EnviroCom

Education Resource Development: Desalination

EnviroCom was commissioned by Sydney Water to develop three units of work for Grade 7 multi-curricula, Grade 10 Science and Grade 10 Geography students targeting an improved understanding of the scientific processes and social services provided by desalination to the population serviced by Sydney Water.  The units of work included: a series of lesson plans specifically targeted to each year level and subject area designed to closely interact with the Sydney Water Desalination Virtual Tour; the integration of each unit of work with additional existing educational resources and links between the units of work and the National Curriculum.

 The units of work are available as a free downloadable resource for teachers via the Sydney Water website.

Desalinated Water and Purified Recycled Water Resource Development for Schools

EnviroCom was commissioned by Seqwater (formerly WaterSecure) to develop two units of study on desalinated water and purified recycled water in South East Queensland.  This included the development of detailed units of work for Grade 7 students and Grade 10 Science and Geography students including: a range of lesson plan outlines and student activities; the integration of each study unit with existing water education programs and the National Curriculum; the integration of Seqwater’s existing educational resources, virtual tours, fact sheets and multi-media into the new teaching resources and the promotion of the study units to schools and professional teacher networks in SEQ.

 The units of work are available as a free resource for teachers via WaterSecure’s website.

Wipe Out Waste Program

EnviroCom coordinated the Wipe Out Waste (WOW) Program since its inception in May 2000 until October 2011, and was responsible for program development and delivery to the school sector and facilitation of community events, including waste minimisation skills workshops. The program, which is delivered using purpose built mobile education facilities, has consistently engaged more than 30,000 students each year since 2003.

Other aspects of the program include:

• Redevelopment of lessons to incorporate the changing nature of waste management on the Gold Coast (i.e. extraction of methane from landfills; 2020 Vision on Waste strategy)
• Initiation of the Wipe Out Waste Challenge, engaging schools in practical waste minimisation initiatives
• Initiation of an annual poster competition and calendar
• Design and development of the Wipe Out Waste story book series
• Design and fit out of mobile education facilities

The Wipe Out Waste Program was a finalist in the Banksia Environmental Awards for Leadership in Environmental Communications in 2003.

2010 Waste Education Strategy

EnviroCom was commissioned by Redland City Council to develop a waste education strategy for integration with the regional waste management plan.  Founded on Council’s priorities for waste diversion and avoidance, the strategy incorporated initiatives to target identified audience sectors, including mechanisms for community feedback, and included robust evaluation tools linked to a series of KPI’s.

The strategy was underpinned by significant background information and research, including industry workshops, community surveys, industry observations, waste practice assessments and client and community liaison.

Integrated Waste Management Services

EnviroCom has worked with Stanwell Corporation, primarily at Stanwell Power Station (SPS) west of Rockhampton, since 2008. Coinciding with the introduction of an integrated waste management plan for the site, EnviroCom has provided on the ground services to ensure effective and compliant management of waste via waste audits, waste systems advice, contractor liaison and delivery of environmental training. This has been supported through reviews of waste management policies and procedures, including the handling and tracking of regulated and hazardous wastes.
EnviroCom has also provided on ground waste advice during station outage (shutdown) events, assisting SPS to effectively manage increased waste volumes over this period.

Koala Education Strategy

EnviroCom was commissioned to determine the demand for a koala conservation resource for schools in Redlands and to identify the format, content and focus of such a resource. This was done utilising a facilitated workshop with teachers and other key stakeholders. The results of the facilitated workshop were collated and analysed and presented in report format for the Council.

Waste Education and Development of an Education Strategy

EnviroCom developed a targeted waste education strategy and communication plan as part of a three year contract with Burdekin Shire Council. The contract involves both pre-service activities and ‘on the ground’ service elements with the aim of maximising residents participation in new waste services. The primary pre-service elements included development and distribution of information kits to all residents; development of classroom presentations; coordination of competitions; provision of updated local waste facts for inclusion in ‘Providing the Links’ Waste Education Resource; development and implementation of newspaper and radio advertising; design and production of public place displays for events, customer service centres and libraries and the development of web support resources. On the ground activities included outreach programs by EnviroCom educators in schools and at public events.

Education Facility Design (mobile & static)

EnviroCom is experienced in designing and project managing the construction of a variety of educational facilities across a range of environmental issues. All education facilities have been designed to be visually stimulating and promote a high level of interaction for a wide range of audiences and client needs. These include:
- Gold Coast Wipe Out Waste Vans 1 & 2
- Gold Coast/Allconnex Water-wise Trailer
- Toowoomba City Waste Education Wagon
- Toowoomba Materials Recovery Facility Education Centre
- Visy Recycling Education Centre
- Ergon QUT Smart Train
- Mont Dore (New Caledonia) waste education facility design advisory consultant
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council “Maroochy Waste Alert Centre”

Watersaver Programs

Since 2002, EnviroCom has provided the community education services provided under the Watersaver banner. Services have included: event coordination, presentation and outreach services (school, community and industry groups); promotional material coordination; event outreach services; resource development (school programs); industry training; business follow up services (in response to applications); and multi-media resource development (list not exhaustive). In a number of these services, specialist skills were integrated into program delivery (for example specialist knowledge from the agricultural sector for incorporation in nursery industry training).

Corporate Waste Minimisation and Sustainability Programs

EnviroCom has prepared a range of waste minimisation plans and programs for a variety of organisations. The plans and programs cover collection of baseline data, research into current on-site practices, infrastructure and limitations and provide a suite of recommendations. Waste minimisation programs may also incorporate staff/tenant training, development of educational materials (eg signage) and ongoing monitoring and review processes.