THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT

In greenhouse effect, certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This natural phenomenon is essential for maintaining a suitable temperature for life on our planet, but human activities have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases, leading to enhanced greenhouse effect or global warming, which contributes to climate change.

Here’s how the greenhouse effect works:

SOLAR RADIATION: The sun emits energy in the form of solar radiation, including visible light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This energy travels through space and reaches the Earth.

ABSORPTION AND REFLECTION: Some of the incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, warming it. The Earth’s surface then emits heat energy in the form of infrared radiation.

GREENHOUSE GASES: Greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), and others, are transparent to incoming solar radiation but absorb and re-emit a portion of the outgoing infrared radiation. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.

HEAT TRAPPING: As greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, they trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. This trapped heat warms the lower atmosphere and the Earth’s surface, creating a stable temperature regime that makes the planet habitable.

ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT: Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect intensifies the heat-trapping effect and results in global warming.

The consequences of an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming include rising global temperatures, more frequent and severe heat waves, altered precipitation patterns, melting polar ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and weather patterns. Climate change caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect poses significant challenges for the environment, economies, and societies around the world.

Efforts to mitigate the effects of the enhanced greenhouse effect involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and practices that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable land use. Adapting to the changing climate is also crucial to minimize its impacts on human societies and natural ecosystems.

Navigating the Nexus of Sustainability: Addressing Climate Change and ESG Principles

Introduction

In recent decades, the world has witnessed an increasing recognition of the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As concerns about environmental degradation grow, so does the emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This article delves into the interconnectedness of sustainability, climate change, and ESG, highlighting the crucial role they play in shaping the present and future of our planet.

The Imperative of Sustainability

Sustainability entails meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability. At the heart of sustainability lies the challenge of curbing climate change, one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Climate Change: A Global Crisis

Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, has led to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. The resulting increase in global temperatures has triggered a cascade of environmental and societal consequences, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions in ecosystems.

Addressing climate change necessitates a multifaceted approach that encompasses policy changes, technological innovations, and behavioural shifts. Transitioning towards renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and enhancing energy efficiency are key strategies to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects.

ESG Principles: A New Paradigm

Simultaneously, the integration of ESG principles is causing a paradigm shift in the business world. ESG refers to the assessment of a company’s performance based on its environmental impact, treatment of social issue, and adherence to good governance practices. Investors, consumers, and regulators are increasingly scrutinizing companies’ ESG practices, recognizing the link between financial success and responsible behaviour.

Intersecting Pathways: Sustainability, Climate Change, and ESG

The interplay between sustainability, climate change, and ESG is undeniable. ESG criteria serve as a compass for sustainable investing, guiding capital towards companies that are actively combatting climate change and prioritizing ethical practices. Sustainable business strategies, in turn, contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite growing recognition of the significance of sustainability and ESG, challenges remain. The outlook for the future is dependent on collaborative efforts. Governments, businesses, and individuals must all work together to promote sustainability. Through incentives, regulations, and international agreements, policymakers play a critical role in creating an enabling environment. Technology and financial innovations will also be critical in advancing sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

The convergence of sustainability, climate change, and ESG principles marks a pivotal moment in our history. Recognizing the inextricable links between these factors is essential for devising effective strategies to combat climate change, promote responsible business practices, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. Embracing this nexus not only safeguards our planet but also paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous global society.

What is QCFI (QUALITY CIRCLE FORUM OF INDAI)?

INTRODUCTION

QCFI stands for Quality Circle Forum of India. It is a non-profit organization that works to promote the concept of quality circles in India. Quality circles are small groups of employees who meet regularly to identify, analyse and solve work-related problems. It was established with the objective of promoting the concept of Quality Circles in India.

QCFI works to promote the use of quality circles in Indian organizations and provides training and support to organizations that are interested in implementing quality circles. QCFI has spread its activities to more than 500 cities and towns in India. It has also established international chapters in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the United Arab Emirates.

QCFI also organizes conferences, seminars, workshops, and other events to promote the concept of quality circles. It also publishes books, magazines, and newsletters related to quality circles.

To connect with QCFI, you can visit their website at http://www.qcfi.org. You can also follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The benefits of joining QCFI include access to resources and support related to quality circles, networking opportunities with other quality circle practitioners, and the chance to attend conferences and seminars. Joining QCFI also provides an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to share best practices with other members. QCFI also offers certification programs for quality circle practitioners. These programs are designed to help practitioners gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement quality circles in their organizations.

QCFI also organizes chapter conferences and national conferences. Chapter conferences are organized by local chapters of QCFI and are usually held in the same city or region. These conferences provide an opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. National conferences are organized by QCFI and are usually held in different cities across India. These conferences provide an opportunity for members to learn from experts in the field and to share best practices with other members.

QCFI NAGPUR CHAPTER

The Nagpur chapter of QCFI organizes conferences and seminars to promote the concept of quality circles in the region. These conferences provide an opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. The Nagpur chapter also publishes books, magazines, and newsletters related to quality circles. The upcoming chapter convention CCQC-2023 will be held on 10^th Sept 2023 at Nagpur. Also this year QCFI National Convention NCQC-2023 is going to held at Nagpur.

QCFI provides training and support to organizations in the implementation of Quality Circles. The Nagpur Chapter of QCFI provides training opportunities to organizations in the Nagpur region. The training programs are designed to help organizations understand the concept of Quality Circles and how to implement them in their organization. The training programs also provide guidance on how to develop and maintain Quality Circles in the organization. The training programs are conducted by experienced professionals who have expertise in Quality Circles.

COP 27 – EXPECTED BETTER FOR SUSTAINABLE MOTHER EARTH

In 1992, countries joined an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change by limiting average global temperature increases and the resulting climate change, and coping with impacts that were, by then, inevitable.

By 1995, countries launched negotiations to strengthen the global response to climate change, and, two years later, adopted the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol legally binds developed country Parties to emission reduction targets. The Protocol’s first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012. The second commitment period began on 1 January 2013 and will end in 2020.

There are now 197 Parties to the Convention and 192 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established on 21 March 1994. As on today total 198 countries gave their consent for the Convention, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These 198 countries from the all over the universe are called Parties to the Convention.

The primary purpose, aim and objective of the UNFCCC are preventing the “dangerous” human interference such as greenhouse gas emissions and to protect the earth from the threat of climate change.

Conference of Parties (COP)

The Conference of Parties (COP) is the apex decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP members have been meeting every year since the year 1995.

The first conference (COP1) was held in 1995 in Berlin

COP27

This year twenty-seventh conference (COP27) is being held at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt 06 Nov 2022 – 18 Nov 2022.

THE LOGO of COP 27

The logo of COP 27 comprises of the Sun, the Sun of Aten, the Horizon and the Globe. The meaning of each terms is as below,

The Sun:

The sun, is one of the most significant items Africa is known of, it’s believed to some people that its rising and setting is considered a metaphor to the cycle of life, from birth to death to re-birth. The light the sun brings together with its warmth are essential for life on Earth.

The Sun of Aten:

It is Aten represented in the sun with its rays that ends with human hands. The hands symbolize giving life and prosperity to the people and all the welfare that we are blessed with. Also the it represents the useful sun rays that earth can benefit from.

The Horizon:

The horizon represents the border line between the useful and harmless rays of the sun, what we must receive from the sun that can benefit of Earth and people, and what we must avoid.

The Globe:

The globe incorporated in the logo represents how we should contain earth and keep it preserved, balanced and safe. It also represents Africa, the continent hosting COP27 in 2022.

LANDMARK AGREEMENT

In the COP 21 which was held in Paris from 30 November to 12 December 2015, 196 parties adopted the “Paris Agreement,” a landmark agreement and a commitment to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably limit warming to 1.5°C and is entered into force 4 November 2016.

To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century.

EXPECTATION

Not only the temperature that is keep global warming below 2 dec centi but there shall be focus on the water management, reducing the use of fossil fuel and carbon offset scheme implementation, focus mainly on carbon. All this has to be again and again required to push from each local event to contribute at global level in reducing the carbon and water foot print.

Study of Requirement of “Documented Information” as per ISO 50001:2018

ISO standardized the standards in eight clauses as per ANNEX SL, High Level Structure and is applicable for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 and so in ISO 50001:2018.This help the organization to integrate two or more ISO standards as a part of Integrated Management System.

With this changed “Documented Procedure” and “Record” both concept has been replaced by text “Documented Information” throughout all the standards and standards use the terms “Retain Documented Information” and  “Maintain Documented Information”.

Retain Documented Information:

It simply means RECORDS, where evidence is of prime importance, such as dimension report.

Maintain Documented Information:

Means other than record which is required to keep up to date, example are Policies, Objectives, and SOP.

So it will be interesting to list out and learn about the documented information, clause wise with categorization in Maintain and Retain Documented Information.

1. Clause 4.3 Determining the scope of the energy management system

Maintain- The EnMS scope and boundaries shall be maintained as documented information.

Retain- Not Applicable

2. Clause 5.2 Energy policy

Maintain- The energy policy shall be available as documented information.

Retain- Not Applicable

3. Clause 6.2 (6.2.2) Objectives, energy targets and planning to achieve them

Maintain- Not Applicable (It is advisable to make procedure on how objective and targets shall be)

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information on objectives and energy targets.

4. Clause 6.2 (6.2.3) Objectives, energy targets and planning to achieve them

Maintain- Not Applicable (It is advisable to make procedure on how achieve objective and targets)

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information on action plan to achieve objectives and energy targets.

5. Clause 6.3 Energy review

Maintain- The organization shall maintain the methods and criteria used to develop the energy review as documented information.

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information on results of energy review.

6. Clause 6.4 Energy performance indicators

Maintain- The method for determining and updating EnPI(s) shall be maintained as documented information.

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information of EnPI value(s).

7. Clause 6.5 Energy baseline

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain information of EnB(s),relevant variable data and modification to EnB(s) as documented information.

8. Clause 6.6 Planning for collection of energy data

Maintain- Not Applicable(It is advisable to maintain procedure for energy data collection plan , its frequency)

Retain- (1) The organization shall retain information of EnB(s), relevant variable data and modification to EnB(s) as documented information.

              (2) The collected data which include, relevant variable for SEUs, energy consumption and operational criteria related to SEUs, static factor and data specified in action plan shall be retain as documented information.

9. Clause 7.2 Competence

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- Retain documented information as evidence of competence.

10. Clause 7.4 Communication

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall consider retaining documented information of suggested improvement.

11. Clause 8.1 Operation planning and control

Maintain- Documented information on operation planning and control to the extent necessary to have confidence that processes have been carried out as planned.

Retain- Documented information on operation planning and control to the extent necessary to have confidence that processes have been carried out as planned.

12. Clause 8.2 Design

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information of design activities related to energy performance.

13. Clause 9.1(9.1.1) Monitoring ,measurement, analysis and evaluation of energy performance and the EnMS

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- (1) The organization shall retain documented information on the results of the investigation and response to significant deviation in energy performance.

             (2) The organization shall retain documented information on the results from monitoring and measurement.

14. Clause 9.1.2 Evaluation of compliance with legal requirements and other requirements

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information on the results of the evaluation of compliance and any action taken.

15. Clause 9.2(9.2.2) Internal audit

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information as evidence of the implementation of the audit programme(s) and audit results.

16. Clause 9.3(9.3.4) Management review

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information as evidence of the result of management review.

17. Clause 10.1 Nonconformity and corrective action

Maintain- Not Applicable

Retain- The organization shall retain documented information of the nature of the nonconformities and subsequent action taken, secondly the results of any corrective action.

                           With above all the requirements, clause 7.5 has been dedicated to Documented Information, this is about what is to be included in EnMS, how to create and update the documented information by identification and description like title ,date, reference number ,its format like language , review and approval, secondly on how to control documented information including external origin documents, if any.

4th March World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development Adopted by UNESCO

At World Engineers Convention, Melbourne, Dr Marlene Kanga, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) announced on November 20th, 2019 that, 4 March will be celebrated annually as World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.

Dr Marlene Kanga

The resolution to proclaim 4th March of every year a World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development in November 2019 has adopted in The 40th General Conference of UNESCO.

About WFEO
WFEO – World Federation of Engineering Organizations.
WFEO established on March, 4th 1968, by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.
The World Federation of Engineering Organizations is an international, non-governmental organization representing the engineering profession worldwide.
A key objective is to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through engineering.
WFEO is an international platform where issues related to engineering are discussed and addressed.
The World Federation of Engineering Organizations brings together national engineering organizations from some 100 nations and represents more than 30 million engineers from around the world.

SUPPORT FROM INDIA
Proposal for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development has got support from 80 + Engineering Organization and 40 + countries /regions. From India it is supported by

1. Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) India, and
2. The Institution of Engineers India (IEI) India.

ABOUT WORLD ENGINEERING DAY LOGO

World Engineering Day Logo

The logo is representation of commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda.

[UN 2030 Agenda: The new Goals and targets came into effect on 1 January 2016 to guide the decisions, take over the next 15 years. This includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals with 169 associated targets which are integrated and indivisible.]

17 Sustainable Development Goals

In the logo there are 17 colours which represent UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals for Water, Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation where engineers and engineering needed are symbolized with each colour, located at the centre of the image of logo. The goal for Engineering Education is also central as the world needs more engineers with the right engineering skills for sustainable development.

World image and Gear in the logo represent that this is a global day for everyone and engineers are driving the world and engineering is essential for Sustainable Development.

OBJECTIVES OF CELEBRATION OF WED

1. Create awareness of World Engineering Day as an important international day for achieving
2. Sustainable development by governments, civil society, industry, and the public;
3. Increase awareness of engineering, its impact on modern life and that it is crucial to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
4. Highlight the achievements of engineers and the essential role of engineers in promoting sustainable development;
5. Encourage more young people, especially girls and women, to consider engineering as a career.

POSTER AND LOGO

WED Logo

WED Poster

Have a wonderful CELEBRATION of World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.