Noor Mohd Amin bin Moktar SKM UKM 23/24
ECOMANAGEMENT
Definition:
• Ecomanagement: Ensuring the ability of an ecosystem to
continue to provide the services that humans and other
living organisms need for sustenance
• Ecosystem: the community of living organisms in
conjunction with the nonliving components of their
environment (things like air, water, and mineral soil),
interacting as a system
• Ecosystem service: Humankind benefits in a multitude of
ways from ecosystems. Collectively, these benefits are
becoming known as ecosystem services.
• Types of Ecosystem Services:
Provisioning Good produced or provided by ecosystem
services Eg: Food, fuel food, timber, fiber, raw materials,
fresh water, medicinal resources
Regulating Benefit from regulation of ecosystem processes
services Eg: Water partitioning, Disease & Pest regulation,
Climate regulation, Pollination, Air quality
regulation, Erosion regulation
Cultural Nonmaterial benefits from ecosystems
services Eg: Spiritual & religious values, Recreational &
ecotourism, Aesthetic, Educational, Mental &
Physical health
Support Factors necessary for producing ecosystem
services services
Eg: Hydrological cycle, Soil formation, Nutrient
cycling, Primary production, Photosynthesis.
Ecological Footprint
• Accounting measures the demand on and supply of nature
• Demand side
o Adds up all biologically productive areas for which a
population, a person, or a product competes.
o It measures the ecological assets that a given
population or product requires to produce the natural
resources it consumes (including plant-based food
and fiber products, livestock, fish products, timber &
other forest products, and space for urban
infrastructure), and to absorb its waste (eg: carbon
emissions).
• Supply side
o A city, state, or nation’s biocapacity represents the
productivity of its ecological assets (including
cropland, grazing land, forest land, fishing grounds,
and build-up land)
o These areas, if left unharvested, can serve to absorb
waste we generate eg: carbon emissions from burning
fossil fuel
Sustainable Consumption
• In 9th Malaysian Plan, indirectly mentioned: Managing the
Environmental Impacts of Developmental Activities
• Environmental planning tools eg: EIA, SEA (Strategic Env
Assessment), Cost Benefit Analysis
• The strategic thrust for addressing national environment &
natural resources issues are:
1. Promoting a healthy living environment
2. Use resources sustainably & conserve critical habitats
3. Strengthen the institutional & regulatory framework as
well as intensify enforcement
4. Expanding the use of market-based instruments (eg:
environmental auditing)
5. Developing suitable sustainable development indicators
6. Inculcate environmental-friendly culture and practice
at levels of society
Biodiversity
• We are facing loss of biodiversity at all levels
• Loss of species, Loss of habitats (forests), Ecosystem
degradation (due to pollution and over-exploitation eg:
logging) à occur at rapid time scales
• Intrinsic value à All species have an equal right to exist
and to be protected from human-induced extinction
• Aesthetic value à Species and habitats to be valued for
their beauty and potential for recreation & ecotourism
• Direct value à Natural resources for humans
• Indirect value à Maintenance of ecosystem services
• Biodiversity indicators:
1. The number of species (richness)
2. The distribution of important species
3. Genetic diversity within a population
4. Functional diversity
5. Community diversity (number, sizes, and spatial
distribution)
GREEN MANAGEMENT
• An integrated system of ecologically conscious
management.
• involves integrating environmentally friendly practices into
business operations to minimize negative impacts on the
environment while promoting sustainability
• Management of the whole system à Process, Production,
Operation, Administration
Key Principles and Practices of Green Management
1. Resource EOiciency:
Green management emphasizes the e]icient use of
resources such as water, energy, and raw materials. This can
be achieved through measures like recycling, energy-
e]icient processes, and the use of renewable energy
sources.
Example: Implementing energy-saving technologies, such as
LED lighting and energy-e]icient HVAC systems, can reduce
energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Waste Reduction:
This includes reducing waste generation, promoting
recycling and composting, and properly disposing of
hazardous materials.
Example: A manufacturing company might implement a
zero-waste policy, where all by-products are recycled or
repurposed, minimizing the amount of waste sent to
landfills.
3. Pollution Prevention:
This involves adopting cleaner production techniques, using
non-toxic materials, and reducing emissions.
Example: Switching to water-based paints instead of
solvent-based ones can significantly reduce the release of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.
4. Sustainable Supply Chain:
Creating a sustainable supply chain by selecting suppliers
who adhere to environmental standards and by promoting
the use of eco-friendly materials.
Example: A retailer might prioritize sourcing products from
suppliers who use sustainable farming practices or who
have certifications such as Fair Trade or organic.
5. Environmental Compliance and Reporting
Adhering to environmental regulations and standards is a
fundamental aspect of green management. Additionally,
many companies voluntarily engage in environmental
reporting to disclose their sustainability e]orts and progress.
Example: Publishing an annual sustainability report that
details a company’s environmental impact, resource usage,
and progress toward sustainability goals.
Benefits of Green Management The example companies going “green”

Environmental Reduction in carbon footprint, conservation of Federal 2002-replaced 44,000 fleet vehicles with diesel-
Benefits natural resources, and minimization of pollution express electric trucks therefore increase fuel e]iciency by
contribute to the overall health of the planet. half, cut smog & soot emission by 90%.

Economic Companies can achieve cost savings through IKEA Prefer wood from forests that are certified to be
Benefits e]icient resource use, waste reduction, and sustainably managed
energy savings. Additionally, green management
can lead to new business opportunities and Toyota • Turned 1,400 o]ice supply items and 300
markets for eco-friendly products and services. 2001 computers to green alternatives
• Achieved 100% green purchasing by 2002
Social Benefit By promoting sustainability, companies can
enhance their reputation, foster community
Canon • Gives preference to 4,600 green o]ice suppliers
goodwill, and improve the quality of life for their
• Now working to green its procurement for plants in
employees and the communities in which they
Asia, Japan & North America.
operate.
Regulatory Adopting green management practices helps
Compliance companies stay ahead of environmental
regulations and avoid potential fines and legal
issues.

Challenges in Implementing Green Management

Initial Costs The upfront investment required for sustainable

technologies and practices can be a barrier for
some companies.

Resistance to Employees and stakeholders may resist changes

Change to established practices, requiring significant
e]ort in education and change management.

Measurement Accurately measuring and reporting

and environmental impact can be complex, requiring
Reporting robust systems and expertise.

Supply Chain Ensuring that suppliers adhere to sustainable

Complexity practices can be challenging, particularly for
companies with complex, global supply chains.