Ecologically Sustainable Development In Australia Environmental Sciences Essay

Ecologically Sustainable Development In Australia Environmental Sciences Essay Introduction The realities of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) are emerging issues that are impacting on commercial property sector worldwide. The world today uses ample of natural resources which radically polluting the earth and destroying the natural environment. Over the past decade, green buildings and ecological sustainability began rising throughout the world.], and have emerged in the Australian property sector as a vigorous movement to create high-performance as a sustainable investment. One of the earliest general definitions of sustainability was adopted in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), which defined Sustainable Development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs (Muldavin 2010). Australian property sector is obliged to play a major role in meeting the ecological sustainability which improves occupants comfort and well-being. It als o minimizes environmental impacts whilst gives a good investment returns. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) was formed to highlight the principles and practices of ecological sustainability through the Green Star Rating System. Kato et al. (2009) demonstrated that investors appetite is on the rise in which the sustainability is now set to become much more rampant in the property sector. Researchers have showcased those properties with a five-star National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) accreditation is expected to have an increased value up to 9 per cent whilst Green Star ratings accredited to a premium of up to 12 per cent. It also illustrates that energy efficient buildings leads to occupancy, sale price and rental premium. According to Beder (1996), sustainable investment has an increased significance in the property sector among all the relevant stakeholders to help save the environment, increases property values and ensures the economic growth to be continued in the future. Hence, it is vital to incorporate green features because it has great investment benefits gives an opportunity to use the resources effectively and efficiently while generating healthier and improved environment s for its occupants to live in over the entire life cycle of the building (Choi 2009). The evolution of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in Australia The concept of sustainable development has been evolved primarily with the establishment of Our Common Future report which is published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WECD). The report, constituted as an important turning point for the concept of sustainable development which is comprehensively produced with partnership forged around the global. The report has been the catalyst for the evolution of the other conceptualization efforts. The chronology of sustainable development in Australia proximately relates to the evolution of the sustainable development at the international level. The policy statement on the environment entitled has been released by then Prime Minister following the release of the Brundtland report. This release began the Commonwealth Governments process of adapting the concepts of sustainable development for Australian conditions (Fisheries Management Paper 2002). To emphasize the importance of the environment in sustainable development, the Australian government adopted the term Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) to make sure that there is a balanced approach to dealing with economic, social and environmental issues. In 1990, the release of Ecologically Sustainable Development: A Commonwealth Discussion Paper and the formation of nine ESD Working Groups has further established the concepts, definition and principles of ESD. Thus, the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development or NSESD has been established with the development of the reports from these groups, along with deliberation of the relevant international plans and reports. Today, NSESD is still being the major policy document for sustainable development in Australia. The NSESD, which was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 1992, includes the official definition of ESD, a set of core objectives and a number of guiding principles. The related regulations are NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, NSW Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991, The NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), The Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997, and The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The definition listed in the strategy is that, ESD is development which aims to meet the needs of Australians today, while conserving our ecosystems for the benefit of future generations. In fact, the NSESD itself fulfils Australias obligation entered into in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to implement Agenda 21 which has been the basis for the policy making (Fisheries Management Paper 2002). Each action implemented by Environment Australia was closely related the same basis as the NSESD and the COAG were from courses of action that aim to protect forests, the ocean, water, biological diversity and a greenhouse strategy. Australias policies were based on international strategies based from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit in which Australia through the federal government led by John Howard at the time was a signatory. The Green Building Rating Tools The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) launched the Green Star rating system for buildings in 2003. The Green Building rating tool is an important attribute of the GBCA, as it helps the building occupants, owners and investors to monitor and measure the sustainability and environmental impact of their buildings, hence to improve the buildings performance toward ecological sustainability. It leads the property sector to achieve real cost savings, improve occupant health and productivity, showcase innovation in sustainable building practices and reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Green Building rating system uses stars to rate the environmental performance of a building. Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings. Green Star was developed to set a standard of measurement for green buildings. Also, it promotes integrated, whole-building design, recognize environmental leadership, identify building life-cycle impacts and raise awareness of green building benefits. Buildings are evaluated based on nine environmental impact categories. The nine categories of Green Star Rating Tools are; Management, Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ), Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Land Use Ecology, Emissions and Innovation. Within each category, points are awarded for buildings that have met the overall objectives of Green Star. The implications of Green Buildings in Property Investment Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) has been a paradigm favourable change towards green buildings practices in context of property investment, becoming progressively more prominent with each passing year since late 1990s. The Property Council of Australia and the Australian Property Institute are recently giving more importance to Ecologically Sustainable Development and Green building concepts and practices. Many well-establishes principles of ESD have been embraced in Australian Federal and State Government Legislation for a number of years now. The Property Investment sector has been showing a balanced concern towards the environment where they live, work and play, placing a balanced value to the well-being and integrity of the ecological system and the environment on top of the economic well-being, health, education, law and order, infrastructure. The Property Investment sector has been continually shifting towards sustainable development. This shift towards sustainability is due to the drives for profits and also building an image for the property sector. There are many implications in embracing the concept of green buildings in the context of property investment. These are some of the most prominent implications for the operational functions, both now and in the future. With the green building practices, there is a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in wastage of valuable scarce resources such air, water and energy in the usage of commercial buildings thus provides greater recyclable usage. Also, it gives a reduction in polluting activity and toxicity levels, pertaining particularly to the use and management of industrial buildings. This is because there is a need for a greater emphasis on eco-friendly over the full life-cycle of commercial buildings and a need for greater energy efficiency in general, where commercial buildings are concerned. Besides, there is a change over from old-fashioned, highly polluting-based fuel and energy sources, to newer, cleaner, more eco-friendly and eco-efficient alternatives such as solar-based, wind-based and hydrogen-based sources. Green buildings are inexpensive to operate as they are built for water efficiency and high energy. There is a reduction in operating cost as they can save up to 20-30% of energy savings compared with industry standards. Green buildings delivers a higher return on investment and have a greater tenant attraction where it provides a healthy, environmental friendly and productive workplace that shows their obligation to corporate social responsibility. There is an enhanced marketability as green buildings have many prospective tenants in the waiting list. Green buildings have a greater comfort and productivity compared to non-green buildings in terms of fresh air, access of views of outdoors, natural light and has the control on individual workplace lighting and t emperature which directly affects the productivity. Moreover, green buildings have a reduced risk and liability. In addition, it gives a competitive advantage, command higher capital values with shorter vacant periods, slower depreciation, ultimately trading at a rental premium. Overall, as demand increases for ecological sustainability, it is seen as a more secure investment as shown by vacancies in green buildings as it offers better investment returns. Conclusions In respect to all of the ecologically sustainable development (ESD)-related legislation and the principles and practice of green buildings which has been adopted in Australia, it is now clear that buildings take responsibility in providing comfortable, safe, and prospective living or working environment for its occupants. This is because; comfort, productivity, functionality and energy efficiency are essential elements for ESD, not only for future generations, but also a necessity for current generations. Crook (2001) indicates that the term sustainability must embrace environmental, economic and as well as the social objectives. In the recent years, green buildings have captured serious attention and awareness. The current demand shows that a trend favoring green buildings are moving like hotcakes compared to those buildings that are not in terms with the principles and practice of ecological sustainability. Robinson (2008) states that getting a green rating is certainly an intelligent option in the context of Property Investment. In the rush to draw in environmentally conscious tenants, many building are promoting their green star certificates, often with no understandings of the green star rating system, how they work and what are the actual implications does the concept of green buildings have (Carter et al. 2007). The industry first of all needs to educate itself on the true meaning of Green and Ecological Sustainability. Developers and architects tries to create buildings or structures that are deemed to be iconic, but the new trend is for this status to be conferred by innovative design or sustainability rather than sheer size, as very tall buildings approach their use by date. According to Gomez (2006), green buildings have higher relative investment returns, higher market value for asset, increased productivity, higher rents and marketing advantage. Integrating Green building features into the construction of a building promises a good investment. However, further studies highlighting areas of perceived deficiency and flaws in green buildings and a more targeted effort in meeting the needs and expectations of investors in terms of workplace satisfaction, and areas that require specific attention in transitioning to green buildings are important. Ecological sustainability goals are possible to achieve but at a cost that involves a large amount of research, funds and commitment. Despite further study and data limitations and, the findings of this report concludes that building green is considered to be of great importance within the Property Investment sector because the growth and development of our communities has a large impact on our natural environment over the entire life cycle of the building.

The Experience Of The War In Korea Essay examples -- Personal Narrativ

The Experience Of The War In Korea The Korean War was a trying time for America. The nation was getting involved in a war that had little or no possibility of a fortunate outcome. The Korean people were divided among how the country should be run. A uniform system of government looked like it may never come to be. In order to protect one of its vital interests as well as to prove to the rest of the world that America didn’t stand for communism, the United States began taking up arms. The war would prove a most difficult task to achieve successfully. In fact, it was almost impossible to continue fighting what seemed to be far from a worthy sacrifice of American lives. It was January 10, 1950 when Robert Marrara of Arthurdale, WV, among thousands of other men, were drafted and sent to California for basic training. Robert is 5’9" tall with wavy, silver hair and a structure that shows just how strong of a man he is for being 72 years old. Of Italian descent his parents immigrated here and he was one of several children. They lived in poverty, as most of America did, through the thick of the Great Depression. He attended electrical school after college didn’t seem right for him. He is a genius by all standards but is far too modest to admit it. His experiences are enough to fill days full of stories and the personal interview he gave was a treat. Robert recalls how difficult coping with the situation in Korea was, but also how he welcomed the challenge: "It was tough and, you know, but I really, I have to say that I did enjoy being, because my knowledge was – my previous training before I got in the army – was the very thing I needed to do the job I was assigned to do. And because I could do it in such a good way – and you ... ... a  ¾ inch electric drill and I took a crank with me and I made a shaft for that drill so that it could drive that engine and start those engines with that electric drill and that 20 minutes or 25 minutes after I got back over to the quartermaster, I had all them engines running with that electric drill. From that time on, during the whole summer and fall when they had ice and ice cream I got it delivered to my tent. They delivered me ice two times a week and they’d deliver ice cream one time a week. A three-gallon can for my carburetor-ignition repair section." Throughout the interview Robert emphasized the value of his work during the war just as he values the war effort itself. Overall, those who died did so for a worthy cause (Marrara, Personal Interview). America backed its promises to defend South Korea, even though the effort could be viewed as ill decided.

What is the Election Procedure in India?

An election is a contest between different candidates from various parties out of which the voters elect one as their representative. There may also be independent candidates taking part in the election. There are following stages in the electoral process (procedure): (a) Delimitation of constituencies: First of all the entire area-the whole country in the case of Lok Sabha elections and of that particular State in the case of Legislative Assembly elections-is divided into as many constituencies as there are seats. (b) Preparation of voters' list: After the demarcation of constituency, the voters' list of each constituency is prepared and published. (c) Filing of nomination papers: The dates of election, filing of nomination papers and withdrawals are fixed by the Election Commission. Any person, who wants to fight the election, can file his nomination papers by the due date. His name must be there in the voters' list and he should be eligible to fight election. His name should be proposed and seconded by the voters of that Constituency. Every candidate has to deposit some security along with his nomination papers. d) Scrutiny of nomination papers and withdrawals: A date is fixed for the scrutiny of all the nomination papers. If the nomination papers of any candidate are found to be not in order, they are rejected. The candidates can also withdraw their names from elections upto a certain date fixed by the Election Commission. (e) Election campaign: The next stage in the election is the election campaign by various candidates and political parties. Posters are distributed, meetings are held and speeches are delivered. Processions are also taken out and sometimes use of Radio and Television is also made. Through all these means voters are requested for votes. The election campaign normally ends 48 hours before the election. Although every political party and candidate are free to do their election campaign yet according to our election laws no party or candidate can (i) bribe or threaten the voters. (ii) appeal to the voters in the name of caste or religion. (iii) use government resources for election campaign. (iv) spend more than 25 lakhs for a Lok Sabha Election and Rs. 0 lakh for an Assembly Election. In case they indulge in any of the above practices their election can be annulled by the court even after they have been duly elected. (f) Model code of conduct: In addition to the laws, all the political parties in the country have agreed to a model code of conduct for the election campaign. This includes: (i) Any place of worship shall not be used for election propaganda. (ii) Criticism of the opposing candidates shall be limited to their policies and programmes past record of public service and not mention of their private personal lives. iii) The government official transport like car, vehicles, machinery and aircraft and personnel shall not be used by government officials or ministers. (iv) No posters, pamphlets or notice, slogans shall be placed on any building without the permission of the owner. (v) Any minister shall not lay down foundation stones of any project, make appointments and transfer of officials or make any promises for providing public facilities after the elections have been announced. (g) Voting: On the date fixed earlier, voting takes place. For voting, election booths are set up. Voters go to the polling booths and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. Voting is held by secret ballot. These days Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) is used to record votes. EVM has the names of the candidates and their election symbols. The voters have to press the button against the name and symbol of the candidate they wish to vote for. (h) Counting of votes and declaration of result: After the voting is over, the ballot- boxes are sealed and taken to the counting centers. There the ballot boxes are opened before the candidates or their agents and votes are counted under the supervision of the returning officer. A candidate who gets the highest number of votes is declared elected. (i) Election petition: If any candidate feels that the election in his Constituency has not been held properly, or if he has any objection against the result, he can file an election petition in the Court. If the objections raised are found to be correct the court can set aside that election. In that Constituency, the election will be held again.

The Trials And Tribulations Between The March Trilogy...

The Trials and Tribulations between the March Trilogy Books and the Movie Selma As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, â€Å"The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had†. (King) The conflicts met between the Civil Rights Movement protesters and the white people of the South were incredibly gruesome. While peace and equality for African Americans was the driving force of the protests, violence and inhuman resistance was the force of the white people. In the March Trilogy Books, written by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, and in the†¦show more content†¦Lewis and Hosea Williams led the marchers. As they were walking across the bridge, Williams asked Lewis, â€Å"Can you swim?† (Lewis and Aydin 3:197) as if to insinuate that going over the bridge may b e what was to come, not knowing what they were to face at the end of the bridge. Where a crowd of resisters was waiting for them. Even though the marchers faced violent opposition and met with conflict, they continued their demonstrations. The books and the movie displayed controversy throughout. One example is during the first attempt to cross the bridge, when the marchers were met by the Alabama State Troopers. It went very dark, very quick, as the troopers barged towards them, making this day known as â€Å"Bloody Sunday†, March 7, 1965. When asked for his comments in the movie by the press after the merciless attack on the marchers, King says â€Å"While rageful violence continues towards the unarmed people of Selma, while they are assaulted with tear gas and batons like enemy in a war, no citizen of this country can call themselves blameless, for we all bear a responsibility for our fellow man. I am appealing to men and women of God and goodwill everywhere, white, black and otherwise. If you believe all are created equal, come to Selma. Join us. Join our march against injustice and inhumanity. We need you to stand with us†Show MoreRelatedSelma Book Vs Movie Essay1640 Words   |  7 Pagesstrength and courage they did not know they had†. (King) The conflicts met between the Civil Rights Movement protesters and the white people of the South were incredibly gruesome. While peace and equality for African Americans was the driving force of the protests, violence and inhuman resistance was the force of the white people. In the March Trilogy Books, written by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, and in the movie Selma, written by Paul Webb and directed by Ava DuVernay, we are given a glimpseRead MoreGoal Movie Review10720 Words   |  43 Pagestriumph in the heady, heart-pounding world of international football. 1 Directed by Danny Cannon, â€Å"Goal! The Dream Begins† stars up and coming Latino actor Kuno Becker. Some of the hottest representatives from the world of football also appear in the movie, including David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, and Newcastle United’s Captain Alan Shearer. Milkshake Films and Buena Vista Pictures International present â€Å"Goal! The Dream Begins† directed by Danny Cannon. The screenplay was written by Dick Clement