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Compiled by Dr. Joe Herbertson
June 2001
Sustainable Resource Processing
Going Forward
Initial work with individual companies during this project suggests that embracing the sustainability framework will provide fertile grounds for developing improvement strategies and encouraging innovative responses - this potential has to be proven
•Company specific improvement and innovation programs need to be developed, which includes creating a clear vision and setting appropriate stretch targets, providing  training and allocating resources, building on existing activities and incorporating new  initiatives into the management systems
•Critical to success is engaging the workforce in innovative processes that feed off  fresh perspectives and total systems thinking, but on a foundation of rigorous data analysis
•The approach should be equally relevant to existing operations and new capital projects; the sustainability framework can be expected to reinforce the value of front end loading, tollgating, risk management and exploring new ideas in project teams.
•Aim to have several companies engaged so they can share ‘new best practices’ for finding economically attractive paths to energy and water efficiencies, waste elimination and closed production systems for hazardous materials
•The sharing of ‘Beyond Incremental’ best practices can be leveraged through involvement with government programs [ISR, Environment Australia and AGO etc]