hardly surprising
that determining best practice
environmental sustainability is out of
reach for many enterprises and RTOs.
The notion of Centres of Excellence
offers a way forward for overwhelmed
industries. They provide a forum for
research, analysis, dissemination and
development of best practice models
and resources. They offer a bird’s
eye view with a global perspective
and provide an opportunity to forge
partnerships with research centres,
universities and other development
organisations. Centres of Excellence
17 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
AgriFood Australia
Section 2: The AgriFood industries cover
rural and related industries, food
AgriFood industries are responsible
for nearly two thirds of Australia’s
processing (including beverages, landmass and natural resources.
wine and pharmaceuticals), the meat Sustainability of these resources has
This section examines
and seafood industries and racing. long been fundamental to their ongoing
the key drivers for Together these industries generate viability. However, these industries are
the ISC industries. It more than $200 billion a year, which under extreme strain when it comes to
provides a picture of represent 46 per cent of retail sales environmental sustainability.
how environmental and roughly 20 per cent of exports.
On the one hand, agriculture is responsible
sustainability is currently Up to 880,000 people work in the
for 17 per cent of Australia’s total carbon
impacting the different AgriFood sector, comprising some
emissions and as such may come
140,000 separate enterprises.
industries and how the under scrutiny to improve its carbon
ISCs are responding. performance. Irrigation techniques and
water usage, use of fertilizers and land
This section includes AgriFood Skills Australia is responsible for
management processes are all under
description of current the following ten Training Packages.
examination to find more
coverage within Training AGF07 efficient strategies.
Packages and outlines AgriFood Training Package
On the other hand, agriculture, food
the ISC initiatives
FDF03 production and seafood all stand to bear
that are designed to in full, the impacts of climate change.
Food Processing Industry
increase the ability of Training Package Conditions such as drought, dryland
Training Packages to salinity, warming sea temperatures and
support the deployment MTM07 changing ocean chemistry will potentially
Australian Meat Industry Training have devastating effects on these
of environmental
Package industries. AgriFood industries have
sustainability solutions always been conscious of improving
through the workforce. RGR08 environmental performance as their
Racing Training Package very existence is dependant on the
sustainability of land and sea.
RTD02
Conservation and Land Management The food industry is also seriously
Training Package concerned that it will incur additional
costs generated by the Carbon Pollution
RTE03
Reduction Scheme, which will reduce the
Rural Production Training Package
competitiveness of Australian products
RTF03 against imported products that do not
Amenity Horticulture Training Package incorporate carbon costs. The food
processing industry is one of the largest
RUV04 users of water, drawing on approximately
Animal Care and Management Training 28 per cent of the total water used in
Package manufacturing nation wide.
SFI04 At the same time, the AgriFood industries
Seafood Industry Training Package are engaged in multiple strategies to
address environmental issues. Agriculture
SUG02 now plants over 20 million trees a year,
Sugar Milling Training Package with the concept of carbon farming and
18 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
sequestration becoming a serious Key drivers for Sustainability in
option for farmers wishing to diversify
income streams. AgriFood industries AgriFood Skills Australia
Viability. The ultimate viability of Training Packages
The Australian Government has
implemented a range of initiatives that many of the AgriFood industries Environmental sustainability has been
target environmental sustainability depends on highly efficient systems central to skill and knowledge covered
such as Farm Ready and Caring for that are environmentally sustainable. within AgriFood Skills Australia’s
our Country. It has allocated $26.5 Chronic water shortages demand that Training Packages for many years and
million over four years to boost training farmers are able to identify, access is considered to be ‘good practice’
opportunities for primary producers, and implement water management by all its stakeholders. The ISC takes
and to enable industry, farming groups strategies and technologies that environmental sustainability drivers
and natural resource management support long term productivity. Farm very seriously and has engaged
groups develop strategies to adapt planning and selection of appropriate extensively with stakeholders and
and respond to the impacts of agricultural processes will be critical strategic programs to ensure that its
climate change These programs skills to ensure maximum gains are training products support continuous
draw on fundamental skills within achieved with minimal resources. improvement in this area.
AgriFood Skills Australia’s workforce Farming communities are looking
development focus. for ways to improve the condition of Training Packages include a large
their working environment, not just to number of units that specifically
There are a myriad of other programs reduce the environmental impact of address environmental sustainability
at a national, regional and local level practices. In many cases, skills. A small sample includes:
that target environmental sustainability farmers are already combating
objectives. It is clear that climate environmental degradation. RTE4203A
change, seasonal variability and the Implement a property
environment remain overriding issues Coordination of strategic programs improvement program
for these sectors. Sustainable use
and management of natural resources Land management practices are widely RTE5524A
(land, water and vegetation) are now recognised as primary influences on Develop and implement
fundamental skills required at all levels environmental conditions. A range of sustainable land use
of the workforce. Alongside sit the programs have been implemented in
order to facilitate the best possible RTE4603A
skills and knowledge to understand Implement an irrigation related
and support climate change mitigation outcomes. A large proportion of these
initiatives relies on dissemination of environmental protection program
and adaptation strategies, much of
which will draw on the industry’s skills and new knowledge to large
RTD2202A
capacity to attract and interact with numbers of people who live and work
Conduct erosion and
scientists and researchers. in agricultural sectors. The ‘Caring
sedimentation control activities
for our Country’ initiative targets
Skills in water management, 42,000 farmers to increase their RTC2401A
information technology, natural uptake of sustainable farm and land Treat weeds
resource management, risk management practices. AgriFood
management and in the use of Skills Australia plays an essential role RTD4504A
increasingly sophisticated equipment to ensure that the required skills and Monitor biodiversity
are all paramount to enhancing knowledge are available to support
productivity and sustainability in these critical initiatives. RTD5003A
these industries. Manage natural area
restoration programs
19 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
RTC5504A Initiative 1: Incorporation of Initiative 7: Development of a
Develop a management plan for a environmental considerations within pre-vocational Weed Management
designated area the Evidence Guide of each unit Skill Set which incorporates safe
of competency within the Rural chemical application and general
RTE4814A Production (RTE03) and education components.
Provide information and referrals on Amenity Horticulture (RTF03)
environmentally responsible fertiliser Training Packages. Initiative 8: Incorporation of
and ameliorant use performance criteria requiring
Initiative 2: Research of government application of skill according to
RTC4513A land care and farming initiatives and workplace environmental standards,
Supervise acid sulphate soil the role of national Training Packages within operational units in the Food
remediation and management projects in their implementation. The ISC has Processing Training Package.
identified a range of opportunities to
RTD2502A Initiative 9: Provided input to Irrigation
improve the outcomes of initiatives
Maintain wildlife habitat refuges Australia in the Development of a Skill
using the national VET system.
Set that achieves the industry Certified
RTD3034A
Initiative 3: Mapping of units Irrigation Manager (CIM) certification.
Implement revegetation works
of competency from the Rural
Production, Amenity Horticulture and Initiative 10: Incorporation of guideline
RTD3132A
Conservation and Land Management sustainability units into the Food
Survey pest animals
Training Packages to the NRM and Processing Training Package.
RTD3205A Construct conservation ESD programs to help facilitate
Initiative 11: AgriFood Skills Australia
earthworks their deployment.
is working collaboratively with
RTD3212A Initiative 4: Development of a range many of the Research Development
Implement erosion control and of Skill Sets targeting operational Cooperations (such as cotton) to
sedimentation measures functions and industry programs incorporate VET in their research and
including: Sustainable Agriculture development opportunities.
AgriFood Australia Training Plan, Fertilizer Industry
The community services and health
Accreditation Program (Fertcare),
sustainability initiatives Cotton Advanced and Cotton Seed
industries are the third largest
employer in Australia, employing
AgriFood Skills Australia plays (Cotton Australia) and chemical user
1,134,200 people across an
an important support role in the accreditation programs.
extraordinarily diverse range
implementation of programs that target of occupations.
Initiative 5: The Rural Training
environmental sustainability, especially
Package has been used to support
in rural communities. A significant
a range of training initiatives for
number of government programs
conservation programs such as Green
are aligned to national units of
Corps and Greening Australia.
competency. The ISC has conducted
extensive research to determine the Initiative 6: Analysis of key learning
skill implications of initiatives and to and skill objectives of the Farm
ensure that Training Packages are able Ready program and mapping of units
to meet skill needs. of competency which improve the
capacity of primary producers and land
managers to adapt to climate change
and increase their self reliance
and preparedness.
20 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Community Services and Health
Industry Skills Council
The ISC cover services in aged Community services are increasingly appropriate funding. A serious
care, mental health, children, youth participating in environmental investment into analysis of work
and family, disability, and drug and sustainability initiatives such as practices, energy efficiency of
alcohol, and a comprehensive range volunteer tree planting, rubbish operations and design of community
of health services such as nursing, removal and environmental repair and health facilities, is unlikely
ambulance care, dental, optical, programs. This requires some to become a priority without a
alternative health etc. additional skills and knowledge to government imperative.
facilitate and organise this type of
community project. Community values. Participating in
The Community Services and Health environmental projects may
ISC is responsible for the following An important feature of the community become an increasing priority for
Training Packages: services and health sector is that communities to allow individuals
it is predominantly dependant on opportunity to actively reduce their
CHC08 government funding, and faces environmental footprint.
Community Services Training Package substantial cost constraints in meeting
Waste management. The reduction of
its extensive social responsibilities.
HLT07 waste is a driver for new developments
Health Training Package As such, these organisations have
in practices and products which also
applied extensive effort in reducing
meet hygiene and safety standards.
costs, including waste, and increasing
Environmental sustainability in these
efficiencies. Any environmental
industries is predominantly aligned
sustainability initiatives that would Sustainability in
to issues of procurement, waste
management and the design and incur additional expense would CS&H Training Packages
energy efficiency of the buildings in probably be beyond the reach of
most organisations without additional At this stage, environmental
which they operate. With hygiene sustainability as a specific skill is not
and safety requirements resulting in and designated funds. Environmental
sustainability is unlikely to become a widely targeted through the CS&H
extensive use of disposable products, Training Packages. Many of the
these industries face a difficult high priority in this sector while access
to health services is still a serious issue drivers for this industry will in fact
dilemma in improving their waste relate to other ISC sectors such as
performance. Clearly it is dependant in Australia.
manufacturing and building design
on technological improvements in and construction.
the biodegradability of materials Key drivers for the
and disposal processes to make a CS&H industries Some of the key environmental
significant impact, at the same time, sustainability skills in this sector
strict budgets will determine an Drivers for an increased focus on will most likely relate to capturing
organisation’s ability to participate environmental sustainability include information, interpreting government
in initiatives. Only with cost effective improved waste management, more policy and disseminating and
alternatives, will purchasers be able efficient design and construction of implementing change.
to support environmentally buildings and sustainable practices
sustainable outcomes. with regard to the use of hazardous
substances and disposable products.
This sector also faces regulations
with regards to the use of water Government Policy. This sector will
and chemicals used in cleaning and respond to environmental sustainability
sanitation. These impact on work issues with a policy directive from
practices and procurement decisions. government, accompanied with
21 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
There are a small number of units that CS&H Sustainability Initiatives:
relate specifically to environmental
process, for example: The CS&H ISC is currently undertaking
industry research and calling on
HLTPOP216B industry input to determine what the
Monitor and maintain septic or environmental sustainability issues are
on-site systems in this sector and how they can best
be addressed in Training Packages.
HLTPOP217B
The ISC is sensitive to imposing
Monitor and maintain
any additional requirements on this
sewerage or effluent systems
sector in the name of environmental
HLTPOP218B sustainability, which result in an
Monitor and maintain water supply increase in its financial stress.
HLTPOP220B Initiative 1: Industry consultation
Monitor and maintain rubbish conducted as part of Training Package
collection and disposal systems reviews and continuous improvement
works, will seek to gain information
HLTPOP319B about the environmental sustainability
Conduct testing and interpretation skill needs of this sector.
of results of community water supply
Initiative 2: Invitation to industry
The guideline sustainability units have to participate in environmental
not been imported at this stage, but sustainability research.
will be assessed for their usefulness
to this sector.
22 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Construction and Property
Services Industry Skills Council
CPSISC represents the workforce CPSISC is responsible for the following Key drivers for
training and skills development three Training Packages:
needs of the construction and the CPS industries
property services industries which CPC08
Construction, Plumbing and Key drivers for an increased focus
employ more than 1.6 million on environmental sustainability
Australians in approximately Services Integrated Framework
Training Package include better work practices and
500,000 enterprises. more efficient use of human and
CPP07 other resources, improved waste
Property Services Training Package management, more efficient design
The industry coverage of this and construction of buildings and
Skills Council includes property PRM04 sustainable practices with regard to
development, sales and management Asset Maintenance Training Package the use of hazardous substances.
(covering commercial property
The Construction and Property Waste management. Reduction of
management, real estate services,
Services industries face a number of waste is seen as a primary driver for
community and strata management,
challenges with regard to improving achieving improved environmental
stock and station agency); spatial
environmental outcomes. sustainability outcomes and this
information services; security
(including investigative services, sector will be affected by increases
Residential and commercial buildings
security operations, control room in disposal charges and taxes. This
are responsible for a significant
operations, risk management services will strengthen a focus on skills and
proportion of Australia’s greenhouse
and installing and providing security processes in sorting, recycling and
emissions, an outcome influenced
monitoring services); residential, reuse. Landfills are also undertaking
by their construction and energy
commercial and industrial cleaning; new processes such as being
efficiency. There are various estimates
specialist carpet cleaning; installing, developed to generate their own
of the amount of greenhouse
inspecting and maintaining fire energy which can be harvested for
emissions that are attributable
protection equipment and fire safety local recycling purposes or distributed.
to energy use in buildings. The
systems; pest management and Pressures on waste management will
Centre for International Economics
waste management services. The require research and development
(2007) estimates that buildings are
construction industry incorporates skills for more environmentally
responsible for around 23 per cent of
residential and commercial building sustainable solutions throughout the
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions,
and support services such as waste supply chain.
although this figure excludes emissions
surveying, building planning and from the construction, renovation and Building design and construction.
aspects of design, off-site construction demolition of buildings, and non-CO2 The design and construction of energy
such as shopfitting, sign manufacture emissions such as refrigerants. The efficient buildings will increasingly be
and all plumbing and services roles Centre for International Economics a driver for skills and services in the
such as general plumbing, roofing, has also projected that emissions construction industry. This includes
mechanical services and attributable to energy use in buildings the design of new buildings and
fire protection. will grow in both the residential and components as well as installation
commercial sector. The emissions of new technologies, and retrofitting
generated in the construction and or upgrading of current or old
refurbishment of buildings and technologies. Government incentives,
appliances is also significant.5 directives and stimulus spending
programs have already seen a spike in
demand for skilled workers to install
technologies such as water-saving
5. Garnaut Climate Change Review Issues Paper - Forum 5 Transport, Planning and the Built Environment
23 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
and storage equipment, insulation Sustainability in
products and solar panels, aimed
at improving the environmental CSPISC Training Packages
sustainability of domestic housing.
Environmental sustainability has
With growing government commitment
been incorporated within the CPSISC
to environmental programs such
Training Packages at many levels
as these, demands on skills will
and has been seen as central to job
only increase.
competencies for years.
The skill demands will include a mix
of well established skills with some Examples of stand alone units
new skills and knowledge relating addressing environmental
especially to the new technologies
and processes, and meeting
sustainability include:
compliance requirements specific to CPCCBC4019A
the construction industry. As consumer Apply sustainable building PRMPFES50A
awareness increases, this sector will design principles to water Monitor storage operations for ozone
also experience increasing demand management systems depleting substances and synthetic
to provide meaningful information
greenhouse gases
and advice for customers wanting to CPCCBC4020A
reduce their carbon footprint. Build thermally efficient PRMWM01B
and sustainable structures Conduct a waste management audit
Use of chemicals and
CPCCBC4021A PRMWM04B
ozone depleting substances Minimise waste on the Develop waste management strategies
building and construction site
The fire protection sector has growing
PRMWM57A
regulatory and (Commonwealth) CPCCPB3015A Develop landfill rehabilitation plan
environmental protection requirements Install acoustic and thermal
such as licenses associated with the environmental protection systems The guideline units have also been
use of Synthetic Greenhouse Gasses incorporated for selection:
and Ozone Depleting Substances. It CPPCMN4001A
is critical that licensing and legislative Develop workplace policy and CPPCMN3001A
requirements are known and applied. procedures for sustainability Participate in environmentally
sustainable work practices
Cleaning agents, pest controls, CPPCMN4002A
paints and other environmentally Implement and monitor CPCSUS4001A
hazardous products will come under environmentally sustainable Implement and monitor
greater scrutiny with the selection and work practices environmentally sustainable
procurement of more environmentally work practices
friendly products, a growing PRMPFES43A
requirement of decision makers in Prevent ozone depleting substance CPCSUS5001A
these industries. Techniques in using and synthetic greenhouse Develop workplace policies and
and disposing of these products gas emissions procedures for sustainability
according to strict environmental
guidelines will also be a more
fundamental expectation of properly
completing work requirements.
24 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
The ISC recently developed and CPSISC Sustainability Initiative 7: Review and customisation
endorsed the following unit of guideline sustainability units to
which is now compulsory in all Initiatives make them more relevant to the
qualifications for those working CPS industries.
The CPSISC is undertaking a range
in the construction industry:
of initiatives to examine and improve Initiative 8: Examination into the need
CPCCCM1002A on industry specific environmental for a Certificate IV in ‘Green’ Plumbing.
Work effectively and sustainably sustainability inclusions across its
in the construction industry Training Packages.
Initiative 1: Further analysis of
Units of competency covering skills plumbing units to assess suitability for
in the painting industry have also current environmental sustainability
undergone review and rework as expectations in the plumbing industry.
required. In addition, substantial
numbers of other units incorporate Initiative 2: Examination of the need
environmental sustainability skill for a qualification on assessing home
and knowledge as an aspect of sustainability.
competency, generally in specific
Initiative 3: Development of
performance criteria and range
competency based training resources
statement references.
to support Government stimulus
The ISC began identifying ‘green’ initiatives, specifically in the installation
jobs and apprenticeship pathways of home insulation.
over three years ago. More recently
Initiative 4: Asset Maintenance
the ISC engaged the Business Skills
Training Package Review which
Victoria’s Go-Green Project to further
will examine current coverage
identify a range of environmentally
of sustainability skills within this
sustainable Australian Apprenticeships
Training Package and make industry
across all Training Packages. Advice
appropriate additions.
on 93 environmental / sustainable
jobs and apprenticeship pathways Initiative 5: Work has already been
is now widely available to support carried out in updating fire protection
industry in designing and training for units, and drafting of new units to
environmentally sustainable outcomes. meet ozone depletion substance
What is noticeable about these and synthetic greenhouse gases
pathways is that they highlight the compliance regulations. Further work
current capacity of Training Packages is underway.
to provide meaningful skill
outcomes for this new context of Initiative 6: An upgrade of painting
environmental sustainability. units (completed) to incorporate
sustainability skills in water use,
selection of paints and disposal and
development of training resources in
partnership with TAFE NSW.
25 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
Electrocomms and Energy Utilities
Industry Skills Council
ElectroComms and Energy Utilities large scale development, adoption,
Industry Skills Council, trading demonstration and deployment of
as EE-Oz Training Standards, is new, clean energy technologies.
the Industry Skills Council for the Examples include:
Electrotechnology, Communications,
Electricity Generation, Transmission - the Mandatory Renewable Energy
and Distribution, Rail Traction and Target, which will require 20 per cent of
Gas Supply Industries. Australia’s electricity to be generated
from renewable sources (i.e. solar, wind
and geo-thermal) by 2020;
The ISC is responsible for the following - the introduction of new Solar Credits,
four Training Packages. which will provide incentives for
consumers to install micro-generation
UEE07 units, primarily household solar
Electrotechnology Training Package photovoltaic systems, and;
UEG06 - bringing forward the $500 million
Gas Industry Training Package Renewable Energy Fund, that
supports the development and
UEP06 commercialisation of advance
Electricity Supply Industry renewable energy technologies.
- Generation Sector Training Package
UET06 Key Drivers for the
Transmission, Distribution EE-Oz industries
and Rail Sector Training Package
Energy Efficiency. Government initiatives
The ElectroComms and Energy Utilities will drive a heavy focus on energy
industries will play a significant role efficiency solutions in this sector and
in the development and deployment the Australian energy industries will
of new technologies that provide be vital to the success of the Federal
renewable and efficient energy solutions and State climate change strategies.
to combat carbon pollution. New energy The Government’s goal is to achieve a
markets are developing worldwide; 20 percent share of renewable energy
nations are realigning in new ways; in Australia’s electricity supply by
corporations are adjusting their priorities, 2020. Current measures are already
changing how they do business and significantly increasing the demand
making investments to secure market for trained and accredited renewable
opportunities to address rising energy energy system designers, installers and
costs; and climate change mitigation technicians. Targets for the roll out of
policies are driving research and ‘smart meters’ aim to achieve more than
investment into new energy sources and 50% of meters being replaced by 2017
technologies. Energy consumption is a and incentives for grid connected solar
primary target of the Carbon Pollution energy systems are seeing production of
Reduction Scheme and the Federal and photovoltaics (solar cells) double every
State Governments have announced two yeas. In Queensland, where 90%
a suite of programs to accelerate the of current electricity supply is fuelled
26 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
by coal, electricity generators have Organisational and operative development and dissemination of
adopted the more efficient supercritical mobility. The ElectroComms and new and improved technologies and
boiler technology. In NSW, the ‘Owen Energy Utilities industries will require changes to work practices.
Report’ recommended $A3-4 billion maximum organisational and operative
be spent on retrofitting existing power mobility to deliver on national The ISC has undertaken extensive
stations to meet carbon reduction directives and respond to calls for work in its Training Packages to
targets. Similarly, biomass energy new technologies that may cross address these pressing skill issues.
contributed 3% to the electricity traditional work boundaries. While The rate of emergence of new job roles
generated in Queensland in 2003-04 the Commonwealth Government is and the AQF level of these roles across
and the Victorian Government has committed to work with State and various industry sectors is seen as an
established a biofuels target of 5% Territory Governments and the energy important aspect which indicates the
of all fuel consumption by 2010. sector to improve the consistency diversity of skills for environmental
of state-based regulations that sustainability that are required.
Government policies will also apply to the energy sector, there are
accelerate the implementation of still practical barriers to achieving Where significant technological
natural gas technologies, which have a seamless service in this respect. change is introduced new job roles
lower carbon emissions than other will emerge across the range of AQF
The industries are comfortable with
fossil fuels. Future technologies will levels where as in areas less impacted
national consistency provided by the
include carbon capture and storage, by technological change new job
Training Packages, however there
and more economical nonfossil fuel may emerge less frequently and
are still aspects of industry work
electricity generation (ie; wind, only at higher AQF levels e.g. new
practice, training and regulation that
water, solar). management roles.
are not nationally consistent and
Technicians and tradespeople in this this inconsistency affects the ability
The EE-Oz Training Packages contain
industry will also need to be able to of workers in one organisation to
a number of stand alone units targeting
offer informed advice about energy collaborate with those in another.
environmental sustainability work
solutions to help consumers achieve practices. These include:
This has already hindered some efforts
greater efficiencies.
in recent years when energy industry
UEENEEK012B
Clearly there are significant skilling organisations have been called upon
Provide basic sustainable energy
challenges for this sector. There are to assist each other in times of crisis
solutions for energy reduction in
already skills shortages in these areas (e.g. in the aftermath of storms, floods
domestic premises
and consultations with industry have and bushfires). The expected rise of
identified growing concern that the extreme weather events and potential UEENEEK013B
skills shortages in the energy sectors natural disasters as a result of climate Apply sustainable energy practice
will intensify as the nation begins to change, combined with the severity of in daily activities
transform itself to realise a reduced skills shortages may present further
carbon footprint. skilling challenges for this sector. UEENEEK014B
Promote sustainable energy practice
The challenge for training in the Sustainability in in the community
ElectroComms and Energy Utilities
industries is to increase the number
EE-Oz Training Packages UEENEEK032B
Develop strategies to address
of new entrants and up-skill existing EE-Oz sees its role in environmental sustainability issues
workers whilst simultaneously sustainability as central to ensuring
maintaining industry, regulatory, safety the availability of skills in order to meet UETTDRIS23A
and quality standards. the extensive demands of carbon Implement and monitor environmental
reduction targets through the design, and sustainable energy management
27 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
policies and procedures In addition, substantial numbers of Initiative 5: Development of existing
other units incorporate environmental workers to address skill gaps, through
UEGNSG104A sustainability skill and knowledge as the Productivity Placement Program.
Comply with environmental policies an aspect of competency, generally in The ISC is currently lobbying for more
and procedures specific performance criteria and range places to be allocated to meet the
statement references. needs for tradespeople skilled in grid
UEGNSG120A Manage gas system
connected solar energy systems.
environmental compliance
EE-Oz
Initiative 6: Development of Skill
UEPOPS246A Operate Waste and Sustainability Initiatives: Sets linked to current Business
Contaminated Water Plant
Centre for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)
EE-Oz is undertaking a range of
UEPOPS325A Accreditation levels to support
projects to examine and improve
Operate and Monitor Water Quality installation of new technologies
on industry specific environmental
Control Systems such as grid connected photovoltaic
sustainability inclusions across its
systems and smart meters.
Training Packages.
In addition to these, the guideline
sustainability units have been Initiative 7: Review of the Certificate
Initiative 1: Alignment of nationally
incorporated across all qualifications. III in Renewable Energy (ELV) and
endorsed competencies and industry
renewable energy units with a view to
accreditations for sustainable energy
UEENEEK042A ensuring it meets the needs of current
systems, particularly the Clean
Participate in environmentally and emerging applications.
Energy Council accreditation for Grid
sustainable work practices
connected photovoltaic systems Initiative 8: Develop a new Certificate
UEENEEK045A and the National Electrical and IV in Renewable Energy to include
Implement & monitor, policies & Communications Association Eco- revised and additional units to support
procedures for environmentally smart electrician. the development of skills for the design
sustainable electrotech work practice and installation of grid connected solar
Initiative 2: Review and updating
arrays and provide a specialisation
UEPOPS356A of units that target skills required
pathway for both qualified electricians
Apply Environmental and Sustainable to deliver on Government incentive
and apprentices.
Energy Procedures schemes, such as the Renewable
Energy Certificates Incentive Scheme. Initiative 9: Research ‘Clean Energy’
UETTDREL01A technologies and requirements for
Apply environmental and sustainable Initiative 3: Development of new
units and qualifications addressing
energy procedures units to cover skill needs in new
the same.
technologies such as smart meters
UEPOPS356A and integrated data systems, energy Initiative 10: Engagement of
Apply Environmental and Sustainable efficient illumination systems, international research on renewable/
Energy Procedures integrated energy management sustainable energy systems and
systems and more. training. EE-Oz currently has an
UEPOPS417A
industry delegation in Europe and
Monitor and Implement Environmental Initiative 4: Development of new works closely with New Zealand on
Plans and Procedures units to cover skill needs in energy relevant training standards including
auditing and performance monitoring, Renewable/sustainable energy.
UEPOPS504A assessing and providing advice on
Develop Implement and Monitor energy efficiencies, monitoring and
Environmental Management Systems reporting energy usage and more.
28 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Government Skills Australia
As the industry skills council public safety skills, while drought importance of consumer/market
responsible for government and conditions will make effective water demand administration along with
community safety, Government management increasingly critical. the management and engineering of
Skills Australia (GSA) monitors water cycles.
factors that shape workforce Bushfires must now be fought with a
development and associated range of environmental imperatives An additional skilling challenge
training imperatives in the such as selective use of chemicals, faced by GSA in addressing these
correctional services, local new, more efficient technologies and environmental issues, is the attitude
government, public safety, public changed water collection practices. of the current workforce. The vast
sector and water industries. There is an increasing need for majority of government employees in
coordinated, national deployment these areas are approaching retirement
of workers to respond to natural age, many characterised by a set of
disasters and emergency situations. values that do not highly prioritise
GSA is responsible for the following Increasing fire intensities and duration environmental sustainability.
five Training Packages: of emergencies mean that fire and
CSC07
emergency services are seeking Key drivers
increased capability and capacity
Correctional Services Training Package for the GSA industries
through the sharing of resources
LGA04 and knowledge. Fire and emergency Government policy. Local councils
Local Government Training Package service agencies will carry greater will be at the forefront of implementing
accountability to the community for government policy and regulations in
PUA00 the protection of the environment, communities. Planning, development
Public Safety Training Package particularly forest plantations as and implementation of local projects
‘carbon sinks’. and services will not necessarily
PSP04 require new skills, as environmental
Public Sector Training Package In the local government arena, public protection has long been a local
works, waste management and government agenda. However
NWP07 recycling, energy efficiency initiatives,
Water Training Package information on new technology options
public transport, development and requirements as they emerge
Of significance to the industry sectors planning and implementation, will guide ongoing improvements to
that GSA services is the considerable and environmental corridors are environmental sustainability outcomes.
structural change required to all responsibilities that must be Councils will need to be innovative
ensure that service provision meets undertaken with a keen understanding about suitable local environment
changing environments and their of the environmental implications solutions such as those that
evolving demands. The evolution of work. promote recycling and reuse or
of environmental sustainability initiatives that use new water
Across Australia severe drought, management technologies.
expectations and requirements will
the security of water supplies and the
demand that these sectors assess
sharing of limited water resources Future training of workers at
the environmental implications of
their work and look to ensure they are a national concern for the water the operational level may need
are in line with the latest research and industry, with the demand for water in to incorporate environmental
government directives. many places outstripping supply and a sustainability skills and knowledge
need to distribute and use water more in order to improve understanding
Many of the impacts of climate efficiently and conservatively, as well of work implications in achieving
change affect these sectors directly. as to seek more innovative methods to improved environmental efficiencies.
Severe weather events and increasing meet current and future demand. This This is especially important as
intensity of fires will draw heavily on situation serves to highlight the operators are often a visible
29 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
demonstration of the council’s trade waste operators and dam safety LGAPLEM606B
performance in sustainability. operators. As such, environmental Develop ecologically sustainable
sustainability is already well targeted land management systems
Resources management. Water within the Water Training Package.
management rates as one of the most LGAPLEM501A
significant challenges for business Examples of stand alone units across Achieve an efficient and
and communities across Australia. GSA Training Packages include: sustainable use of natural resources
Capture, storage, treatment and
distribution of water to meet essential NWP101A PSPSCI701A
needs of households, businesses Investigate sustainable Create innovation and
and agriculture will determine the water cycle management change through extension
ultimate viability of these entities.
NWP202B PSPLAND506A
All stakeholders will also need clear
Apply environmental Identify and manage
and accurate communication about
and licensing procedures contaminated sites
environmental impacts, sustainability
options and government initiatives. NWP315B The guideline units have also been
Investigate and report breaches incorporated for selection:
Management of bushfires and other
of water industry legislation
natural disasters is already requiring NWP301B
new practices and some new NWP706A Implement, monitor and coordinate
coordination skills. The impact of Review and evaluate water and environmental procedures
other government programs will also wastewater sustainability objectives
require further analysis and possible NWP401B
operational changes. For example, NWP707A Coordinate and monitor the application
the impact of Defence training on Analyse and review water of environmental plans and procedures
designated landscapes must now treatment plant technology
be addressed with environment NWP505B
regeneration activities. LGAGOVA410B Implement and manage environmental
Monitor council procedures to ensure management policies, plans,
Sustainability in compliance with relevant legislation procedures and programs
GSA Training Packages LGAEHRH305A In addition, substantial numbers of
Present environmental health other units incorporate environmental
Environmental sustainability has been education information sustainability skill and knowledge as
a skill requirement in these sectors an aspect of competency, for example
for many years and is consequently LGAEHRH403A in range statement references.
incorporated within the GSA Training Operate waste transfer,
Packages to target both specific collection station or landfill facility
job roles and as a component of
skill competence. LGAEHRW505B
Implement strategies to minimise the
For example, the water industry impact of waste on the environment
already employs specialists such
as hydrographers, environmental LGALAND401A
advisers, water quality officers, Apply the principles of
systems designers and managers, ecologically sustainable development
remote essential services operators, to council decisions
30 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
GSA Sustainability Initiatives: Initiative 9: Examination of Training
Package coverage of new technologies
The GSA is undertaking a range of in water resource management such
initiatives to examine and improve as desalination and on-site treatment
on industry specific environmental and re-use.
sustainability inclusions across its
Training Packages. Initiative 10: Development of skill sets
to address new work areas associated
Initiative 1: Development of the with Murray Darling catchment
technical and para-professional management.
components within the Water Training
Package for water and wastewater Initiative 11: Examination of Training
operators. Package coverage of auditing, for
example green audits, resource and
Initiative 2: Development of higher carbon audits, working in a carbon
level units and qualifications for trade neutral environment and energy
waste and hydrography management.
(field hydrology).
Initiative 12: Analysis of all
Initiative 3: Implementation of components of the Water Training
a Workplace Innovation Project Package and further incorporation of
to develop skills for the national environmental sustainability skills.
coordination of natural disaster,
emergency response teams that
incorporate services across sectors.
Initiative 4: Analysis of cross sector
skill requirements for safety officers
called to respond to incidents involving
radiation.
Initiative 5: Examination of
environmental sustainability coverage
within the Defence Training Package,
as part of a review process.
Initiative 6: Examination of
environmental sustainability coverage
within the Public Safety Training
Package, as part of a review process.
Initiative 7: Development of two
new units to cover the new National
Standards for Water Metering.
Initiative 8: Examination of Training
Package coverage in the areas of
compliance law and brief preparation.
31 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response ForestWorks Industry
Skills Council
Section 1 ForestWorks represents the workforce Australia has a total forested area
training and skill development needs of around 150 million hectares -
of some 120,000 people who work in covering around 21% of the continent.
Section 1 of this report the forest, wood, paper and timber Approximately 1.903 million hectares
defines the issues products industry. The industry are plantation forests6. Forest products
of environmental comprises forest growing and are derived from renewable plant
sustainability, a general management, harvesting and haulage, material, and grown and managed
sawmilling and processing timber with sustainable natural resource
description of how the product manufacturing (predominantly management outcomes.
ISCs are responding and building and packaging products), The manufacture of wood products
explores some of the wood panel/board production, pulp requires less energy to produce than
capacity issues for the and paper manufacturing and timber aluminium, steel and concrete7, with the
VET sector. merchandising. In some cases valuable carbon resource embedded into
operations from a number of these the final product.
sectors occur at the one site, in the
one company. However this industry still faces many
challenges presented by climate
change and environmental sustainability
agendas. Recent bush fires in Victoria
ForestWorks is responsible for the illustrate its vulnerability in a warming
following two Training Packages: climate predicted to see increased
ferocity and regularity in bush fires
FPI05
unless the industry is allowed to carry
Forest and Forest Products Training
out fuel reduction strategies to reduce
Package (which includes 6 discrete
fire risk. The Victorian fires saw mills
industry sectors)
lost, native forest and plantation timbers
FPP01 lost, timber workers loose their homes
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Industries and for many, their community, friends
Training Package and family. The capacity of the industry
to implement sound forest management
The forestry industry is in a unique practices will be critical in protecting
position in the environmental these resources and communities.
sustainability debate in that it is one
of the only industries that reduces The ongoing drought in many areas
the amount of carbon that Australia continues to impact on tree growth, and
in northern Australia, with the predicted
produces via the storage of carbon
increase in cyclone activity and severe
in growing wood. The government’s
weather, there may also be an increase
commitment to reducing Australia’s
in the amount of timber that will be
carbon footprint and its proposed
felled via timber salvage as a result of
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
these events.
engender a level of optimism for the
industry as it works to ensure that Industry practices are highly regulated
forestry is part of the economic solution with work practices continually evolving
to a sustainable economy. Growing trees, to improve environmental outcomes.
the planet’s natural carbon processors, New methods in logging and haulage
is after all forestry’s core business. aim to increase recovery and reduce
32 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
waste, while harvesting operations sources of biomass in Australia’8 the specific requirements of sectors
are being assessed to design potentially making this industry a are targeted. For example hazards
techniques that further reduce the significant contributor to achieving of one sector will differ from another
impact of logging on the environment. Australia’s mandatory renewable and need to be addressed in the unit
The impact of changes in the use energy targets while still leaving delivery. These units are:
of different timber species, biofuels sufficient residues in the forest to
and biomass will greatly impact on maintain biodiversity and sustain FPICOR2203A
sawmilling and processing. Timber nutrient replacement. The National Follow environmental care procedures
preservation practices have been Association of Forest Industries (NAFI)
FPICOR3201A
changed to eliminate the use of predicts that by 2020 forest industries
Implement SHE policies and
Copper Chromium Arsenate (CCA). will contribute an estimated 81 million
procedures (SHE: safety, health
The call for energy efficiency in tonnes of carbon abatement each year.
and environment)
home design will drive the
development of new types of These strategies will require additional
Examples of other stand alone
engineered timber products. investment into resources and skills
units that support environmental
in order to fully capitalise on these
sustainability include:
The pulp and paper sector is a opportunities.
significant user of energy, particularly FPIFGM4205A
in mechanical pulping processes. It is Forest management and protection.
The efficient management of forest Monitor regeneration rates
also a major producer of renewable
energy by processing waste such as resources is essential to maintaining FPIFGM5206A
black liquor from chemical pulping. their ongoing availability. This will Develop a native forest
This energy is often used on site or include a continual improvement of regeneration plan
supplied to the electricity supply practices to ensure resources are
grid. Wood wastes also generate a protected as much as possible from FPICOT5201A
considerable part of the energy used the impacts of climate change and that Implement sustainable forestry
for the kiln drying of timber. they meet an increasingly regulated practices
environment.
FPICOR3203A
Key drivers for
Sustainability in Evaluate fire potential and prevention
ForestWorks industries
ForestWorks Training FPICOR4201A
Key drivers for an increased focus on Packages Monitor SHE policies and procedures
environmental sustainability include
harnessing the opportunities available Environmental sustainability has FPICOR4202A
to support carbon reduction strategies long been incorporated as a central Monitor and review forestry operations
and the efficient management skill and practice within ForestWorks
of resources. Training Packages. This reflects the FPIFGM4201A
reality that viability of the industry relies Implement a forest establishment plan
Carbon reduction strategies. on a productive and well managed
The forestry industries are in a FPIFGM5202A
environment. Manage tending operations in a native
strong position to provide a range of
strategies for industry, communities ForestWorks Training Packages and forest
and Australia to reduce the impact of qualifications incorporate two units FPIHAR4204A
carbon emissions. Wood by-products which have been made generic for Plan and coordinate fire salvage
of timber harvesting, processing and application in all sectors. These units operations
recycling offer ‘one of the largest need to be customised to ensure that
6. National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) http://www.nafi.com.au 7. National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) http://www.nafi.com.au
8. Australia’s State of the Forests Report (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2008, p. 120)
33 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
FPIWPP3217ASection 1 Initiative 4: Analysis of upskilling
Process production effluent requirements for new harvesting
techniques designed to further reduce
Section 1 of this contain
In addition, many units report the impact of logging operations on
defines the that require
performance criteriaissues the environment.
work to be performed according to
of environmental
environmental standards. For example: Initiative 5: Analysis of upskilling
sustainability, a general requirements for new forest
description of and the
Work area is cleared howmaterials management techniques such as the
ISCs of responding and
disposedareor recycled in accordance Products certification system which
site environmental management
with explores some of the affects the way forests are managed,
plan. (FPIHAR3204A: Conduct and the way in which logs in the
capacity issues for the
skidder operations) forest and downstream are handled
VET sector.
and processed, with a focus on
ForestWorks sustainability, maximum recovery and
Sustainability Initiatives: maximum usage for the product.
ForestWorks is undertaking a range Initiative 6: Analysis of unit level
of projects to examine and improve requirements to target changed
on industry specific environmental work practices.
sustainability inclusions across its
Initiative 7: Analysis of skill needs to
Training Packages.
support the growth of short rotation
Initiative 1: Research into the need hardwood plantations.
for Skill Sets in the areas of Timber
manufactured products (targeting
licensing requirements for installation
in the frame and truss industry),
Sawmilling and processing (drying
timber), Wood panel products
(resource efficiency), Harvesting and
haulage (fire salvage) and others.
Initiative 2: Research into skill needs
to support product development of
by-products and waste in order to
more efficiently and completely use
forest resources.
Initiative 3: Research into skill
implications of new types of
timber treatment and preservation
approaches (for example non-
formaldehyde glues).
34 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Innovation & Business
Skills Australia (IBSA)
Innovation & Business Skills TAA04 sustainable outcomes relies on:
Australia has responsibility for Training and Assessment the skill and understanding of
activities across six industry sectors Training Package management; employee awareness;
encompassing business services, organisational leadership; establishing
cultural and related industries, The IBSA sectors are diverse, although criteria for decision making and
education, financial services, they share an important enabling procurement; and meaningful
information and communications role within the Australian economy. environmental monitoring and
technologies (ICT) and printing The impact and influence may be reporting. At the heart of sustainability
and graphic arts. somewhat “hidden” and not quite is an atmosphere of innovation,
so obvious because of the enabling skills to commercialise innovation
nature of these industries. While the and cultural change.
sectors can be seen as industries in Without the effective implementation
IBSA is responsible for the following their own right, skills that are aligned of these skills, progress in
eleven Training Packages: with IBSA sectors are frequently used environmental sustainability will be
across many parts of the economy. significantly hampered.
BSB07
The following provides examples of the
Business Services Training Package
need for these skills in other industries: In addition, the deployment of new
CUE03 skills and knowledge required to
- business services skills include develop and implement new practices
Entertainment Training Package
customer service, administration and technologies will rely heavily on
CUF07 and management training and assessment programs,
Screen and Media Training Package - cultural and related industries skills especially those that target training
are used by education providers, of existing workers (the majority of
CUL04 hospitality businesses and tourism environmental sustainability skill and
Museum and Library/Information awareness needs will be an addition
- education skills are used by
Services Training Package to existing jobs), onsite delivery and
workplace assessors, trainers
and consultants targeted skill outcomes.
CUS01
Music Training Package - finance skills are required in the
management of all organisations, Key drivers for
CUV03 including in all forms of the IBSA industries
Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training small businesses
Package Environmental sustainability in IBSA
- ICT skills are required for the
industries will primarily be part of a
FNS04 information and communication
slower movement than those directly
Financial Services Training Package infrastructure and systems that
targeted by compliance directives.
all businesses depend on to
However, IBSA skills are essential to
ICA05 function effectively
achieving industry wide improvements
Information and Communications - printing and graphic arts skills and facilitating the changes that
Training package are required by many businesses environmental sustainability priorities
including advertising agencies, will generate.
ICP05
larger law firms and government.
Printing and Graphic Arts Training
Voluntary action. Issues of global
Package
When it comes to addressing warming are impacting everyone, at
ICT02 environmental sustainability, IBSA’s all levels, at all workplaces. For some,
Telecommunications Training Package responsibility covers and influences it will mean major changes to their
all industries. Achieving environmental daily work, for others, impacts may be
35 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
unnoticeable. Either way, there are two inaccuracies heralding in issues BSBSUS201A
important factors that now must be of climate change and it is against Participate in environmentally
considered in all workplaces. Firstly, this backdrop, that enterprises sustainable work practices
that environmental sustainability will must position their sustainability
require leadership and organisational credentials. Shareholders, employees, BSBSUS301A
change processes. While these skills customers, supply chains and Implement and monitor
are not new, they will be essential to all other stakeholders will need environmentally sustainable
ushering in a new era of sustainable clear communication to accurately work practices
organisations. Secondly, the understand the enterprise’s initiatives,
BSBSUS501A
environment is an issue that affects priorities and success stories.
Develop workplace policy and
people personally; many will be looking Organisations will come under a much
procedures for sustainability
to their employers to make meaningful stronger focus from the general public
and visible contributions to climate when it comes to participating in BSBEBUS508A
change. This will be an issue for environmentally damaging processes. Build a virtual community
management in many organisations.
All this will require some additional Additionally, some of IBSA’s Training
Compliance. While environmental knowledge in this area to ensure and Assessment units may also
sustainability initiatives covered within the reliability of information and that broadly contribute to the reduction of
the IBSA roles will mostly be driven it is used to support the positive resources required for training delivery,
by voluntary action, Government opportunities for enterprises that result for example:
compliance directives will increase in climate change initiatives.
the demand for auditing, monitoring TAADES503B
and reporting. Sectors affected by Sustainability in Research and design e-learning
compliance requirements will rely resources
IBSA Training Packages
on a mix of financial, accounting,
management and operational skills TAADES504B
IBSA is working closely with industry
to assess impacts to their bottom Develop and evaluate e-learning
to ensure that the skills and knowledge
line, compare the impacts of new resources
required for emerging environmentally
processes and technologies, and seek sustainable jobs, and for re-designed TAADEL405B
ways to reduce the financial costs of job roles, are met and are embedded Coordinate and facilitate distance-
compliance. Compliance will require within the workforce. Currently, based learning
targeted IT systems to collect data many of the skill requirements of new
and inform reporting and decision initiatives and directives are already TAADEL501B
making. Procurement may now require covered well within IBSA Training Facilitate e-learning
environmental sustainability to be a Packages. For example, IBSA has
consideration of purchasing decisions. substantial coverage of skills in Within the Printing and Graphic Arts
Workplace training programs will management, leadership, innovation, (ICP05) Training Package, there are
be essential to ensure that all creativity, design, compliance, two units of competency on waste
employees in organisations affected communication, marketing, education disposal and management which
by compliance are aware of their and training etc. incorporate reusable and recycled
responsibilities and the impacts on waste and the disposal of waste
their own work. Examples of some IBSA units that according to regulatory requirements
specifically support environmental and enterprise procedures.
Clear communications. There is sustainability, including guideline
a strong and emotive groundswell units, include:
of opinion, fact, half truths and
36 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ICPSU222B Initiative 6: Examination of
Pack and dispatch solid waste environmental sustainability skill needs
within the IT sector with a “technology”
ICPSU323B bias for potential application across
Dispose of waste all industries.
IBSA Sustainability Initiatives:
IBSA is undertaking (or has completed)
a range of improvements to its
Training Packages that will support
environmental sustainability outcomes
in industry.
Initiative 1: Examination of
environmental sustainability coverage
within the Telecommunications Training
Package as part of a review process,
and identification of technical and
generic skill requirements to support
energy efficiency drivers in the
telecommunications industry.
Initiative 2: Examination of
environmental sustainability coverage
within the Financial Services Training
Package as part of review processes.
Initiative 3: Review of the Certificate
IV in Training Assessment to remove
confusion associated with the use of
‘environment’ terminology in the light
of new interpretation priorities.
Initiative 4: Examination of NCVER
data to determine the take up of
the three BSB07 environmental
sustainability units. IBSA is maintaining
a watching brief on take up data.
Initiative 5: Examination of
environmental sustainability coverage
within the Printing Training Package as
part of review processes.
37 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
Manufacturing
Skills Australia
Manufacturing industries are AUR05
significant contributors to the Automotive Industry Retail, Service and
Australian economy. They employ Repair Training Package
almost one million Australians in
75,000 businesses and account Addressing climate change and meeting
for approximately 10% of the GDP. compliance requirements of a Carbon
Manufacturing Skills Australia covers Pollution Reduction Scheme present
an extensive range of industries and major challenges for manufacturing
sectors across manufacturing and which rates as Australia’s third
will now also be responsible for the highest emitter of greenhouse gases.
automotive industry training needs. Manufacturing companies will not
only need to integrate processes for
measuring, assessing and improving their
environmental performance throughout
The ISC is responsible for the following their operations, but also develop new
eleven Training Packages. products and technologies that meet
LMF02 a variety of social, environmental and
Furnishing Training Package economic imperatives.
LMT07 Manufacturing will be impacted by
Textiles, Clothing and Footwear climate change effects on both power
Training Package generation and power use. The impact
of emissions trading on manufacturing
MEA07 will not be equal across sectors. Many
Aeroskills Training Package Emissions Intensive, Trade Exposed
Industries (EITE) are in MSA’s coverage.
MEM05 Sectors identified by Garnaut include
Metal and Engineering Training Package iron and steel, alumina, aluminium,
chemicals, cement, non-ferrous metals,
MSA07
metals processing and liquefied natural
Manufacturing Training Package
gas processing.
PMA08
MSA anticipates an increasing blurring of
Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining
traditional skill boundaries to accompany
PMB07 the push for environmental sustainability,
Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking especially in the EITE industries,
Training Package as advancing technologies and
processes develop. A classic example
PMC04 is underground coal seam gasification
Manufactured Mineral Products (UCSG). Normally coal gasification would
Training Package be expected to fit within the PMA08
Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining
PML04 Training Package. However, normally all
Laboratory Operations Training Package underground operations within a coal
mine would be expected to be covered
AUM08
by a SDMC Training Package.
Automotive Manufacturing
38 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
This presents new challenges price on a number of counts. It Cost implications of emissions
for skill development in features high emissions intensity, schemes will become a critical factor
environmental sustainability. has few current substitutes and to Australia’s ability to compete in a
limited capacity to pass on costs global market.
Key drivers for to customers ((firms trading in the
domestic sector will generally be On the skill development side,
manufacturing industries able to pass through costs, while manufacturing will need to ensure it
firms producing traded goods and has the skills to:
Harnessing opportunity.
Manufacturing has experienced services—with overseas competitors
- Maximise efficiencies and minimise
challenging times over recent years. not subject to a commensurate
waste at all levels of production
Fierce global competition, skill emissions price—may not)9. Some
sectors will also be affected by the - Innovate new, more energy efficient
shortages and continual change
impact of their industrial process and environmentally sustainable
have demanded that innovation
emissions - emissions from chemical products, processes
and efficiencies are central to any
reactions (other than fuel combustion) and technologies
manufacturing business model.
Topped with the current global financial that include synthetic greenhouse - Establish efficient international
crisis, manufacturing is in a struggle gases. Industries identified as the supply chains and
for survival in Australia. The new largest individual sources of industrial - Monitor and report on emissions.
drivers for environmental sustainability process emissions are iron and steel
pose both opportunity and threat to making, cement and lime making and Sustainability in
enterprises and the need to harness aluminium smelting. MSA Training Packages
the positives is essential to ensuring
Manufacturing enterprises also MSA acknowledges that work
that Australia can both support the
anticipate increased costs associated functions and skill requirements will
innovation and development required
with monitoring and reporting on need to change in response to climate
to address its climate change issues,
emissions. The impact of an emissions change and is committed to providing
as well as continue to maintain the
tax on manufacturing will be partly flexible training pathways and
essential skill base and workforce
determined by how emissions are up-skilling options to help facilitate
in Australia.
measured. One of the important this movement.
Key MSA stakeholders expressed issues is how far along the value chain
positions similar to that of MSA. For emissions will be measured when MSA initiated the development of
example, the Australian Manufacturing determining liability for an enterprise. units of competency that target
Workers’ Union (AMWU) and the Ai Emissions from many sectors are sustainability skills to measure,
Group stress the need for a strong relevant manufacturing if a full value analyse, improve and develop resource
focus on skills development to support chain approach is taken to measuring use and work practices to reduce
environmental sustainability. emissions. For example if a food negative environmental impacts of
manufacturing company had to include work. Three guideline units can now
With the right investment strategies, emissions from the agriculture, land be customised for industry application
environmental sustainability has the use and land use change categories and packaged and incorporated into
potential to reinvigorate manufacturing inherent in the manufactured food qualifications and training plans for
and generate significant markets for product. Similarly if a timber workers across all industries.
Australian enterprises. furniture had to include forestry
based emissions.
Emissions trading and compliance
costs. Manufacturing will be
significantly affected by an emissions
9. (Garnaut 390)
39 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
MSA’s units Section 1 specifically for
available MSA Sustainability Initiatives: Initiative 6: Analysis of boundaries
manufacturing industries include: between Skills DMC and MSA to
MSA has been undertaking a range of determine implications for new
MCMT272A 1 of this report
Section environmental sustainability initiatives technologies and skill needs.
Participate in environmentally
defines the issues over the past year and is committed to
sustainable work practices further work in this area. Initiative 7: Analysis of non MSA units
of environmental
that contain sustainability to ascertain
sustainability, a general
MCMT472A Initiative 1: Establishment of an their relevance to manufacturing.
description of how
Implement and monitor the environmental sustainability position
environmentally sustainable
ISCs are responding and paper to communicate issues and
practices
workexplores some of the initiatives to support best practice to
MSA stakeholders.
capacity
MCMT672A issues for the
VET sector.
Develop workplace policy and Initiative 2: Development of an
procedures for sustainability extensive and comprehensive learning
and assessment support resource
Central to MSA’s strategy for
in partnership with the Swinburne
developing the manufacturing
University National Centre for
workforce in environmental
Sustainability, the NSW Department of
sustainability skills, is the
the Environment and Climate Change
implementation of its Competitive
and the Victorian Department
Manufacturing units and qualifications.
of Sustainability.
One of MSA’s flagship products,
this increasingly popular resource is Initiative 3: Development of
designed to facilitate waste reduction Competitive Manufacturing Vocational
and increasing efficiencies, two critical Graduate qualifications to target the
aspects of achieving environmental skill requirements at higher levels of
sustainability outcomes. the organisation which include the
alignment of a whole organisation to
Manufacturing enterprises look to
competitive and sustainable way
competitive or lean manufacturing
of practice.
principles as a fundamental business
methodology and as such, this Initiative 4: Development of a
provides a very compatible vehicle sustainability pathway within
to support the deployment of the Manufacturing Technology
environmental sustainability skills. qualification.
Competitive manufacturing units Initiative 5: Analysis of all MSA units
can be included in any of the of competence to determine their
MSA qualifications. suitability to support sustainable
manufacturing practice and
Other units and qualifications
identification of skill gaps and
throughout MSA Training Packages
modification requirements for
also incorporate extensive
existing units.
environmental sustainability skills as
stand alone skills or as aspects of
skill competence.
40 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
SkillsDMC (Resources and Infrastructure
Industry Skills Council)
The resources and infrastructure Finding cost effective alternatives for Key drivers for the
industries include mining, quarrying, safe, reliable and more environmentally
drilling, civil infrastructure and friendly energy sources is one of DMC industries
construction materials. These the challenges in today’s emissions
Key drivers for environmental
sectors employ approximately reduction agenda. Coal and gas is
sustainability developments for the
530,000 people in a highly regulated readily available to meet Australia’s
DMC industries are centralised around
work environment. energy needs and in reality, our
the Emissions Trading Scheme and
dependence on these is unlikely
new technologies for carbon capture
to change for a long time. Other
and storage.
energy sources such as solar,
SkillsDMC is responsible for the
wind, renewable energy etc. will be Emissions Trading Scheme. When
following six Training Packages:
important developments to help reduce details of this Scheme are available,
BCC03 emissions and as options for the future the DMC industries will examine the
Civil Construction Industry but essentially, Australia’s use of fossil skill implications for their workforce.
Training Package fuels will continue to add to global Dependence on this sector, as well
warming without technologies that as the substantial investments into
DRT03 improve processing techniques. infrastructure, makes it difficult
Drilling Training Package to preempt skill needs apart from
The Federal Government has
measuring, monitoring and reporting
MNC04 initiated a range of measures to
on emissions.
Coal Training Package stimulate development in new
processes and technologies to Carbon capture and storage. These
MNM05 reduce the environmental impact of strategies are the most likely options
Metalliferous Mining Training Package coal use. These include the Federal at this stage for addressing emissions
Government Low Emission Technology and in supporting growth in these
MNQ03 Development Fund (LETDF), National industries. Additional skills will be
Extractive Industries Training Package Clean Coal Fund, the Coal21 Program required in the development and
and the Emissions Trading Scheme. deployment of new technologies and
RII06
Civil Construction Training Package processes as they emerge.
Carbon capture and geosequestration
or biosequestration processes
With an Emissions Trading Scheme
used to capture carbon released
Sustainability in
still to be negotiated, the impacts of
environmental sustainability on these
into the atmosphere and store it SkillsDMC Training Packages
underground or convert it through
industries are yet to be determined. It The SkillsDMC approach to addressing
managed ecosystems (for example
is clear that the success of Australia’s environmental sustainability is to
marine), are target areas for new
Emissions Trading Scheme will be address new skill needs as they
technology developments. Coal seam
inextricably intertwined with the emerge. As regulations and changes to
gas is another resource that will be
future of the coal industry. Coal, oil the workforce gather pace, SkillsDMC
increasingly developed over the next
and gas; fossil fuels used to generate expects a range of existing workers
few years.
power; are estimated to account for requiring up-skilling relative to changed
approximately a third of all greenhouse position descriptions, technology and
gas emissions. In Australia, the coal skills related to gas sequestration,
industry underpins domestic electricity clean coal, emission reductions
supply, and is by far our biggest and other emerging skills sets.
export commodity. The changes will occur overtime and in
41 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
an incremental flow as industry adapts MNMMSM601A Initiative 2: Deployment of SkillsDMC
to new processes and procedures. Establish and maintain the officers in each state and territory
environmental management system to assist stakeholders and identify
Given that most DMC occupations workforce development needs.
rely on safe environmental conditions, MNQOPS402A
many DMC skills already target skill Apply site water management plan Initiative 3: Implementation of the
and knowledge in relation to the Future Workforce Manager workforce
environment. The Training Packages MNQOPS403A planning tool to assist companies to
include a range of stand alone units Apply site plant and resource predict future workforce needs against
management plan
that specifically target environmental business demands.
issues. For example: MNQOPS405A
Initiative 4: Application of the Skills
Supervise site rehabilitation operations
MNCO1120A Maximiser™ software program which
Establish waste and by-product MNQOPS424A can be used to add enterprise specific
management system Apply site waste and by-products value to units of competency.
management plan
MNCO1121A Initiative 5: Collapsing of five Training
Implement site waste and MNQOPS426A Packages into one Resources and
by-product management plan Supervise recycled materials Infrastructure Package to support
operations flexibility and portability of skills.
MNCO1122A
Apply and monitor site waste and Initiative 6: Development of training
by-products management plan
SkillsDMC resources to improve uptake of
Sustainability Initiatives Resources and Infrastructure
MNMMEN304A Training Packages.
Take environmental samples SkillsDMC is undertaking a range
and measurements of strategies that will inform and
support the development of Training
MNMMEN501A Package components to cover
Develop site environmental policy emerging environmental sustainability
needs. The ISC sees that this will be
MNMMEN502A a process that results in incremental
Undertake process or project change according to the pace and
environmental impact assessment imperatives of its industries, in the
same manner that ISCs approach all
MNMMEN503A
emerging skill needs. The following
Implement mining operations SkillsDMC initiatives are key industry
environmental management system resources that strengthen the ISC’s
MNMMEN505A ability to respond efficiently to changes
Monitor and correct activities having in industry requirements.
impact on the environment Initiative 1: Implementation of
SkillsDMC’s ‘systems approach’
MNMMEN506A
to using empirical and anecdotal
Review environmental management
information to identify emerging
system performance
skill needs.
42 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Service Skills Australia
Industry Skills Council
Service Skills Australia (SSA) SRS03 environmental bottom line, the service
represents a range of industries, Sport Industry Training Package sector must be well informed and able
including retail and wholesale, to provide accurate advice.
sport, fitness, community THC04
recreation, outdoor recreation, Caravan Industry Training Package The service sector plays an
travel, tours, meetings and events, important role in the dissemination of
WRB04 environmentally sustainable products
accommodation, restaurants and
Beauty Training Package and services as well as influencing
catering, caravans, hairdressing,
beauty, floristry, community purchasing behaviour through
WRF04
pharmacy and funeral services. initiatives such as the provision of
Floristry Training Package
sustainable shopping bags, carbon
WRH06 footprint labelling and carbon offsetting
Hairdressing Training Package schemes, as well as promoting locally
The service industries are dominated grown and produced products.
by small business with 70% of Environmental sustainability in these
companies employing less than 20 industries is intricately linked with
people. There are approximately procurement and with this, issues
344,655 businesses in this sector of consumer choice, product
which employ almost 2.5 million knowledge and provision of
people (representing almost a quarter information and advice.
of Australia’s workforce), with an
additional 1.7 million volunteers Australians are becoming increasingly
engaged (mainly within the sport aware of environmental sustainability
and recreation sectors). issues such as water and energy
efficiencies, and waste and toxicity
SSA is responsible for the following implications of products and
eleven Training Packages: production processes, and are
SIF08 using this knowledge to make
Funeral Services Training Package purchasing decisions.
SIR07 At both a business and individual
Retail Services Training Package level, purchasing power is being
used to support better environmental
SIT07 outcomes. These decisions are
Tourism, Hospitality and Events however, influenced by the consumer’s
budget and in an absence of affordable
SRC04 options, may quite often
Community Recreation Industry be compromised.
Training Package
In addition, this is a sector that is
SRF04 bombarded with mixed messages
Fitness Industry Training Package about the ‘green’ credentials of
products and services and quite often
SRO03
the ‘educated’ buyer may not actually
Outdoor Recreation Industry Training
have accurate information. In order
Package
to achieve real improvements to the
43 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
Key drivers Ultimately, the results of environmental SITTPPD006A
sustainability initiatives, products and Plan and develop ecologically
for the SSA industries processes will depend on the impact sustainable tourism operations
they have on lifestyle. While there are
Key environmental sustainability A range of units also include
many lifestyle implications of climate
drivers for the service industries environmental sustainability concepts
change in the long term, short term
include purchasing power, business embedded through the unit.
gains will depend on the availability of
and individual, and maintenance of For example:
cost effective solutions that allow or
lifestyle options.
improve on the lifestyle benefits that
SISOOPS202A
Purchasing power. With increasing consumers are accustomed to.
Use and maintain a temporary
concern for the environmental impact overnight site
of products, many consumers and Sustainability in
businesses will seek out the most SSA Training Packages SIBBSPA001A
sustainable, cost effective options. Work in a spa therapies framework
Often it will be the role of those in At this stage, environmental
the services industries to make these sustainability is included in the SIFBGM006A
options available and provide the more recently reviewed Training Evaluate building and grounds
information to accurately support Packages. SSA is committed to maintenance and development needs
purchasing decisions. ensuring sustainable work practice is
Guideline sustainability units are also
appropriately included in all Training
Purchasing influences for available for packaging into SSA
Packages, which will be covered
environmental sustainability are likely qualifications:
through upcoming continuous
to include waste, energy efficiency, improvement projects. BSBSUS201A
manufacturing source (relating Participate in environmentally
both to oversees standards and Many of the skill requirements for
sustainable workplace practices
transportation), water use, toxicity, this sector will relate to product
use of fertilisers or chemicals (the knowledge, purchasing criteria and BSBSUS301A
growth of the organic produce market business practice as well as imparting Implement and monitor
testifies to an increasing market here), sustainability information to customers. environmentally sustainable workplace
biodegradability, use of materials (e.g. practices
Examples of stand alone units
recycled) and of course, cost.
addressing environmental SITXENV001A
Lifestyle impacts. The impacts of sustainability include: Participate in environmentally
climate change threaten Australia’s sustainable work practices
SISOOPS201A
flora and fauna, and losses of wildlife,
Minimise environmental impact SITXENV002A
landscapes and marine environments
may have detrimental outcomes for the Implement and monitor
SISOOPS304A
tourism sector. Furthermore, extreme environmentally sustainable work
Plan for minimal environmental impact
weather events such as floods and practices
bushfires can have short-term impacts SISOOPS506A
SITXENV003A
on sporting events. Environmental Manage natural resources
Develop workplace policy and
sustainability practices are increasingly
SITTPPD004A procedures for sustainability
required when engaging lifestyle
activities such as sports, outdoor Plan and implement minimal impact
recreation, travel and tours etc. operations
44 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Service Skills
Sustainability Initiatives:
The SSA is undertaking research
projects to examine and improve
on industry specific environmental
sustainability inclusions across its
Training Packages.
Initiative 1: Examination of
environmental sustainability skill
and technology requirements for the
hairdressing industry, through continual
improvement processes.
Initiative 2: Examination of
environmental sustainability skill
and technology requirements for
the retail industry, through continual
improvement processes.
Initiative 3: Development of
professional development workshop
with Sydney Water for trainers in
hospitality. This will provide RTOs with
awareness of Sydney Water programs
and resources that they can take
advantage off and use directly in their
training programs.
45 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
ISC
Response
Transport and Logistics
Industry Skills Council
The Transport and Logistics Industry deployment of new technologies to to natural disasters predicted as a
Skills Council (TLISC) covers Road increase fuel efficiencies, control result of global warming, however,
Transport, Rail, Warehousing & pollution and provide alternative fuel these will not necessarily require
Storage, Maritime and Aviation in options, as well as assess current specific ‘environmental sustainability’
Australia, a sector that employs transport and logistics practices to skills. Increased public awareness
an estimated 500,000 individuals improve work practices and maximise will increase a consumer focus of this
directly and over 1 million people energy efficiency. highly visible sector which will add to
in both direct and associated roles. pressures from the broader community
The sector contributes $90 Billion While rail offers significant for cleaner and more efficient national
to the Australian economy annually environmental savings over road; transport systems.
(14.8% of GDP). Notwithstanding a transporting bulk freight by rail instead
number of large national transport of road has been identified as offering The industry is beginning to see
organisations the road transport a reduction of carbon emissions and the development of new and
sector is dominated by small to fuel by 60% and up to 6 times for converging roles that have a focus
medium sized businesses, 65% the average passenger commute11; on environmental sustainability;
with fewer than 100 employees. and could be considered a primary this is most prevalent in larger
strategy for addressing carbon companies, especially in areas such
pollution, there are still systemic as transport planning, management
barriers to rail providing a seamless and leadership. Specialist roles are
The Transport and Logistics Industry transport system in Australia. As such, also emerging to address compliance
Skills Council is responsible for the environmental sustainability strategies and carbon reduction initiatives
following three Training Packages: for the transport sector must still target across the business. It is expected
fundamental use of fuel consumption. that these roles will increase through
AVI08
Aviation Training Package Version 1 Other environmental sustainability the implementation of an Australian
considerations for this sector include Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme.
TDM07
waste management practices and
Maritime Training Package
the efficient use of vehicles and other Key drivers for
TLI07 technology to meet the freight task. the T&L industries
Transport and Logistics
Many environmental challenges for the Key drivers for environmental
Training Package
transport sector will be accommodated sustainability developments for the
The road, transport and aviation within current training resources and T&L industries are centralised around
sectors of the industry provide skilling strategies. Increased consumer the Emissions Trading Scheme and
significant challenges around fuel patronage of public transport to reduce public perception.
usage which is a central theme for personal carbon footprints will see
industry initiatives designed to limit an increase in demand for workers Emissions Trading Scheme. When
its environmental impacts. Transport in the public transport systems details of this Scheme are available,
contributes around 14 per cent of which will also provide opportunities the T&L industries will examine the skill
Australia’s emissions and is the second for environmental practice to be implications for their workforce. The
fastest growing source of emissions. applied to entry level training. A transport industry will need to address
Emissions from transport have strategic initiative between TLISC, its increasing emissions through the
increased by 27 per cent since 1990.10 Defence Force Australia and the development and deployment of new
humanitarian aid sector has seen the technologies and carbon abatement
Achieving more environmentally development of two new qualifications initiatives. The impacts of the ETS
sustainable outcomes will require in deployment logistics which will are also likely to instigate a cost
research, development and undoubtedly support responsiveness impost which will drive exploration
10. Climate Change Green Paper Fact Sheet 4- Transport Industry. The Australian Government. July 2008. 11. The Garnaut Climate Change Review
46 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
for opportunities to improve work TLIU607B Initiative 5: Industry consultation to
practice efficiencies. For example, the Conduct environmental audits – determine environmental priorities.
use of different class vehicles able this unit is available for all Diploma To date this identifies a priority to
to transport more cost effectively. qualifications integrate environmental sustainability
Planning, management and leadership in a holistic manner with existing skills.
will be important skills to ensure that TLISC Sustainability initiatives
the transport industry is equipped to
drive innovative practice and achieve The TLISC is currently undertaking
environmentally sustainable outcomes. a range of initiatives to research the
needs of industry for an increase in
Public perception. The transport focus on environmental sustainability
industries are highly visible. It is coverage within its Training Packages.
common for accidents, spills or
other incidents to become major Initiative 1: Analysis of the delivery
news items with a critical eye on of key units that target environmental
the environmental impacts of these sustainability to determine which
work roles are targeted, how they are
events. As public awareness of and
incorporated into training strategies
concern for environmental issues
and their suitability to the transport
grows, this will increasingly become
industries.
a concern for transport enterprises.
Improved workplace practices to Initiative 2: Identification of skill
prevent and manage such incidents gaps for emerging environmental
will be important to maintain the sustainability work roles covered
environmental track record, within TLISC Training Packages in
as well as public support for the collaboration with the National Centre
transport industry. for Sustainability and Environment.
This work will inform further Training
Sustainability within TLISC Package developments.
Training Packages Initiative 3: Consultation with NSW
Road Transport sector as part of the
T&L Training Packages currently ‘Green Skills Initiative’ to determine
include three units that specifically and appropriate training and delivery
target environmental sustainability. strategy for the implementation of
These are: sustainability knowledge and skill
development aligned to T&L
TLIU707B Training Packages.
Care for the environment
– this unit is available for all Initiative 4: Examination of
Certificate II level qualifications environmental sustainability coverage
within the road transport and
TLIU107B warehousing sectors as part of
Implement and monitor environmental review processes.
protection policies and procedures –
this unit is available for all Certificate
IV qualifications
47 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AN INDUSTRY RESPONSE
An Industry
Response
Section 1
Section 1 of this report
defines the issues
of environmental
AgriFood Skills Australia Government Skills Australia
sustainability, a general
http://www.agrifoodskills.net.au http://www.governmentskills.com.au
description of how the
02 6163 7200 08 8410 3455
ISCs are responding and
Community Services and Health Industry Innovation and Business Skills Australia
explores some of the
Skills Council http://www.governmentskills.com.au
capacity issues for the
https://www.cshisc.com.au 03 9815 7000
VET sector.
02 9270 6600
Manufacturing Skills Australia
Construction and Property Services Industry http://www.mskills.com.au
Skills Council 02 9955 5500
http://www.cpsisc.com.au
02 6253 0002 Skills DMC
http://www.skillsdmc.com.au
ElectroComms and EnergyUtilities Industry 02 9299 3014
Skills Council
http://www.ee-oz.com.au Service Skills Australia
02 6241 2155 http://www.serviceskills.com.au
02 8243 1200
Forestworks
http://www.forestworks.com.au Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council
03 9321 3500 http://www.tlisc.com.au
03 9604 7200
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