CONCLUSION

The AECI Group is facing significant technical, regulatory, managerial, financial and attitudinal challenges relating to the implimentation of a comprehensive environmental management strategy.

It is often argued that environmental management can hamper economic growth and development, and whilst this maybe true for a punitive approach (adopted in a crisis situation), it is untrue for a properly planned and targeted strategy aimed at reducing impacts through the creation of efficiencies, the elimination of waste where practical, reduction and recycling of waste where appropriate, as well as changed perceptions and human behaviour especially at operational levels.

Hence the approach taken in the design and implementation of this strategy is a comprehensive one aimed at creating efficiencies whilst encouraging growth and development, sustaining service delivery and service delivery expansion, and also providing opportunities for economic growth whilst aiming to manage our environmental footprint in a diligent manner.

This document includes proposed interventions for each of the six KFAs. The KFAs are complemented by a number of specific prioritised actions to be initiated over the next five years. Key roles and responsibilities linked to each action are also suggested together with indicative time frames for effective implementation.

Implementation of this strategy is considered to be a dynamic process and through observations concerning the implemented interventions and achieved targets, the strategy should be reviewed and updated every three years. Changes to the strategy are expected to keep it effective and economical.