What is an Earthcheck Indicator?
An Earthcheck indicator is a useful and reliable measure which highlights performance in a core area.
How are indicators developed?
Indicators are developed by identifying data that can be measured easily, taking into account that comparisons need to be made to similar operations and that trends need to be highlighted.
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Why are indicators important?
Indicators are important because they highlight the performance of an operation and they identify where improvements need to be made.
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How is indicator data entered online?
By Earthcheck Checklists
Particular core areas have indicators where data is entered by completing Earthcheck Checklists. Earthcheck Checklists provide the user with an easy-to-obtain gauge (Earthcheck rating system) of how the practices and procedures they have in place will aid long-term sustainability. Earthcheck Checklists are used where access to detailed data may be difficult or extremely time consuming to collect. Due to their breakdown approach, Earthcheck Checklists provide a good indication of performance and highlight aspects that warrant improvement.
Indicators that are entered by completing the Earthcheck Checklist include Water Saving, Waste Recycling, Community Contributions, Paper Products, Cleaning Products, and Pesticide Products.
By Earthcheck Calculators
Particular core areas have indicators where data is entered by using calculators. Earthcheck Calculators assist the user with entering information for indicators where various types of sources and units may be encountered. For example, the Energy Calculator allows the user to enter several types of energy sources (e.g. Coal (Black), Natural Gas) and units (e.g. kilowatt hours, cubic metres) and converts these to one common unit which is megajoules (MJ).
Indicators that are entered by using Earthcheck Calculators include Energy Consumption, Water Consumption, and Waste Sent to Landfill.
By Direct Data Input into the Earthcheck Software
Particular core areas have indicators where data is entered via direct data input. Direct data input is used for indicators that are measured as ratios. For example, the ratio of Employees living within 20 kilometres of an operation to Total employees is entered directly into the Benchmarking software.
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How are indicators Benchmarked?
Indicators are benchmarked using an Activity Measure, which is a measure that reflects the key activity of an operation. Energy Consumption, Water Consumption, and Waste Sent to Landfill are benchmarked against an Activity Measure. For example, for Accommodation, the Activity Measure is Guest Nights. Energy Consumption, Water Consumption, and Waste Sent to Landfill are benchmarked ‘per Guest Night’. Other indicators are benchmarked using an indicator’s actual ratio or Earthcheck Checklist rating.
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Can I have specialised / tailored indicators?
Yes. Specialised tailored indicators can be incorporated into the benchmarking process. You can choose from a preset list or devise indicators to best suit your organisation.
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What are Sector Specific Indicators?
Sector Specific Indicators are indicators which are more relevant to a particular industry and measured only within that sector. For example, a sector Specific Indicator for the Vehicle sector would be 'Vehicle Management'.
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