Learning from the best: our man in Norway
In May 2010, Premier Coal Manager Health, Safety and Environment Digby Short participated in a professional study exchange program coordinated by Rotary International. Digby was part of a team that included other professionals from industry, state and local government, and non-government agencies.
For five weeks, Digby observed his own vocation of environmental management as practiced in a number of leading institutions throughout Norway – a country where corporate policies and practices are typically world’s best practice. Digby not only saw the practices in action, he also gained an appreciation of what is influencing the management decisions to achieve these standards.
One of the more extraordinary businesses studied was a world class waste management facility called FREVAR, south of Oslo. FREVAR receives liquid and solid waste streams and converts them into viable forms of energy, including methane from liquid waste and electricity from the incineration of solid waste.
While on exchange Digby stayed with Norwegian families, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture first hand and build friendships.
Environmental management is a field that is diverse, dynamic and increasingly politicised. Through the support of Premier Coal, Digby was able to participate in a unique exchange program that not only provided new insights into environmental management but also broadened his cultural perspective.