Module 8 - NC II - Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in The Workplace
Module 8 - NC II - Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in The Workplace
Module 8 - NC II - Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in The Workplace
Acknowledgements
Education Development Center (EDC) would like to thank the staff of the USAID Opportunity
2.0 Program, Philippines local team, and the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority’s (TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD)
through its Curriculum and Training Aids Division (CTADD), whose invaluable insights guided the
adaptation of this curriculum.
Opportunity 2.0 aims to provide opportunities for second-chance education for vulnerable out
of-school youth (OSY) by collaboratively working with TESDA in strengthening its technical
education and training systems to develop, deliver and monitor workforce readiness and
technical-vocational training programs that will prepare large numbers of out-of-school youth
to transition to further education and training, immediate jobs and self-employment
opportunities. In line with this objective, Opportunity 2.0 has developed the Work Readiness
Modules on 21st Century Skills modules which are appropriate for self-directed learning or
modular learning delivery.
The 21st Century Skills Curriculum is an adaptation of EDC’s globally recognized Work Ready
Now. The curriculum addresses the TESDA Amended Competency Standards for Basic
Competencies Integrating 21st Century Skills which were promulgated on July 9, 2019.
This content may not be produced without the permission of Education Development Center or the United States
Agency for International Development.
This curriculum is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Education Development
Center, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
EDC 43 Foundry Avenue Waltham, MA 02453 Contact: Boston | Chicago | New York | Washington, D.C.
Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to
[email protected] improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity.
Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and
Phone: 617-969-7100 innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 2
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Table of Contents
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 3
Module Overview
✍Activity 🕒 Recommended
Time
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
5: Using Data to Assess Resource Use 45-60 minutes
Written Assignments
Please complete all written work in the module. Your skills in this module will be
evaluated through the following outputs:
Skills Demonstration
The following activities are intended to help you develop the skill that this module is
written for:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
1.3 Recorded data are compared to determine the efficiency and effectiveness
of resource utilization according to established environmental work
procedures
1. Sustainable Development
2. Resource use in the home and workplace
3. Sustainability Policies and Practices in the Workplace
1
World Commission on Environment and Development. (March 20, 1987). Report of the World Commission on
Environment and Development: Our Common Future.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Read the quote at the beginning of the module and answer the questions. “If it
can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold,
recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from
production.”
What does it mean? Do you agree or disagree with the quote. Explain why.
🖉 How do you think the quote might apply to you and your family in the home
environment?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the
topics. You will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your
experience. Then read the statements across the top. Check the column that best represents
your situation. The results will help you and your teacher know which topics may require more
time, effort and guidance.
Ito ay hindi pagsusulit. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong kaalaman, kasanayan
o kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman, kasanayan o kakayahan
na nakalista sa kaliwang hanay. Magbalik‐tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga karanasan. Basahin ang
lahat ng mga pangungusap at i‐tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon. Ang iyong
kasagutan ay magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong kaalaman
tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t I have little I have I have a lot
have any experience some of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this experienc experience
doing this. e doing this.
Mayroon doing this
Wala akong akong Marami
karanasan kaunting Mayroon akong
sa karanasan akong karanasan
paggawa sa karanasan sa
nito paggawa sa paggawa
nito paggawa nito
nito
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t I have little I have I have a lot
have any experience some of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this experienc experience
doing this. e doing this.
Mayroon doing this
Wala akong akong Marami
karanasan kaunting Mayroon akong
sa karanasan akong karanasan
paggawa sa karanasan sa
nito paggawa sa paggawa
nito paggawa nito
nito
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
My experience 1 2 3 4
Knowledge, skills and abilities I don’t I have little I have I have a lot
have any experience some of
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan experience doing this experienc experience
doing this. e doing this.
Mayroon doing this
Wala akong akong Marami
karanasan kaunting Mayroon akong
sa karanasan akong karanasan
paggawa sa karanasan sa
nito paggawa sa paggawa
nito paggawa nito
nito
Explain the importance of complying to
workplace procedures and practices and
the necessity to report breaches
Maipaliwanag ang kahalagahan ng
pagsunod sa mga pamamaraan sa lugar
ng trabaho at kahalagahan ng pag‐uulat
ng mga hindi pagsunod sa panuntunan.
🖉 Now it is your time to write your thoughts on the following questions in the space
below.
Questions Your Thoughts
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Questions Your Thoughts
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output to family and friends. You worked hard on
this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s always great to
share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺ Go ahead and share your
answers to the questions above with your family and friends! Ask them what their
experiences and opinions are in trying to use resources more effectively and efficiently to
create a more sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Think about the expression “sustainable development”. We hear about it in different ways
- for example, at school, in the news, in government programs and in community
projects.
1. Make a list of words that come to mind when you hear sustainable and development.
Write them in the table. An example has been given.
Sustainable Development
• Can be continued • Growth
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
4. What types of practices in the home and in the workplace can help people and the
environment thrive, resulting in social, economic and environmental improvements?
This has guided the United Nations and governments around the world in developing policies
and strategic plans that will help balance the needs and well being of people with the health of
the environment. One way of thinking about it is through the 5 P’s of sustainable development:
planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnership.3
2
World Commission on Environment and Development. (March 20, 1987). Report of the World Commission on
Environment and Development: Our Common Future.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
3
United Nations, (n.d.). Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Reflect on the questions below and write your answers on the space provided.
1. Is it possible to balance people, prosperity and the environment when you think of the
workplace? In other words, is it possible for a business to be prosperous while at the
same time benefitting people and not harming the environment?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. Enumerate ways on improving environmental sustainability in the workplace.
In the next activity we will look at resources we use in the home and the workplace and
determine ways we can be more efficient and use environmentally sustainable practices.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 3: Resource Use in the Home and
the Workplace
Objectives:
✓ Identify resources typically used on a daily basis in the home and the
workplace ✓ Determine strategies to minimize resource use
✓ Take action to reduce resource use in the home and at the
Everyday, from the moment we wake up until we go to bed at night, we use resources in
some form or another! Think about the activities you do every day at home and at work
and identify the resources you use. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you
might turn off an alarm clock that is plugged into the wall and turn a light on if it is dark
in your room. The resource you use to do these activities is electricity.
Use the tables below to record the activities you do and resources used on a daily basis
at home and then at work. If you do not currently work, think of a past job or family
business you may be involved in. Otherwise, ask someone in your household about their
work activities and resources consumed.
Resource Use at Home
1. Which resources do you use most at home and at work? What type of waste do you
create in using resources?
2. What impact do you think your resource use and waste creation has on the
environment? 3. What can you do to minimize your resource use and waste creation at
home and at work?
4. What can businesses and organizations do to reduce and manage their resource use and
waste?
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 17
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Let’s Apply: Resource Use and
Management in the Workplace
Let’s find out more about resource use and how they are managed in the workplace. 1. Identify
somebody you know who works for a company, business or organization. Ideally you could
go to their workplace to conduct the interview. If not, you can talk to them by phone, in
person or through another means convenient to the two of you. 2. Share with them what
you have been learning about sustainability and the use of resources.
3. Ask them to identify the resources that get used in their place of employment. 4. Ask
them to share any practices their employer has put into place that reduces the use of
resources.
5. Discuss other ways in which the business could conserve or reduce resource use.
6. Record your findings in the table below.
Resources used in the workplace:
Waste created in the workplace:
Practices in place to reduce the amount of resources used and waste created:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Suggestions of additional ways to conserve or reduce resources and create
less waste:
Read the information below on resources typically used at home and in the workplace and
actions that can be taken to minimize resource use and the impact on the environment.
As you have seen from listing resources you use in your daily routine and from talking to others,
we all use resources every day. Many of these resources have to do with the use of:
1. Water: use in brushing teeth, bathing, flushing the toilet; washing dishes by hand or
with a machine, washing and preparing food; caring for outdoor plants; use of water in
industrial processes such as cooling
2. Energy: use of electricity, gas, other fuels. We use electricity in so many ways – for
lighting, computers and other office equipment, appliances
3. Paper: toilet roll, kitchen towels, paper for printing or photocopying, newspapers,
magazines, posters, cardboard
In Module 8: Applying Environment Work Standards NC Level 1, we learned about strategies to
reduce waste. These same principles also apply to how we can conservatively and efficiently
use resources and minimize waste at home and in the workplace.
NC I Review of the 7 R’s of Sustainability
✓ Rethink: Rethink how you view natural resources. Understanding that natural
resources are limited can greatly influence the choices you make in your everyday life. ✓
Refuse: Sustainability defines refuse as refusing to accept or support products or
companies that harm the environment.
4
Yasalonis, A. (n.d.). Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: How to practice environmental sustainability every day.
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2018/02/01/reduce-reuse-recycle-practice-environmental-sustainability-every
day/. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
5
Greener Workplace. (June 27, 2017). 13 Energy Saving Ideas for a Sustainable Workplace.
https://www.alsco.com.au/2017/06/workplace-energy-saving-ideas/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
✓ Reduce: Reducing the number of resources used in your everyday life is the next step
in the resource management hierarchy. Start with small ways you can reduce your
energy usage, water usage along with reducing your garbage, food waste, plastic,
and transportation.
✓ Reuse: When you purchase an item, say a can of tomato sauce, think about how you
are paying for the sauce AND the jar or container it comes in.
✓ Repurpose: Before disposing of an item, consider the ways in which it could
be repurposed or repaired.
✓ Recycle: There are various local recycling programs that you can partake in. Note
these are all separate programs and must be sorted separately.
✓ Rot: Rot, also known as composting, is the act of turning food waste and other
organics back into nutrient-rich soil.
With these in mind, there are many things one can do to reduce waste and reduce resource
use, particularly when it comes to water, energy and paper. The following lists show examples
of actions one can take to contribute towards a more sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Reducing Paper Use:
✓ Send electronic versions of letters, reports, etc. instead of hard copies when possible
✓ Print double-sided
✓ Store electronic files instead of paper files
✓ Buy recycled paper
Reducing waste:
✓ Recycle plastic, glass, paper, aluminum cans
✓ Compost food waste
✓ Re-use or re-purpose materials such as wood, bricks
✓ Buy products that have minimal packaging
✓ Buy in bulk at the market to avoid excessive packaging
✓ Use your own shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags
✓ Drink from a re-useable water container
✓ Avoid disposable cups, cutlery, etc when possible
https://lahsecoengg.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/7-principles-of-solid-waste-management/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
As you can see, there are many ways in which individuals, businesses and organizations
can put practices into place that will reduce the use of resources and minimize waste,
resulting in a healthier and more sustainable environment. These types of actions are in
line with global efforts that aim to mitigate climate change and promote environmental
stability. The Philippines has a Climate Change Commission (CCC) and a Cabinet Cluster
on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DDR). A
number of laws are in place, including, for example, the Climate Change Act 2009
(Republic Act No. 9729, the Philippine Green Jobs Act, 2016 (Rep. Act No. 10771), and
the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Rep. Act No. 9513). 6
Companies need to be aware of the different laws and regulations in place as well as
have the commitment to promote sustainable practices in the workplace. What types of
strategies do you think companies need to put into place to contribute towards healthier
and more environmentally sustainable workplaces?
🖉 Write your thoughts or anything that you know about Climate Change and the steps that
the Philippine government is doing now (establishing a Commission, Republic Acts,
etc.). Do you think these are enough? Why or why not?
6
New Climate Institute. (October 2019). Climate Governance: Assessment of the Government’s Ability and
Readiness to Transform the Philippines into a Zero Emissions Society.
https://climateactiontracker.org/documents/663/2019-10-31_CAT_ClimateGovernance_Philippines.pdf
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
🖉 Read the scenario and help Ms. Ocampo identify steps she might take to reduce waste
and resource use.
Ms. Ocampo runs a food processing business that produces canned goods. After noticing
that her electricity and water bills kept increasing every month, she decided it was time
to make changes to the daily operations to ensure that resources were not being wasted
and to contribute to the overall health of the environment. What steps can she take to
start making such changes?
As climate change has become more evident in the world, there is a lot more awareness of the
importance of running “green” businesses. Conserving water and electricity, having a recycling
program and managing chemicals are among the examples of efforts companies are making. A
number of management strategies can help a business become more environmentally
sustainable while still being able to thrive.
7
Press 8 Editorial Team. (n.d.). What is Sustainability Policy and Why Your Company Needs One.
https://www.press8.com/what-is-a-sustainability-policy-and-why-your-company-needs-one/
8
Lotich, P. (May 29, 2019). 8 Sustainable Business Practices – Are You Doing Your Part?
https://thethrivingsmallbusiness.com/sustainable-business-practices/
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 5: Using Data to Assess Resource
Use
Objectives:
✓ Determine types of data and information to gather to assess resource
use ✓ Collect and analyze data related to resource use
So far we have discussed ways to reduce resources and waste and the importance of
having policies and procedures in place to support sustainable practices. To
systematically put this into action will require not only changes in everyday practices but
also a way to collect information and data to be able to monitor progress! What type of
information or data do you think will be important to collect to help understand the use
of resources and monitor any progress made towards reducing use? Write your
thoughts below.
A first step to take is to understand your current practices related to resource use and
waste management.
1. What resources are you currently using? What practices are associated with this
resource use?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. Waste management: What type of waste are you creating? How is it handled?
Depending on the size and type of activities of the company, you might organize this
data collection by division or unit. If you are in a smaller company or just doing this
for your household, you could create a simple table and record your observations.
Let’s try doing an initial assessment of the resources we are using and waste we are generating.
You can do this for your own household. Consider the main resources of water, energy
(electricity, fuel) and paper you use. How are these used? How much is used in a day, a week, a
month? How would you know?
Resource Used Ways in Which Amount Used
Resource Used
To determine the amount used, you could look at your electricity bills or water bills. For paper
products you can keep track of what type of paper you use, how often you buy it and in what
quantity. If you record this data or keep a good filing system of the bills or invoices, you can
compare from one month to the next. You can determine when you are spending more and
when you are spending less and determine reasons why. This information will inform you if
actions you take to reduce resource usage is working or not.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Look at the following data that shows 1) a sample water bill and 2) a bar graph of electricity
consumption over the course of a year. Answer the questions following each example.
1. What information does a water bill
contain that can be helpful in
determining if the actions you are
taking to conserve water are
successful or not?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. How can this information be useful to a company that is trying to monitor its electricity
use?
3. When is electricity use the lowest? The highest? Why might this be?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
4. What advice would you give to this company if it is trying to reduce electricity use?
When collecting data to understand and monitor resource use, it will be important to
establish a system of keeping the information. This could be hard copies (paper) or to be
more efficient and sustainable, electronic copies. With either system, you will need to
organize your files in a logical way so that people can access the information. This way,
the information can be analyzed, an action plan developed and implemented, and then
monitored.
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output to family and friends. You worked hard
on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s always
great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺ Go ahead and
share your answers to the questions above with your family and friends! Ask them what
their experiences and opinions are in trying to use data to monitor the use of resources
such as water, electricity and paper.
outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this session. You
will speak to your facilitator to:
1. Share your experiences in completing the session. 2. Discuss your development
and progress towards the intended skills.
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Statements Please check YES if you have
shown or can do the statement,
Did you… NO if you haven’t shown it or
cannot do it yet
YES NO
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Session 1 – Writing Space
Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write
any thoughts or ideas that have come to mind on the topic.
Congratulations! You have completed the session onIdentify the efficiency and
effectiveness of resource utilization. You are now ready to move to the next session
on Determine causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness of resource utilization.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
✶ As you or the business you work for set up a system to promote sustainability practices
at home or in the workplace, you will realize that there are challenges that can get in
the way of efficiently and effectively reducing resource use and minimizing waste.
✶ Commitment to setting realistic sustainability goals, involving employees, collecting
and analyzing data, and making changes to the practices in the workplace are all key
to effectively reducing resource use and waste in the workplace.
✶ There are many challenges in reducing resource use and waste include, for example,
the mindset of people used to doing things the same way, the expense of replacing
old worn out machinery and equipment with more energy efficient ones, lack of
commitment to systematically address issues related to sustaining the environment,
the lack of an effective recycling system…
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 6: Resource Conservation and
Objectives:
✓ Identify resource conservation and waste reduction techniques
✓ Analyze ways in which you are challenged at home and in the workplace in
reducing resource use and waste
In Session 1 we identified many different actions that can be taken to reduce the usage of
main resources including water, energy, and paper. Then we focused on how there has
to be commitment by management to make their businesses and organizations more
green. A systematic way of collecting and analyzing data is necessary to assess any
progress being made towards a sustainable workplace and environment. Let’s see what
you remember as effective practices to conserve resources and minimize waste by doing
the following exercise.
Read the statements one by one and put a √ if the statement is about effective resource
conservation or minimizing waste and χ if it is not.
1 Print draft document using the back of misprint documents
5 Set air condition to high throughout the day to keep employees comfortable
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
As you or the business you work for set up a system to promote sustainability practices at
home or in the workplace, you will realize that there are challenges that can get in the
way of efficiently and effectively reducing resource use and minimizing waste. The
information or data you gather and analyze will begin to tell you a story of what might
be working well and where the challenges lie.
Reflect on your situation at home or at work. Consider any data or information you have
that can help you understand the story. Make a list of the challenges you face in
reducing resource use and minimizing waste. In the next activity you will find out from
others what their greatest challenges and inefficiencies are!
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 7: Inefficiencies in Resource
Objectives:
✓ Describe challenges and inefficiencies of reducing resource use and waste faced
by different types of businesses
Based on your own experiences, you have been able to identify some inefficiencies in your
home at workplace that make it challenging to reduce resource use and waste. Let’s find
out more from others!
In this mini-project, you will be interviewing three (3) individuals about their
workplace’s efforts in conserving resources and reducing ways. There are different ways
in conducting an interview that you can use. If this is your first time to conduct an
interview, here are a few tips:
Mode Face-to-face Phone Video (Online)
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Position
Name of Workplace
Information on Data
Collection and Analysis
Inefficiencies and
Challenges Faced in
Reducing Resource Use
and Waste
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Interview 1 Interview 2 Interview 3
Suggestion on How to
Address Inefficiencies
and Challenges
1. Which of the resource conservation techniques or best practices are common to all
three? Which of them are unique to their workplace or industry?
2. What are the main challenges these industries phase? Are these universal or unique to
the industry?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
3. Create an infographic or poster that contains the best practices for resource
conservation.
Read additional information on the next page about the potential challenges and inefficiencies
in resource use and waste reduction. You can add to this list with what you have learned from
your interviews and from your own experience!
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
• Mindset
and lack of
education or training on
environmental
sustainability: Some
people might be set in
routine practices that are
not environmentally
sustainable or they might
not have the awareness.
• Lack of opportunities to
recycle: In some places
there may not be
recycling centers or
programs in the town of the location of the business https://depositphotos.com/vector-images/recycle-cans.html
• Creating large amounts of waste: Waste can be in many different forms – paper from
old reports and other documentation, fuels or chemicals from the manufacturing
process, dirty water
• Large amounts of packaging: Materials the business buys to sell or produce their goods
may be packaged in excessive plastic or paper
• Inefficient or old machinery
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
• Needing to travel far distances for work: Different businesses require some form of travel
to conduct business. The further the travel is the more fuel that needs to be used.
• Lack of energy efficient resources such as LED lightbulbs or energy saver refrigerators
and other appliances
While these are all challenges, it is important to remember that a lot of steps can be taken
every day in the home and the workplace to reduce the use of resources and amount of waste
we are creating.
Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your output to family and friends. You worked hard
on this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. It’s always
great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care ☺ Go ahead and
share your infographic to your family and friends! Don’t forget to explain your thoughts and
the process you took in creating this output.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this session. You
will speak to your facilitator to:
1. Share your experiences in completing the session.
2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills.
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module.
YES NO
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 41
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 3: Convey Inefficient and
Performance Criteria:
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 8: Compliance and Reporting Information
Objectives:
✓ Explain the importance of complying to workplace procedures and practices and
the necessity to report breaches
✓ Handle situations of non-compliance regarding resource use
As part of an effort to reduce resource use and waste, a company will put into place
policies and procedures. Documenting and reporting will most likely be part of this
process. Depending on the size of the company, different employees might have
responsibilities in collecting data, reporting on resource use or waste management and
reporting any breaches of workplace policies and procedures.
You
turning the lights and equipment off before leaving at the end of the day, etc.
You have noticed that over the last few weeks your division is not doing well at adhering
to several of the practices that are supposed to now be in place. Mainly, they are not turning
their computers off at the end of the day, they leave the lights on in the office and they are not
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
recycling used paper that is no longer needed. You have gently reminded your colleagues of the
policies and practices in place regarding conserving resources but not much is changing.
Your supervisor has called you into her office to report on the information you have collected.
2. How can you share your findings with those in your division so they understand what is
happening?
3. How can you work together with your division to improve resource use?
While it may be difficult to report colleagues for non-compliance to workplace policies and
procedures, it is important to follow the company procedures and do so. They might
have a report from for you to fill out or you may discuss the issues you are seeing in a
meeting with your supervisor.
Without accountability, people will not be motivated to change their practices, leading
to potential issues in the workplace. Compliance to practices related to resource use is
necessary to be able to grow as a business and for a sustainable environment.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 9: Compliance to Resource
Conservation in the Workplace
Objectives:
✓ Discover how a range of businesses handles non-compliance to
workplace sustainability policies and practices.
Now let’s take a closer look at what is happening in real workplaces. Similar to the last
Mini-Project, you will interview employees from 3 different places. Try to find new
people to interview so you can have some more exposure to other businesses.
In this activity, you will interview 3 individuals about their workplace’s policy on
resource conservation and waste reduction. You can refer back to Activity 7 for tips on
interviewing using different modes. Choose the best means depending on your context
and resources.
Position
Name of Workplace
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Interview 1 Interview 2 Interview 3
Methods in Which
Business Collects
Information on Resource
Use
1. How similar or different are the sustainability policies and practices of the three
businesses?
2. Were there any unique ways in which the businesses handled non-compliance to
sustainability policies and practices?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
outcomes in the session and know how well you did in doing the activities in this session. You
will speak to your facilitator to:
1. Share your experiences in completing the session.
2. Discuss your development and progress towards the intended skills.
3. Plan how you will move forward to continue making progress in the module.
YES NO
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Session 3 – Writing Space
Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write
any thoughts or ideas that have come to mind on the topic.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook SESSION 4: Review and Assessment
What have you learned about exercising efficient and effective sustainable practices in
the workplace? Create a concept map/s using the space provided below.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
What questions do you now or still How will you use what you have
have about the topic? learned and what actions are you
going to take moving forward?
Let’s Exercise: Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices Below is a
performance task where you will come up with plans and suggestions on ensuring that
efficient and effective sustainable practices are implemented in your or other’s workplaces.
If you are already working, you can answer the worksheet below, if not then you need to
interview an employee in a nearby workplace.
Name of the Learner
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
3. Identify at least 3 strategies and the specific steps to take in addressing the
gap/challenge/need of the workplace in terms of efficient and effective sustainable
practices.
Strategy Steps on Implementing the Strategy
4. What are the current best practices of the workplace in exercising efficient and effective
sustainable practices?
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Rubric for the Performance Task
Note to the learner/trainee: Your trainer will be using this rubric to assess your output.
Name of the Trainee/Learner
Statement 1 2 3 4
The learner was able to… Beginning Developing Mostly Accomplishe
Accomplished d
3. Explain/describe how
the needs, challenges,
or gaps are seen in the
workplace
4. Identify 3 strategies
to address the needs,
challenges or gaps.
5. Outlined specific
steps for all the
strategies
identified.
6. Enumerated best
practices of the
workplace in terms of
efficient and effective
sustainable practices.
7. Identified ways on
improving and
promoting the best
practices
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Comments/Suggestions /Feedback:
What Went Well Even Better If
Now that you have reached the end of the module, let us see if you are able to develop the
necessary skills in applying environment work standards. Conduct a self-assessment and
complete the table below.
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Circle YES if you have shown or can
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at do the statement, NO if not.
kakayahan
Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung
I can… / Kaya ko nang… naipakita o nagawa mo na ang mga
pahayag.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Statements on my experience, knowledge, skills and abilities / Circle YES if you have shown or can
Mga pahayag tungkol sa aking kaalaman, kasanayan at do the statement, NO if not.
kakayahan
Bilugan ang Oo o Hindi kung
I can… / Kaya ko nang… naipakita o nagawa mo na ang mga
pahayag.
Look at your answers, were there boxes where you circled No? If there are, go back to the
activities in the module that will help you gain the skill identified in the statement. You can also
reach out to your facilitator/trainer to provide you with guidance on what activities you can do
in order to master the skill.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 10: End-of-Module Assessment
Objectives:
✓ Correctly answer the questions pertaining to the concepts discussed in the
module
🕒 Recommended Time: 10-20 minutes
End-of-Module Assessment
Congratulations for finishing Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices in
the Workplace for National Certificate Level II! At the end of every module you will take a short
assessment to see how much you have learned. It will help you and your teacher identify the
knowledge and skills you know and what still needs reinforcing. The results will not affect your
ability to continue in the program.
Structure of the Assessment: It has a total of 10 questions. Some questions are multiple
choice and some questions are true or false. You should choose only ONE answer for each
question.
Once you have finished answering the questions, note down any clarifications you want to
ask your instructor.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
2. True or False. Investment in creating 2. Tama o Mali. Ang
sustainable work environment should be pamumuhunan sa isang
classified as one that will profit your napapanatiling lugar ng
organization more in the long run. trabaho ay dapat isipin bilang
pangmatagalang puhunan na
a. True magkakaroon ng kita sa mga
b. False susunod na taon at hindi sa mabilis
na panahon.
a. Tama
b. Mali
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
6. True or False. Commitment, 6. Tama o Mali. Ang pangangako,
involvement of employees, planning, pakikilahok ng mga empleyado,
and collecting and analyzing data are pagpaplano, at pangongolekta at
all needed to reduce resource use and pagsusuri ng impormasyon ay
waste in the workplace kinakailangan upang mabawasan
ang paggamit ng resources at
pagtatapon ng basura sa lugar ng
a. True trabaho.
b. False
a. Tama
b. Mali
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
9. Which of the following is an example of 9. Alin sa mga sumusunod ang
inefficiencies and challenges in isang halimbawa ng mga
reducing resource use and waste? balakid tungo
sa pagbabawas ng paggamit ng
resources at basura?
a. the mindset of people used to
doing things the same way a. Kaisipan ng mga tao na
b. the expense of replacing old nasanay na sa nakaugaliang
worn out machinery and gawain
equipment
b. Gastos sa pagpapalit ng
with more energy efficient ones
mga sira-sirang makinarya
c. Lack of commitment from
at kagamitan patungo sa
senior management to
mas maayos at matipid sa
systematically
enerhiyang kagamitan.
address issues
c. Kawalan ng kagustuhan ng
mga namumuno upang
matugunan nang maayos
ang sitwasyon at suliranin
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Key to Correction
Activity 5 – Let’s Exercise
Water Bill:
1. The water bill shows the amount of water consumed from one month to the next. It can
show you if your efforts to conserve water are having an impact or not.
2. From April to March, the water consumption increased from 715 to 728. Water use went up.
3. There are a number of factors that could cause a change in water consumption. It could be
that water conservation efforts are having a positive effect resulting in lower water
consumption rates. It also could be dependent on the number of people working at a
given time. If for example, many employeesare on leave at certain time of the year, water
consumption might go down during that period. It could also depend on the activities
going on that require water use. All of these different factors should be considered when
analyzing water use. If over time, you see that water consumption is going down, it could
indicate that the water conserving practices you are putting into action are having an
effect.
2. It can show when electricity use is high and low over a given time period. The company can
assess why it is like this and what they can do to reduce use.
4. They should look at the high periods and figure out why this is so. Perhaps
increasedmanufacturing, for example. They can adapt energy-saving practices such as
turning off lights when not needed, using power saving mode on machines, using laptop
computers instead of desktops, etc.
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Activity 6 - Let's Exercise! Resource Conservation and Waste MinimizationTechniques
Read the statements one by one and put a √ if the statement is about effective resource
conservation or minimizing waste and χ if it is not.
1 Print draft document using the back of misprint documents √
2 Employees bring own tumblers for coffee and water √
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Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook Activity 9 – Let’s Exercise! Efficient and Effective
Sustainable Practices
Instructions: Use this rubric/worksheet in rating the performance of the trainee in answering
the questions.
Once done grading, provide your feedback to the trainee.
Name of the Learner/Trainee
Rubric: Put a check on the column that shows your rating for the trainee’s performance based
on the statements.
Statement 1 2 3 4
The learner was able to… Beginning Developing Mostly Accomplishe
Accomplished d
2. Identify the
needs/challenges/gaps
of the workplace in
terms of effective and
efficient sustainable
practices
3. Explain/describe how
the needs, challenges,
or gaps are seen in the
workplace
4. Identify 3 strategies
to address the needs,
challenges or gaps.
5. Outlined specific
steps for all the
strategies
identified.
6. Enumerated best
practices of the
workplace in terms of
efficient and effective
sustainable practices.
7. Identified ways on
improving and
promoting the best
practices
Work Readiness Modules on 21st Century Skills | USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program| Philippines Page 62
Module 8: Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace (NC II) Learner’s Handbook
Comments/Suggestions /Feedback:
What Went Well Even Better If
Congratulations! You have completed Exercising Efficient and Effective Sustainable Practices
in the Workplace for National Certificate Level I! You are now ready to conquer the next
module.
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