This question comes from the sample APMP exam causes a bit of panic in most candidates. The question is not exactly clear what is is looking for. Is environmental legislation to do with all legislation or just that relating to the environment. The safest bet is to interpret the question as that relating to environmental policy. So using the study guide the answer would be.
1) Many projects are required to complete and environmental impact assessment. This is important for large infrastructure projects which may have a significant detrimental effect on the ecology in an area. For example a new road or railway will often have to evaluate the environmental impact of the project and identify measures to minimise the effects.
2) Many project may be building on contaminated land and significant legislation exists on the treatment of this contaminated land. Projects must consider how this contamination can be reduced to safe levels by either removing it from the site or encapsulating the contamination beyond harm.
3) Many project have to comply with energy conservation legislation. In particular this may impose constraints on the types of material and construction methods that can be used for a particular project. To be effective a project manager should consult on the energy regulations early in the project lifecycle.
4) Many projects are constrained in terms of site access. They can only work for limited times during the day for example between 8:00am and 17:00 Monday to Friday. This can be significant for deliveries and noise generated on the site. Again project managers need to understand the constraints to plan the project effectively.
5) Environmental legislation protect many flora and fauna. For example work is not possible in the bird nesting season or greater crested newts must be protected. Again these constraints can have a major impact on the way the project is delivered, so a project manager will need to consult the relivant experts to understadn the procedures that need to be folowed to comply with this legislation
Hi
Here is my answer. Grateful for any critique. Thank you.
1. Carbon emissions/footprint
2. Restricted/hazardous materials
3. Water pollution
4. Air pollution
5. Endangered species
1. Carbon emissions/footprint can be taken into account when planning a project. This can be done by considering the physical location of team members when setting up the project team – a co-located team will not need to travel in order to attend face-to-face meetings. This removes carbon emissions from travel methods (such as car journeys). For meetings which include project team members or stakeholders who are located across the county, meetings can be arranged to utilise virtual technology (such as video conferencing). This reduces carbon emissions from travel. Additionally, public transport can be strongly encouraged which is better for the environment than individual travel. When the project manager is considering physical material, such as computer parts, they should consider the provenance of the items – where are they being made and how far do they have to travel? If this can be more local to the project, this may not only be cost effective but better for reducing carbon footprint.
2. Restricted/hazardous materials should be taken into account when planning a project. Particularly in some industries, such as the building or pharmaceutical trades, projects may come into contact with items that are considered hazardous and may be legally restricted in order to project humans and/or the environment. If it’s at all possible to avoid these items with the project, it would be best for the project manager to do so. If it is not possible, the project manager should ensure that they have taken all necessary precautions. These include ensuring they are knowledgeable about the care that needs to be taken, by planning in and undertaking relevant training, and setting a good example within the project team. Restricted/hazardous materials may have specific disposal methods, which require to project manager to factor this into the schedule. This also may incur costs which need to be planned for.
3. The potential for water pollution needs be taken into account when planning a project. This could be particularly pertinent for projects that involve the construction of water systems (such as building a house) or projects physical located near to water sources. Water can be consumed by both and animals and humans, some animals live in water and humans use water for recreation. Project managers may need to plan to consider the impact that their project may have on water sources by ensuring that there is a plan in place for monitoring and maintaining water quality. Tolerances for acceptable results will be set in legislation and not adhering to this may incur the project financial penalties, which would put the project’s financial planning at risk.
4. The potential for air pollution needs be taken into account when planning a project. This may be for a project creating a new vehicle where emissions legally need to be under a certain level or may be for project’s working with materials that create fumes that could breach Health and Safety. Health and Safety equipment during the creation of these items may need to be provided, such as masks, in order to protect the project team. Not doing so would put the project at legal risk, opening up the possibility of financial penalties/being sued.
5. Endangered species need be taken into account when planning a project. Some animals, such as specific newts, are considered to be endangered and in order to protect them there is legislation. The project manager needs to take this into consideration when planning as projects be stopped or not even be given the go-ahead if it is found that there will be an impact on wildlife. An example of this would be a construction project in an area where endangered species are found. The project manager could help mitigate this by planning and doing as much research as possible before making any start on the project, including consulting local environment agencies.