News

Portland State University (PSU) announced today that it is launching a new sustainability education outreach program beginning in Singapore in November 2004.

The workshop in Singapore will be conducted from Tuesday, November 2, through Thursday, November 4, 2004. The workshop will be offered to working professionals and students, allowing them to learn about the opportunities and challenges of implementing environment, safety, health and sustainability (EHSS) strategies and the potential cost savings available.

"This multidisciplinary workshop blends the best of academia and business expertise," said Lee Kuhre, director of the new program at Portland State University. "We want to provide tools that Asian businesses, non-profits and governments can use to start or enhance their environment, health, safety or sustainability programs."

Portland State University is known internationally as a center of knowledge in the field of sustainability and environmental management. This new educational program focusing on sustainability will tap the knowledge of PSU faculty as well as allowing collaboration with industry, university and government experts from Asia and the U.S.

"We are anxious to start sharing the things we have learned over the years with working adults and students in Singapore and other locations, through workshops, certificate and degree programs," said Kuhre. "This educational outreach will also be an opportunity for our experts in the U.S. to learn from the experiences of Asian professionals."

Portland State University will host a similar workshop in China in early 2005 and in other Asian countries in the future. The workshops will address the difficult and costly choices faced by firms and governments in fast-growing Asian countries in managing the environmental pressures and degradation from growth. For many businesses, reducing their environmental impacts is critical to avoiding government sanctions and assuring access to global markets. A wealth of knowledge exists to help both firms and governments make sound decisions about reducing environmental damage while maintaining economic viability and meeting social objectives.

At the November workshop in Singapore, participants will apply key concepts to real-world problems and actual situations within their organizations. The breakout session applications explore the potential for cost savings and other benefits. Participants will also receive briefings on international, regional and local EHSS issues and information on the most current practices, tools, and resources. The latest EHSS strategies will be presented-strategies that not only help the environment, but can help improve health, safety and the bottom line and financial stability of the organizations, regions or countries as well. They will also have opportunities for networking with EHSS professionals in their region and connect with vital community resources for continued learning.

Credits are available for attendees as follows: PEB Accredited at 21 PDUs for Engineers; Ministry of Manpower structured activity for Registered Safety Officers at 21 SDUs; Academic credit given by PSU that can be applied toward PSU's degrees under development. All attendees will receive a certificate of workshop completion.

This workshop is organized by Portland State University, the U.S. Commercial Service in Singapore and the Singapore Construction Safety and Consultancy Pte Ltd. The workshop is supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Singapore Environment Institute and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The sponsors include Pancorporate Technical Consultants Sdn Bhd, 'E-Vert Energy' Sustainable Energy Solution, Summit Air Care, FMYI, LLC and the Economic and Community Development Department of the State of Oregon.

To register for the workshop please contact Ms. Anna Govindasamy, U.S. Commercial Service, U. S. Embassy, 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508; phone - (65) 6476-9349, e-mail - Anna.Govindasamy@mail.doc.gov or visit www.iess.pdx.edu/workshops.php. For more information about the new program please contact Lee Kuhre, Program Director, Portland State University at 503-725-8556.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Tuesday, November 2, 2004 - "EHSS Management Drivers and Effects"
Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - "Environmental, Health and Safety Programme Management"
Thursday, November 4, 2004 - "Sustainability Programme Management and Conclusion"

Portland State University is dedicated to promoting and implementing environment, health and sustainable practices as demonstrated through new course offerings in these fields, "green" capital construction of new student housing and a new engineering facility, operations policies, and public forums and community outreach projects. Instruction and research into environment, health, safety and sustainable practices occurs across the spectrum of programs at Portland State University, involving business, economics, environmental sciences, education, urban studies and planning, public administration, community health, geography and others. For more information on Portland State University visit www.pdx.edu, www.iess.pdx.edu, or www.sustain.pdx.edu.

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