 |
Environment
THE GROUP HAS LONG MADE THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
OF THE ENVIRONMENT AN INTEGRAL PART OF ITS CORPORATE
PHILOSOPHY AND BUSINESS POLICY. KEY TARGETS SET BY THE
GROUP IN ITS CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IS POLLUTION
PREVENTION, NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, REINSTATEMENT
OF LANDSCAPE AT PROJECT SITES, MINIMISATION OF SOCIAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES AND RESPECT FOR THE CULTURE OF THE
COMMUNITIES. THE GROUP BELIEVES THIS STRATEGY WILL RESULT IN
THE LEAST DISRUPTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS
CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
The Company took an organised approach to initiate, implement and monitor environmental plans by establishing an Environmental Management System ("EMS") in compliance with ISO 14001. The performance indicators established are based on environmental aspect assessment, environmental objectives and statutory requirements. Environmental Monitoring  To support the framework of continuous improvement,
the Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme
("EQMP") was set-up to self-measure the quality of the
surrounding environment that is affected by our business
operations and activities. It also serves to monitor and
measure projects that are not subject to Environmental
Impact Assessment ("EIA") Approval Conditions. The
programme focused on the quality of air, noise and river
water to minimise potential damage or harm towards the
eco-system. Their parameters are summarised in the
adjacent table.
Technical staffs on construction sites are also trained by the Department of Drainage and Irrigation and the Department of Public Works under the Best Environmental Practices Series programme, which was initiated by the HSE Department. Exercises entitled 'Introduction to Manual Saliran Mesra Alam' and 'Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control' are milestone events for IJM. At our factories, the regulation for the prevention and control of health hazards due to mineral dust is stipulated under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967. Dust monitoring, first carried out at the Lumut factory of our Industry Division, will be rolled out progressively in all factories and quarries. Construction Waste Management The waste management system practiced by the Construction and Property Divisions was developed in accordance with the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulation 2005, Local Government Act 1976 and other requirements as listed by the local Municipal Councils. The system clearly defines roles, responsibilities and waste handling methods to meet and exceed the Company's obligations under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Sedimentation ponds, silt traps and bunkers are created to prevent construction waste from being discharged into rivers during heavy rain. Water Pollution Control Drainage and water discharge systems are considered in the initial planning stages of a project. Preliminary assessments are made by specialists to determine anticipated problems as well the estimated cost of control. Water quality and public health parameters are monitored throughout the project. The monitoring includes qualitative and quantitative assessment of a river eco-system. Preventive measures employed in the construction and property sites to maintain water quality and control flood is carried out through a comprehensive Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, which include: • grading for areas going into immediate construction; • use of temporary groundcover, hill slope turfing, progressive vegetation, hydro-seeding and slope stabilisation to prevent soil erosion and landslide; • controlled earthworks and flood mitigation controls to prevent flooding of surrounding low-lying areas near project sites; • diversions, adequate drainage outlets and channels to control the flow of rainwater; • landscaping that seamlessly integrate the site into the natural landscape; and • building materials like cement, sand and other powders are properly stored and located where they will not be washed into waterways or drainage areas. There is increasing pressure on construction companies to reduce pollution and conform to environmental regulations. Where our projects involve land reclamation work along the seaside, sand bunds are constructed to prevent sea pollution. Air and Noise Pollution Control There are many activities at construction sites that can impact ambient air and noise quality. IJM has established practices and measures to reduce and control air and noise pollution on site. All new projects need to prepare environmental risk assessments for construction activities and materials likely to cause pollution. Specific measures were taken to mitigate these risks: • open burning is strictly prohibited at construction and property sites to prevent emission of soot particles and toxic gasses; • fine water sprays are used to dampen down the site and access routes to control dust; • trucks loaded with construction materials are covered or dampened down; and • proper piling methods are employed during foundation works to prevent noise pollution. As part of the assessment, the air and noise quality are regularly monitored to ensure compliance to the Environmental Quality Act 1974. All IJM projects were monitored and measured under IJM's EQMP to ensure their environmental performance are within the standard compliance as stipulated in the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and other relevant regulations. Property Green Properties Green is certainly in. The popularity of eco-friendly green buildings is fast catching on in Malaysia. There is great emphasis on green buildings, sustainability and energysaving solutions in upcoming property developments. As a responsible developer, IJM understands green property standards and does its part to create sustainable designs that minimise a building's negative impact on the environment. The Property Division constantly looks for methods of making tangible contributions to environmental protection within its property projects. Our designs subscribe to the principle of harmonising and embracing the environment to create optimal living conditions. These features include orientating units to face 'north' and 'south' directions, installing inverter airconditioning ready piping for improved indoor air quality and incorporating lush green areas, court-yards and openings for better cross-ventilation for a healthier environment. IJM's waterfront project in Penang, 'The Light' is poised to be the talk of the town as it unveils state-of-the-art ecofriendly features previously unseen in Malaysia including waterways with thriving marine life. The iconic project will feature water and resource conservation through energy optimisation, use of sustainable building materials, and renewable energy features in the residential precinct. The Division has been successful in striking a balance between profit objectives and environmental viability by adopting an innovative edge in value engineering and energy efficient planning. This is made possible through the synergistic support of our Construction Division. Plantation As a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, the Plantation Division takes its own socio-environmental performance seriously. All its operating units practice the 'Zero Waste' concept, where waste is reduced, recycled, re-used or disposed off in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Soil Conservation Soil conservation measures carried out in the estates include terracing of hilly areas, planting of legume cover crops, construction of drains and preservation of natural watercourses, use of silt pits and proper placement of fronds across slopes to minimise erosion and runoff. The lush greenery of legume cover crop contributes to the rich eco-system and biodiversity of the oil palm estates. Our estates plant legume cover crops such as Mucuna bracteata as ground cover. The legumes fix nitrogen into the soil which improves fertility in addition to lowering the soil temperature and maintaining high level of moisture. Recycle Oil Palm By-Products Palm oil mill effluents ("POME") which are rich in nutrients are properly treated before being discharged to the field for irrigation. Empty fruit bunches ("EFB") are also being channeled for mulching in the estates. In Sabang, both shredded EFB and POME are mixed for the production of bio-compost. Water Conservation Drip irrigation technology is a water-saving technology which enables slow precision application of water directly to the roots of the plants through a network of innovative designed plastic pipes. This innovative technology has been successfully implemented and continuously being used at the Desa Talisai Estate in Sabah where it produces healthy and quality seedlings for the ongoing replanting programme and protects the environment through conserving soil, water and use of agrochemicals. The Plantation Division manages optimal water use through water catchments, reservoirs and a series of irrigation systems. Water reservoirs have been created in selected areas in the estates taking advantage of the natural topography. ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION IJM is consistent in its efforts to safeguard the environment. Year-on-year, the Group has introduced new initiatives whilst ensuring continuous improvements in its environmental management system in its commitment to address climate change and other environmental issues. Following are the conservation and preservation measures adopted by the various divisions of the Group. The efforts are featured by sector to capture a complete picture of IJM's environmental activities. IJM has long been passionate about environmental conservation. The Company’s vision for a sustainable future is translated into action in the public events it participated in 2009. Two key events stand out for the global messages they conveyed.  Malaysian Nature Society’s Lighthouse Race 2009
IJM was the main sponsor in Malaysian Nature Society’s (“MNS”) Lighthouse Race 2009 that was organised in conjunction with the Raptor Watch event held at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka. The festival in March 2009 celebrated the return of migratory birds of prey or better known as raptors to their breeding ground in the northern hemisphere. MNS organised the event to raise public awareness on the conservation of raptors and their habitats. IJMers were given a singular opportunity to gather first hand experience about nature conservation, to understand and participate in the works of MNS in the protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage. Earth Hour Earth Hour was a global ‘lights out’ initiative created by WWF (“World Wildlife Fund”). Millions of people around the globe and in Malaysia turned off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8.30p.m. to show support for action on climate change. It was the first major initiative in IJM’s long term aim to build resource conservation in the Group. IJM participated in the event by joining all Malaysians in turning off non-essential lights (e.g. façade lighting and neon lights) at its headquarters in Selangor as well as its branches, sites and subsidiaries in Malaysia and international offices. All staff were reminded to turn-off their computer monitors, electrical appliances and non-essential lights at their workplace before leaving for the weekend. IJM was committed to Earth Hour and encouraged its staff to spread the word to their families and friends; and also to celebrate Earth Hour in their own homes. The Group’s efforts in the preservation and conservation of the environment are elaborated at length in the Health, Safety and Environment Report. |
|