Design of the environmental management program in a Cuban company

Summary

The work presented was carried out at the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas" belonging to the Construction Materials Company of Las Tunas. It is dedicated to the production of mosaics, tiles and other terrazzo productions, as well as frames, doors, windows and miscellaneous from wood for its commercialization. These productions allow the company to respond to the needs of the province in terms of construction and repairs of works for the programs carried out by the country, while having a significant impact on the environment. The objective of the work is to design an Environmental Management Program that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the Company, specifically the UEB.For the development of the investigation, different theoretical and empirical methods were applied that allowed a diagnosis to be made, from which the protection of the environment is included within the general policy of the Company, an Environmental Management Program is proposed to mitigate the impact generated for the analyzed UEB productive activity, at the same time that it serves for the subsequent implementation of an Environmental Management System. Lastly, conclusions are reached such that the Program developed stands as an instrument that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the Construction Materials Company, and recommendations are made that contribute to the search for solutions to environmental problems and the achievement of a environmental awareness.

Summary

The work that is presented was carried out in the Combined UEB of Concrete and Carpentry «Guillermo Texas» belonging to the Material Company of the Construction of The Tunas. The same one is devoted to the production of mosaics, tiles and other terrazzo productions, as well as marks, doors, windows and miscellaneous starting from wood for their commercialization. These productions allow that the company can respond to the necessities of the county as regards construction and repairs of works for the programs that it carries out the country, at the same time that they have a significant impact on the environment. The objective of the work is to design a Program of Environmental Administration that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the Company, specifically of the UEB.For the development of the investigation different theoretical and empiric methods were applied that allowed to carry out a diagnosis starting from which the protection of the environment is included inside the general politics of the Company, he / she intends a Program of Environmental Administration to mitigate the impact generated by the productive activity of the analyzed UEB, at the same time that it is good for the later installation of a System of Environmental Administration. Lastly, they are arrived at conclusions like that the elaborated Program is erected as an instrument that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the Material Company of the Construction, and recommendations are made that contribute to the search of solutions for the environmental problems and to the achievement of a conscience environmentalist.

Introduction

The changes experienced day after day are the constant that drives us to improve what we have done and implement new methods for future demands. What would become of companies and society, if they did not have the resources to take advantage of, produce and reform? How would an economy survive without nature, which provides us with everything? How much life does the earth have left? This undoubtedly leads to seeking solutions for environmental problems, regulations for the protection of resources by companies and the conscience of society; which must exercise a controlling role, since ultimately it is the beneficiary of what is done and produced by the entities and nature itself.

In Cuba, the conservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources are carried out on a scientific basis, there are optimal conditions to safeguard nature for the benefit of current and future generations, with man being the most important. In our country, the bases are created to develop the Corporate Environmental Management Systems, creating procedures based on international ISO 14000 standards, training environmental managers and encouraging entrepreneurs to incorporate the environmental component as an element of competitiveness in their economic activities.. All of this has allowed advances in the design of policies and concrete actions in environmental care, although there is still much to do.

The province of Las Tunas has as its objective in its sectoral and territorial environmental strategies, the need to minimize the sources and sources of pollutants resulting from the actions of productive activities and services, which creates the conditions to implement the Environmental Management Systems as to prevent, mitigate and correct them.

The Construction Materials Company of Las Tunas works in three fundamental branches: Quarry, Concrete and Red Ceramics, producing materials such as: aggregates, wall, floor, ceiling and woodwork elements. These productions make it possible to respond to the needs of the province in terms of construction and repairs of works for the programs carried out by the country, while having a significant impact on the environment.

For the development of our research, insufficiencies in the Environmental Management process that limit the socio-economic development of the Construction Materials Company are considered as a problem, with the Environmental Management process being the object of investigation.

In order to solve the problem, the general objective is to design an Environmental Management Program that contributes to the socio-economic development of the Construction Materials Company, specifically the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas", so that the field of Action is the Environmental Management Program.

The specific objectives of our research are:

• Compile bibliography and evaluate the main theoretical aspects related to the topic. Study the elements that characterize the environmental situation of the UEB Concrete and Carpentry Combination "Guillermo Tejas". Carry out an Environmental Diagnosis of the UEB under study. Design a Management Program Environmental for the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas".

Our hypothesis is the design of an Environmental Management Program that will contribute to the socioeconomic development of the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas" and, therefore, the Construction Materials Company.

To carry out the research work, different theoretical methods were applied:

Historical-logical: to study the evolution and development of the object of study and to promote a logical concatenation of the scientific tasks carried out.

Analysis - synthesis: to analytically dismember the different edges of the Environmental Management Process of the Construction Materials Company and arrive at qualitatively new systematized knowledge on the environmental impact generated, as well as analyze the different theoretical concepts and empirical data to prepare the Program of Environmental Management.

Induction - deduction: To establish a generalization of the Environmental Management process related to the environmental impacts produced from the fulfillment of its activities.

In addition, empirical methods such as observation, interviews, surveys and document review were used.

The inclusion of the environmental dimension in the State Business Management System leads to the achievement of maximum efficiency for the Cuban company and favors compliance with the purposes of the Environment Law and the National Environmental Strategy in order to achieve the harmony in man-society-nature relationships. As our Apostle José Martí said ¨… men will always need the products of nature ”.

Development

1. Referential theoretical framework.

1.1 DEFINITIONS

Environment.

In our country, the definition of the Environment is given in Law No. 81/97, "On the Environment", article 8 as a "system of abiotic, biotic and social elements with which man interacts, while adapting he transforms it and uses it to satisfy his needs ”.

At the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Environment in Stockholm it was defined as “the set of physical, chemical, biological and social components capable of causing direct or indirect effects, in the short or long term, on living beings and activities human ”

Environmental management.

In Law no 81/97, article 8 is defined as the “set of activities, mechanisms, actions and instruments, aimed at guaranteeing the rational administration and use of natural resources through the conservation, improvement, rehabilitation and monitoring of the environment and control of man's activity in this sphere. Environmental management applies the established environmental policy through a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account the cultural heritage, the accumulated national experience and citizen participation ”.

Environmental impact evaluation

In Law no 81/97, article 8 is defined as the “procedure that aims to avoid or mitigate the generation of undesirable environmental effects, which would be the consequence of plans, programs and projects of works or activities, by prior estimation of the environmental modifications that such works or activities would bring with them and, as appropriate, the denial of the license necessary to carry them out or their granting under certain conditions. It includes detailed information on the monitoring and control system to ensure compliance and the mitigation measures that must be considered. ”

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE WORLD.

Rapid changes in the environment are profoundly altering the relationships between humans and the ecosystems in which they live. The environment, had its incipient affectation in the spontaneous use that was object in the primitive community. The problems, affectations, their squandering, continued, developed and gradually expanded in the slave and feudal regimes. They manifested themselves more sharply during the evolution towards capitalism and have worsened under imperialism.

Since its appearance at the beginning of the 1970s, environmental policies have evolved considerably, due in large part to the proliferation of problems that industrialized countries have had to face, as well as the need to carry out effective integration. of economic and environmental policies.

The issue of conservation and sustainable use of resources and the environment in general has been a visible concern since the 1970s since the first world meeting on the environment in 1972 in Stockholm, not only progress has been made in the conceptualization of environmental problems, but also in the design of policies that allow a comprehensive solution to problems of complex magnitude. (Global Environment Outlook 2000)

With the aim of promoting the continuous improvement of the results of industrial activities in relation to the environment, the Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Audits regulated by the ISO 14000 International Standards, developed within the International Association for Standardization, have emerged. born with the intention of applying worldwide. (Poveda 1997)

General International Declarations. There are many International Declarations whose purpose is to set out the general principles that must inspire the actions of States and society to achieve better protection of the environment. We highlight three of them for their special historical interest:

• UN Declaration of Stockholm on the Human Environment. It is from 1972 and insists on the right of man to live in a quality environment and on his "solemn obligation to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations". It also highlights the importance of education in environmental matters. World Nature Charter, approved in a plenary session of the UN in 1982. It places special emphasis on the preservation of genetic heritage: ensuring a sufficient level in all populations of living beings in all the world, granting special protection to the most unique or those in danger. On the other hand, it insists on the need not to waste natural resources and to take into account the long-term capacity of natural systems to sustain populations.Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, approved by the UN Conference meeting in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In this conference the idea of ​​«sustainable development» was consolidated and proclaimed at the international level and four documents were approved:

1. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention on Biological Diversity Agenda 21

International agreement. International conventions deal with specific issues that affect all or several countries. There are many dedicated to environmental issues and, as an example, we quote some:

• Ramsar Convention: Protects wetlands due to their great importance as habitats for waterbirds. Berne Convention: On the conservation of wild fauna and flora and their natural habitats in Europe. Bonn Convention: On the conservation of species. The Washington Convention (CITES): On International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Geneva Convention: On Long-Distance Transboundary Air Pollution. Vienna Convention: On the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Basel Convention: On the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. Rio Convention: On Biological Diversity. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (Rio de Janeiro).

Recent international meetings (from the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, to HABITAT II, ​​held in Istanbul, in 1996) have shown that environmental problems are playing an increasing role on the agenda. general environment and development. The movement for environmental protection is especially focused on sustainability, since the environment and sustainable development are closely linked, and constitute an inseparable unit.

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN CUBA.

The environmental situation of our country cannot fail to be framed within the historical, economic and social process through which it has passed and for its linkage and effects produced on the environment. During the colonial period and already in this century, under the imposed condition of the Mediated Republic, the economic development that is achieved was mainly based on extensive agricultural production, with improper use and management of soils and intense destruction of areas wooded.

In this way, the Revolution inherits a deformed economic structure, with a backward agricultural base, with little industrial development, concentrated mainly in the sugar industry and a negatively impacted environment. The profound economic and social transformations achieved by the revolutionary process led to favorable changes in the living conditions of the population and consequently an increase in actions to protect and conserve natural resources, which are considered to be the heritage of the entire village.

The policy adopted since the Triumph of the Revolution, as well as the national development strategy to be followed, have been historically reflected in the main documents of the country, achieving that the problem of the environment has a constitutional and legal nature, as is the case of the Article 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, and the promulgation of Law no. 81 of the Environment, approved in 1997 by the National Assembly of People's Power, which responds to the agreements and principles approved at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Brazil 1992.

Cuban environmental policy, since its inception, has been defined and sustained by the principles of equitable economic and social development for all the people, outlined by the revolutionary process. Among the concrete steps that have been taken to face the environmental problem, we can cite the relevant moments in the expression of a state will for the protection of the environment:

• Enactment of Law 33 of January 10, 1981 "On the Protection of the Environment and the Rational Use of Natural Resources." Approval of the National Program for Environment and Development, Cuban adaptation of Agenda 21, 1993. Granting of constitutional rank to the environment by being explicitly included in the Constitution of the Republic in 1976, in its Article 27. Modification of the same in 1992, strengthening the idea of ​​integrating the environment with sustainable economic and social development. Creation of the National Commission for the Protection of the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, 1976. Promulgation of Decree-Law 118 of January 1990 "Structure, Organization and Operation of the National System of Environmental Protection" Creation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, 1994

In Cuba, the bases are currently being created to implement Environmental Management Systems, creating procedures based on International Standards ISO 14000 and adapted to Cuban conditions. To achieve this, it is necessary in the first instance to train environmental managers who will be in charge of incentivizing, supporting, preparing and evaluating the system itself and the decision-makers; as well as encouraging entrepreneurs to incorporate the environmental component as an element of competitiveness in their economic activities with the aim of improving the environmental performance of companies.

Today the nation has a well-founded strategy in this area and there is more awareness that the current process of economic recovery and business improvement are inseparable from the care of nature, since it is impossible for an industry to be efficient without protecting the environment.

The main achievements of environmental management in Cuba are:

• Improvement of the quality of life of the population. Establishment of a framework of social equity. Increase of the wooded area. Institutionalization of environmental work. Establishment of a national environmental strategy. Use of scientific capacities based on environmental protection. the load of pollutants. Gradual introduction of the environmental dimension in plans, programs and projects.

For the hierarchy of the main environmental problems of the country, the significant impact that they produce on: the health and quality of life of our population, prioritized economic activities, considerable extensions of the national territory, highly fragile ecosystems and economic and social importance. The identification of the main environmental problems in the country allows us to prioritize our attention, directing towards them the main efforts of environmental management, within the universe of existing problems.

1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN LAS TUNAS.

Environmental pollution alters the composition and quality of the components of the environment. Our province is not exempt from the need to protect, today more than ever, the environment that surrounds us and of which we are also an inseparable part.

Las Tunas has as its objective in its sectoral and territorial environmental strategies, the need to minimize the sources and contaminating sources as a result of the actions of productive activities and services, which creates the conditions to implement the Environmental Management Systems as a way of preventing, mitigate and correct them.

THE GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE NEW CYCLE OF THE PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY (2007/2010)

Mission The Provincial Environmental Strategy (2007–2010) constitutes the platform that governs the environmental policy of the territory of Las Tunas, establishes the guidelines and basic lines of the provincial environmental task, shows the ways and tools for its prevention, solution or reduction of the identified problems, based on continuous improvement of the environment and the rational and integrated use of natural resources in order to fulfill the principles of sustainable economic and social development.

Vision Higher goals in favor of the environment are achieved for the sustainable development of the province, based on the rational and optimal use of natural, human, financial and material resources.

The General objectives are:

• Visualize the environmental achievements achieved by the Revolution in the province, with the establishment of concrete scenarios and actions. Contribute to the prevention and solution of the main environmental problems in the province, with continuous improvement in the application of the policy and tunera environmental management. Define the priorities and lines of action of the territory, which allow work and environmental projection of the different municipalities, sectors, organizations, institutions, and the general population.

The main environmental problems are identified as:

• DROUGHT: Lack of drinking water DESERTIFICATION PROCESS: Soil degradation, Deterioration and insufficient forest cover ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: Liquid residuals, Solid residuals, Air Pollution, Dangerous Waste DETERIORATION OF HABITATS AND ECOSYSTEMS

1. Company Characterization Construction Materials and Research Procedures Used.

2.1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE COMPANY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS OF LAS TUNAS.

The Construction Materials Company of Las Tunas is subordinated to the Industrial Construction Business Group belonging to the Ministry of Construction. It has five Production and Service Base Business Units, mainly in the Las Tunas municipality, as well as in the municipalities of Puerto Padre, Majibacoa and Colombia.

Mission: "Provide constructive development with quality materials, based on excellence, innovation and experience."

The company has as Vision: We are leaders in the production of construction materials in the territory, we distinguish ourselves by applying and progressively developing a quality management system that meets the expectations of customers and allows us to maintain a competitive position in union of achieving excellence. We have motivated managers and workers, with high performance and a sense of belonging, with a tendency to assume responsibility in the fulfillment of their functions as a way to achieve self-management of the processes.

Social object

1. Producir, transportar y comercializar de forma mayorista áridos incluyendo la arena sílice y otros materiales provenientes de la cantera, pinturas, yeso, cal y sus derivados, sistema y productos de arcilla y barro, elementos de hormigón, terrazo, aditivos, repellos texturizados, monocapas, cemento cola, mezcla deshidratada, losetas hidráulicas, elementos de hierro fundido y bronce, productos para la industria del vidrio y la cerámica, productos refractarios, hormigones hidráulicos, recubrimientos e impermeabilizantes, incluyendo su aplicación; carpintería de madera, incluyendo su montaje y ofrecer servicios de posventa, todos ellos en moneda nacional y divisa.Brindar servicios de mantenimiento y montaje a instalaciones y equipos tecnológicos industriales de producción de materiales de construcción; de laboratorio para ensayos de materiales de construcción, de alquiler de equipos de construcción, complementarios y transporte especializado, de transportación de carga general; de diagnóstico, reparación y mantenimiento a equipos de transporte automotor, construcción y complementarios, así como sus agregados; de alquiler de almacenes, de parqueo; de alquiler de locales, servicios científico-técnicos y ejecución de proyectos de I+D e innovaciones tecnológicas,

The organizational structure of the company is flat.

2.2 INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE.

The methodology used in the research was based on a sequence of logical steps, allowing the content discussed to be detailed in a more understandable way. To meet the work objectives, we conceived five stages.

Bibliographic compilation.

A comprehensive review of the literature dealing with the subject of Environmental Management was carried out, including within it textbooks, tabloids, documents, the Union's Environmental Strategy, resolutions, laws, statutory decrees, norms and procedures of the activities. of the entity and the visit to Internet sites, all this enabled the preparation of the theoretical framework and enable us with the necessary knowledge to face the research process. We also had the help of a CIGET specialist who advised us on the subject.

Environmental Diagnosis.

To start the investigation, a survey of all the environmental legislation applicable to the company was carried out. The identification was carried out through visual inspections, interviews and surveys carried out and the flow diagrams observed in the productive activities. This diagnosis allowed a global appreciation of the environmental issues that concern the UEB in the establishments under study:

• Italian Tiles Factory Las Tunas Mosaics Factory Mechanized Tiles Factory

The review focused on 2 basic points: Identification of environmental aspects and Determination of environmental impacts.

The environmental aspects and impacts by process were identified based on:

Water:

• Quality monitoring. Frequency. Parameters Record of results. Existence of micro measurement. Records of consumption. Approximate balance of the water entering and leaving to know the whereabouts of all the water used in the facility. Compliance with consumption rates according to the technical standards established for each process or production technology. Causes of overconsumption.Measures for the efficient use of water.

Energy:

• Energy sources.Compliance with consumption rates according to the technical standards established for each production process or technology. Causes of over-consumption. Records of consumption. Measures to save energy.

Raw materials and other products:

• State of the warehouses. Compliance with the storage regulations. Analysis of the rotation of raw materials or products. Quantities and types of idle and expired products.

Liquid residuals:

• Identification of the points of discharge of residual waters. Current state of the conduction systems. Status of treatment and disposal. Existence of a treatment system, suitability, technical-constructive state, achieved efficiency, comparison with the efficiency according to the project. Sewage generated, according to the CIGEA Methodology for the Evaluation of Contaminant Load = number of workers x work days x 0.75. Existence of a discharge monitoring system. Frequency. Parameters included. Recording of results.

Gaseous emissions:

• Identification of generating sources. Existence of a monitoring system for emissions or concentrations of pollutants in the air. Frequency and degree of execution. Parameters included. Recording of results Existence of emission treatment systems. Suitability, status, operation and efficiency achieved.

Solid waste:

• Amounts and types of solid waste generated. Control and registration of the generation and use. Description and assessment of its treatment, use and / or final disposal.

Hazardous waste:

• Hazardous waste produced. Quantities, types and classification. Generation control and registration. Assessment of its management. Suitability, operation and technical-constructive state of the treatment system.

Noises and vibrations:

• Generating sources. Noise and vibration levels Frequency. Recording of results.Measures for its control and use of means of protection for workers.

A survey (Annex 1) was used as an instrument to inquire about the aforementioned aspects, the sample size being 52 workers, which represents 68% of the total.

Definition of the Environmental Policy.

The Environmental Policy was defined at the business level according to the identified problems and the environmental impacts of its activities, and the commitments to be established.

Environmental objectives and targets.

For the determination of the environmental objectives and goals of the UEB, the legal requirements, its significant environmental aspects, its technological options and its financial, operational and commercial requirements were considered, as well as the points of view of the interested parties, duly compatible with the environmental policy.

Environmental Management Program.

To achieve its environmental objectives and goals, an Environmental Management Program was created, where it was described how the UEB will translate its goals into concrete actions that aim to achieve environmental objectives. Actions were defined, responsibilities were assigned, and deadlines for achieving each goal were defined.

1. Design of the Environmental Management Program.

3.1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CONCRETE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT.

Vegetation and flora The study area is located in the Western Industrial Zone of the city of Las Tunas, which has caused profound alterations to the ecosystem resulting in environmental degradation; that is why the existing vegetation in the surroundings of the facility is of the highly trodden secondary type, with herbaceous formations predominating. The presence of trees was verified; ornamental gardening plantations are well preserved, few in number and located in one place.

For the initial review, the environmental dimension of the components of the UEB was taken into account, as well as the surrounding community environment, characterized by anthropogenic influence where the predominant vegetation is associated with scrub. In general, species of botanical interest (endemic, threatened) do not inhabit this area, although the presence of an abundant herbaceous layer that protects the soil against erosion and prevents excessive evaporation can be noted. The existing plants in the area are: Dichrostachy cinerea (marabou), Mangifera indica (mango), Delnix regia (red raspberry), Roystonea regia (royal palm).

They are in a regular state of conservation, since they show great affectation by the dust that is generated in the Combined. The predominant soils are leached reddish brown fersialitic acids where the main limiting factors are associated with low organic matter contents, effective depth, as well as rocky and stony.

Fauna The fauna of the place is in correspondence with the state of anthropization of the environment and the type of existing vegetation, reason why the prevailing ecological conditions make its existence and development impossible. The representatives of this are mostly small animals and poor in terms of diversity, the most abundant are invertebrates that have managed to adapt to existing conditions, the rest have been affected by the changes that have occurred.

The observed species are: Anartia jatrophae (butterfly), Grillus sp (cricket), Libellula sp (cigarette), Anolis sagrei (lizard), Passer domesticus (sparrow), Osteopilus septentrionalis (frog), Peltophrine fustiger (toad).

3.2 RESULT OF THE DIAGNOSIS APPLIED.

To carry out the environmental diagnosis, the following variables were analyzed: water, energy, raw materials and other products, liquid residuals, gaseous emissions, solid residuals, noise and vibrations.

Water.

In all factories, water is needed as an essential element in the production process, it comes from the well. It is used in all productions in the mixing stage and in the cutting of defective ones. In the Mosaics factory it is used in the pressing and curing phases, and in the Italian Tile and Mechanized factories in the polishing phase.

Sometimes, due to the inadequate management of the resource, there are water spills inside the factories and in the sanitary services. We were able to verify that in the Las Tunas Mosaic Factory, the water in the reservoir that is used in the curing phase is not changed as often as required, allowing the accumulation of mud.

The supply network is a galvanized zinc pipe located underground, there is a good state of hydraulic networks. There are 4 elevated tanks from which the water is transmitted for the different activities. They have not established the period of time for cleaning them. The turbine is connected up to 2 times a day to guarantee the water supply. There are no meter meters to measure consumption, so there is no balance of the water consumed daily or by production line. There is no plan for monitoring water quality. In none of the factories are there consumption rates according to technical standards established for each type of process. Nor do they have measures for the efficient use of water.

Energy.

The energy source that the UEB uses for the development of its productive activity comes from the national electrical network. The fuels and lubricants used come from the Cupét through a magnetic card. The mill for obtaining carbonate is a source of additional energy consumption to the Combined's own activity, due to problems that have led to its use.

The table (Annex 2) lists the consumption of energy carriers in the 2005-2007 period. As can be seen in this, there is a gradual decrease in consumption rates, both for diesel and electric power, from 2005 to 2006 and 2007. In 2005, what was planned in diesel in Mosaico Puerto Padre and Mechanized Tile was not complied with due to the aggregate shooting with equipment of less capacity than expected. This was resolved as two teams were recovered, one with a 14 m3 capacity and the other with 17m3, which are much more efficient than the 6m3.

Regarding electrical energy, it is appreciated on consumption in the Italian Tile in 2006 due to the need to polish the tiles twice due to the lack of suitable emery stones from imports. However, the problem was solved and already in 2007 it decreased by 4.9%. Currently, various actions aimed at the efficient use of energy carriers continue, such as:

1. Greater use of higher capacity transport equipment. Maintain the preparation of the abrasive stones used in the manufacture of the Italian tile with current raw materials that allow a single polishing. Maintain strict control of the energy contingency plan that it has each establishment, and continue enriching it with the initiatives and approaches of the workers. Maintain a rigorous control over compliance with the eight physical consumption indices per product that the Basic Unit evaluates, emphasizing reducing them to achieve an efficiency that makes our products on the market. Make an asset of energy carriers quarterly in each establishment with the participation of all workers, and one in the management of the Company,with the result that has been collected.

Raw materials and other products.

The raw materials used are listed in Chapter II. It was found that none of the factories has a warehouse, but warehouses with the aim of temporarily maintaining the raw materials necessary to carry out their activity, and there is only one central warehouse at the business level. The raw material must be rotated monthly, however the interview carried out showed that there is a scarce supply of raw material, an inefficient distribution and a poor quality of it. This influences the durability and quality of production.

In the warehouses of finished products a good constructive, hygienic and organizational condition is evident, and the required storage regulations are complied with. The inventory is updated on a daily basis; at the end of production each day the consumption of raw materials and production are recorded, establishing a relationship between the two. When the raw material is exhausted in one factory, it is manually transferred from another one where consumption is lower.

In the Mechanized Tile Factory there are more than 55,000 hexagonal tiles as slow-moving production, however, 70 661 units were sold in 2007 and in the period from January to April of this year 16 742. The existing ones have been offered to the company of communal but for lack of transportation have not yet been purchased.

Liquid residuals.

In the Combined, liquid residuals are generated in the production process and by human activity. Waste, both solid and liquid, represents approximately 3% of production. In the Mosaic factory, the liquid residuals in the pressing phase are poured directly into the soil. In the curing process, they constitute the water used in the well for hydrotreating the mosaics. This tank must be cleaned every 3 months, however, due to the laboriousness that results, it is not carried out with this frequency. In the Mechanized Tile factory, liquid residuals are generated in the pressing and polishing phases. These are led through a ditch that is in good condition until it is deposited on the ground at about 5 meters.

Liquid waste treatment systems do not exist in any of the previous factories. In the Italian tile factory, the liquid waste is generated only in the polishing phase and is led through a trench with good conditions to the treatment plant. This allows the purification and recovery of water to reuse it in the production process, it has a good technical constructive condition and is ideal for the activity it carries out. As a result of human activity, sewage waters are generated, approximately 75 L of waste daily. These are not connected to the public network, but are dumped into a well in good technical condition.

Gaseous emissions.

There is dust generation in all factories, from the raw material warehouse to the last phase of the production process, before turning into finished production. There is a mill where the granite is ground to convert it into carbonate and to be able to use it in production. This generates a large amount of dust that pollutes the environment. This mill has been an internal management of the company as a solution to the lack of transportation and the remoteness of the carbonate supply source.

There is also air pollution from the circulation of vehicles in the entity. There is no monitoring system for emissions or concentrations of pollutants in the air, nor is there a treatment system to decrease the pollutant load of the same. According to data from the survey, we were able to find out that 60% of workers do not have the required means of protection.

Solid residuals.

In the Mosaics factory, nonconforming production is reused, turning it into skirting boards and ceilings. The blunt crockery is transformed with the use of the cutter into a smaller size (20 × 20), and is marketed with the Provincial Housing Company. Despite this, there is a percent that turns into solid waste. In the curing phase, sludge is generated as a result of the final treatment to the mosaic, it accumulates in the hydrotreatment well. In the Mechanized Tile factory, during the capping process, the production is classified. The blunted crockery is put up for sale at a lower price and those with defects become skirting boards, there always being a generation of solid waste. Another type of waste that exists in this process is the paper used to cover the tiles.

In the Italian tile factory, defective production is only used to make skirting boards with the use of the cutter, there being solid residuals at this stage and in the polishing phase. In the last two factories mentioned, solid waste is generated from the liquid waste, which is later converted to sludge. We could see that the treatment plant located in the Italian tile factory has pipes in poor condition, which leads to a mud spill around it.

Solid residuals from the Mosaicos and Italian Tile factories are discharged in a certain area of ​​the Combined, there being a large accumulation of waste that remains indefinitely in the place. The residuals of Mechanized Tile are deposited in a determined site of the factory. These solid wastes constitute a negative impact on the environment, since there is no treatment by the Company for their reuse in the production process or their use for the benefit of society.

Noises and vibrations.

In all factories there are sources of noise and vibrations in the mixing and cutting stage of defective production, as well as in the grinding, curing and polishing phases, these being the equipment and machinery used, depending on the type of production process. There are no noise control measures, and the means of protection to be used are not guaranteed for all workers. Of those surveyed, 60% do not have the necessary means of protection, and the rest are not fully guaranteed, expressing dissatisfaction on the part of the workers.

Once the diagnosis had been applied and the impacts produced on the environment had been identified, the Company's Environmental Policy was designed, establishing the objectives and goals aimed at carrying it out, and an Environmental Management Program was prepared to mitigate the combined pollutant load..

3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OF THE COMPANY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.

The Construction Materials Company, recognizing that its productions are aggressive to the environment, is committed to achieving manufacturing processes and procedures that minimize negative environmental impacts, and to achieve this it will work on the prevention, control and reduction of the environmental effects that Its activity generates on the environment and its workers, constantly looking for new ways to reduce the quantities of raw materials, fuels, energy and gaseous emissions produced by its activity.

The Construction Materials Company intends to comply with current legislation regarding its functions and obtain excellence in all its activities, counting on it with workers with a high culture and environmental commitment. The environmental policy of Construction Materials seeks to:

1. Ensure strict compliance with current legal and environmental regulations inherent to the company's own activity. Work to constantly reduce the negative environmental impacts of our activities, achieving the rational use of water and energy, the treatment of liquid waste, the adequate management of solid waste, providing its economic use, the protection of biological diversity, the reduction of the emitted pollutant load and noise pollution, as well as promoting the recycling and reuse of the company's general waste. introduction of cleaner production practices through new investments, based on the search for different sources of financing.Prioritize the environmental education of workers in order to promote values ​​that contribute to achieving high awareness and motivation for the care and preservation of the environment from their jobs. Systematically review the status of environmental protection in the company through of a control system that allows detecting weak points and proposing the necessary actions to correct them. Progressively incorporate customers, suppliers and other interested parties into our environmental policy, so that it is more comprehensive and their contribution is appreciated to comply with it. Use communication, both internal and external, as an effective tool to promote dissemination and experiences in the environmental management process.

For the determination of the environmental objectives and goals, the significant environmental aspects, their technological options and their financial, operational and commercial requirements were considered, compatible with the environmental policy.

To carry out the Environmental Management Program, the actions necessary to achieve the environmental objectives and targets were defined, taking into account the deadlines for compliance and those responsible for each task, as well as the material, financial and human resources required. The methodology used in the elaboration of the design of the Environmental Management System for the Construction Materials Company of Las Tunas is in accordance with the Cuban Standards ISO 14000.

3.4 CONCRETE COMBINATION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
1. Compliance with current environmental laws and regulations.			Knowledge of environmental legislation.	Guarantee compliance with environmental regulations and legislation applicable to our activities.	Comply with 100% of the environmental regulations applicable to the organization.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	1. Strictly comply with the environmental regulations applicable to the organization	Permanent	Decrees, Resolutions and Laws	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
2. Rational use of water.	Water for production processes.	Drinking water depletion and wastewater generation.	Minimum consumption rates per unit / Kg. of production.	Reduce and control water consumption.	Decrease water consumption by 40% in all activities.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	2. Create a monitoring and water saving program that involves all company personnel.	October 2008	Include it in the 2009 investment plan	Director of Development
	3. Establish the current rates of water consumption by type of production.	September 2008	Skilled workforce	J` UEB
	4. Locate and repair leaks and leaks in hydraulic systems.	Permanent	Galvanized pipes, fittings and workforce	J` UEB
	5. Install water meters at key points in factories.	Plan 2009	Meter counters	Director of Development
	6. Recirculate or reuse the waters of the productions that are still missing	Plan 2009	Investment Budget	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
3. Rational use of energy.	Use of fossil fuels.	- Atmospheric pollution. - Exhaustion of non-renewable natural resources. - Gas emission.	Minimum consumption rates per unit / kg. of production.	Increase energy and fuel savings and decrease gas emissions into the atmosphere.	Guarantee 100% of the scheduled maintenance of industrial and transport equipment.
Reduce energy and fuel consumption by 3% compared to the previous year.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	7. Guarantee the personnel and means necessary for the maintenance of industrial and transport equipment	Monthly	Parts, pieces, aggregates, greases, lubricants and workforce	J` UEB
	8. Reduce energy consumption by 1.5%	Annual	Savings plan	J` UEB
	9. Reduce fuel consumption by 3%	Annual	Savings plan	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
4. Properly manage solid waste and promote its economic use.	Solid waste generation.	- Soil and water contamination.	Minimum disposal of waste in landfills.	Promote the economic use, recycling and reuse of company waste.	Commercialize 1.5% of the solid waste generated by the different productions to achieve its economic use and benefit society.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	10. Agree with local companies to deliver solid waste that can be used economically.	Monthly	Nonconforming Productions Plan	Business director

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
5. Treatment of liquid residuals.	Liquid waste generation	- Soil and water contamination.	-Amount of liquid residuals generated. -Compliance with the norm of permissible limit of pollutants of the residuals that are discharged. -Reduction of the polluting loads contributed to the environment.	Reduce the polluting load of the effluents and guarantee their correct treatment using appropriate technologies.	Decrease 40% of liquid residuals.

Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
11. Incorporate treatment systems for the reuse of liquid waste.	Plan 2009	Financing in CUC and MN	Director of Development
12. Carry out the cleaning of the hydrotreating pit.	June 2008	Motor pump, fuel and work force	J` UEB
13. Avoid spillage of lubricants in the floor in the Mosaic factories and Tiles.	Diary	Daily maintenance	J` Factory Service
14. Clean the sedimentation lagoons of Tiles.	July-August 2008	Loader, truck and workforce	J` UEB
15. Establish the residual water generation rates for each activity.	September 2008	Qualified Personnel	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
6. Reduce damage caused by noise.	Generation of noise.	-Affection to the health of workers. -Noise pollution.		Minimize the negative impacts caused by noise pollution.	Guarantee 100% of the means of protection for all workers.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	16. Acquire all means of noise protection.	Permanent	Protection means	J` UEB
	17. Contract with competent entities to analyze the noise level.	September 2008	Financing in MN	Director of Development

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
7. Reduce gaseous emissions.	Dust generation.	- Impact on the health of workers. - Atmospheric pollution.		Reduce the polluting load caused by gaseous emissions.	Reduce pollution caused by gaseous emissions by 60%.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	18. Remodeling the construction of the marble production mill to reduce dust generation.	October 2008	General Repair Plan	J` UEB
	19. Guarantee all means of protection against dust.	Permanent	Means of Protection	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
8. Staff training.		- Failure to comply with current environmental legislation.	All trained workers.	Guarantee the training of personnel in environmental issues.	Train 100% of staff to raise awareness of the need for environmental protection
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	20. Determine the needs for environmental training	June 2008	Training plan	HR director
	21. Disseminate the theme of the environment to all workers.	Permanent	Training Plan	J` UEB

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
9. Periodic environmental review.			Annual review.	Guarantee the periodic review of the system.	Guarantee compliance with the objectives and goals set in the environmental program for 2009.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	22. Review quarterly compliance with established objectives and goals.	April, July, October and January	Planned goals	Director of Development

Commitment to politics	Environmental aspect	Impact	Internal performance criteria	goals	Goals
10.Communication with interested parties.				Ensure open and fluid communication with stakeholders	Disseminate the Environmental Policy both internally and externally in 2008.
	Actions	Deadlines	Means	Responsable
	23. Publicize the company's Environmental Policy to workers and other interested parties.	June 2008	Training plan	J` UEB
	24. Implement a disclosure plan for the actions of the company in environmental matters.	Monthly	Environmental Policy and Environmental Management Program	Director of Development

3.5 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF ECONOMIC INDICATORS.

The correct solution of the environmental impacts detected in the applied diagnosis may contribute to the socioeconomic development of the Combined, and therefore of the Company. For this reason, Table II shows the economic indicators of the Construction Materials Company in the last three years (see Annex 3).

The indicators that were taken as reference are analyzed below.

• Income Analysis.

As can be seen in the table, the company's revenues have grown steadily since 2005. In this year, revenues were reached by 4459.3 MP, in 2006 by 5545.1 and in 2007 by 5616.5, evidencing a progressive recovery in all of these years, where the greatest beneficiaries have been the works of the Battle of Ideas.

• Cost Analysis by Income Weight and Gross Profit.

In 2005, the company spent $ 1,031 for each peso it sold, that is, costs exceeded income by 104.4 MP, representing a gross loss. This was mainly due to a decrease in the sale price at the end of 2004 and a salary increase in 2005. Already in 2006 a more favorable situation is observed since each sale peso cost $ 0.993. In this period, a gross profit of 36.7 MP is obtained, this situation was due, on the one hand, to an increase in sales and, on the other, to the exploitation of new investments. In 2007 the company continues to improve, revenues increase and for each peso sold $ 0.986 is spent, which provides a gross profit of 75.5 MP.

We can summarize that the sustained increase in income and the decrease in costs with respect to income have provided the company in recent years with the power to pass from a loss to obtain increasing profit, that is, in 2007 gross profit increases compared to 2006 by 105.7% (75.5 - 36.7 / 36.7 x 100).

• CUC Sales Analysis.

An increasing decrease in sales in CUC has been observed since 2005. In 2005 sales amounted to 154.0 MP, in 2006 124.3 MP and in 2007 82.9 MP. This decrease has been influenced by a policy change in the company, where at the moment its production is essentially destined for the Battle of Ideas and housing programs.

• Analysis of Net Profit Margin.

In 2005 the company incurs a loss of 3 cents for each peso it sells. In the year 2006 for each peso that it sells it has a profit of 1 cent, in the same way it behaves in the year 2007.

• Analysis of the Current Ratio, the Acid Ratio and the Working Capital.

In 2005, for each peso of short-term debt, the company had $ 7.05 of current assets to meet this debt. In 2006 the ratio decreases with $ 6.23 of current assets for each peso of debt, continuing the decrease in 2007 until having $ 5.35 of current assets for each peso of current liabilities. This trend is a reflection of the behavior of working capital, where in 2005 it had 1846.8 MP, in 2006 it decreased to 1706.5 MP and in 2007 to 1426.0 MP. We consider this decrease in working capital to be adequate as it approaches the author's criteria that considers that this ratio should be in the range of $ 2.00, and as observed in the analysis, the results presented by the company are indicating excess capital. working and thereforeimmobilized currency.

On the other hand, the behavior of the acid ratio shows great excesses in 2005 and 2006, since in 2005 the most liquid assets cover 2.74 times the current liabilities and in 2006 they did it 3.01 times. Already in 2007 a more adequate proportion is presented, being 1.68 times.

• Investment for the Environment.

The data shows that only in 2006 an investment for the environment was made amounting to 90.0 MP destined for a liquid waste treatment plant at the UEB Italian Tile Factory for Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas".

Conclusions

The results obtained in carrying out the work allow us to reach the following conclusions.

1. The Environmental Assessment carried out allowed identifying the main environmental impacts caused by the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas". The Environmental Policy designed for the Construction Materials Company establishes the protection of the environment as a new objective within its global management.The Environmental Management Program prepared stands as an instrument that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas" and, therefore, of the Construction Materials Company. The lifting and organization of all legislation environmental applicable to the company establishes an important contribution that contributes to compliance with the Environmental Policy.The work carried out constitutes a decisive step for the implementation of an Environmental Management System in the Construction Materials Company.

recommendations

Due to the importance we attach to our work, we recommend:

1. Carry out an environmental diagnosis to all the other Base Business Units to identify the main impacts caused to the environment. Implement the Environmental Policy in the Construction Materials Company. Work in compliance with the Environmental Management Program in the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas" to mitigate the impact generated by its activities. Keep all environmental legislation in force for the company's own activity updated. Use this work to lay the foundations for the subsequent implementation of an Environmental Management System in the company.

Bibliography

1. Camacho Barreiro and L. Ariosa Roche: Dictionary of Environmental Terms. Aquarium publications. Havana. 1998. p. 75.Environmental Agency. Procedures for the Corporate Environmental Management System. Ministry of Technology and Environment. Havana city. Cuba. Law No. 81 "On the Environment", promulgated by the National Assembly of People's Power r. Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba. Extraordinary Edition. Havana. number 7. July 11, 1997. Dictionary of the Spanish Language. Twenty-First Edition. Volume II. Spain. Editorial Espasa Calpe, SA1992. p 2133. General methodological elements for the environmental diagnosis of industries. CITMA. Havana. 2006.Gayoso, Jorge. Environmental management systems. Chile. (s. n).1999.Gerardo Suárez and Teresita Romero: Pollution and the environment. Havana.Technical Scientific Editorial. 1995. p 102. Gilberto N. Ayes Ametller. Environment, Impact and Development. Havana. Technical Scientific Editorial. 2003. p 179. Great Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary. Grijalbo Mondadori Publishing House. p 1822. 1997. Guillermo Castro. For a Latin American environmental history. Havana. Social Sciences Editorial. 2004. p 170. Institute of Standardization. ISO 14000.City of Havana. Cuba.Juan LLanes Regueiro. Environmental economic policies. Havana. Social Sciences Editorial. 1999. p 172. Electronic book "Earth and Environmental Sciences". Topic 15. Articles Environmental impact assessment, Environmental management in the company, Declarations and legislation. Maldonado.M and Monterubio M: Manual for the prevention and minimization of environmental pollution. Cleaner production. Mexico DF.Editorial Panorama. 1998.189 Pages Accounting Manual of the Construction Materials Company. Law no. 20 on the Environment, promulgated by the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique. Article 1. October 1997. Kolbasov: Role of the State and Law in solving the ecological problems of contemporary society, Society and the Natural Environment. Editorial Progreso.. 1980. p. 163. Environmental Panorama of Cuba 2000. Editorial Academia. Havana. Cuba. 2001. Global Environment Outlook. Mundi Press. Madrid. Spain 2000. Poveda Gómez, Pedro. Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Audits as a complement to Environmental Impact Education. International Seminar on Environmental Impact Assessment. Trotta Publishing House. Environment Series. Madrid. Spain. 1997. Tabloid Law and Environment.Part I and II Editorial Publishing Group Academia. Havana. Academia Editorial Editing Group.. 2006. p 32. Tabloid Introduction to Environmental Knowledge. Havana. Academia Editorial Editing Group.. 2006. p 16.

Digital bibliography

es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medio_ambiente

(Consulted February 5, 9:45 am)

http://ciencia.glosario.net/medio-ambiente-acuatico/medio-ambiente-10393.html

(Consultation February 6, 10:25 am)

http://www.madrimasd.org/cienciaysociencia/ateneo/temascandentes/residuos/default.asp

(Consulted February 8, 2:10 p.m.)

Annexes.

Annex 1 Survey.

With the purpose of developing an adequate Environmental Policy in the Materials Construction Company of Las Tunas, we carried out our investigation, for which we would be grateful if you could honestly answer the following survey.

Mark a single answer with an X.

1. Are you aware of the environmental laws that your company complies with?

___ Yes ___ No ___ Something

1. Do you know the entity's Disaster Plan?

___ Yes ___ No ___ To a great extent ___ To a lesser extent

1. How satisfied are you with your existing working conditions? ___ Very satisfied ___ Satisfied ___ Dissatisfied Are the means of protection that your job requires guaranteed? ___ All ___ Some ___ None Do you know the environmental impact of the company? ___ Yes ___ No Have you received any type of environmental education from the entity's management? ___ Yes ___ No Have you presented papers at the Forum? ___ If not

If yes:

1. a) Have they been generalized?

___ On many occasions ___ On rare occasions ___ On no occasion

1. b) Have your works been related to environmental problems?

___ If not

1. How do you evaluate the work of the Forum Commission?

___ Excellent ___ Good ___ Fair ___ Bad

Thank you very much.

Annex 2 Consumption of energy carriers of the UEB Combined Concrete and Carpentry "Guillermo Tejas" .

Energy Carriers	Um	Year 2005	Year 2006	Year 2007
Plan	Real	%	Plan	Real	%	Plan	Real	%
DIESEL Total Cons.	Lts	132278	132759	100	136471	131586	96	144946	129345	89
Mosaic tiles	Consumption	Lts	34927	35034	100	35535	34882	99	40750	34400	84
Tunas	Cons Index	L / M3	0.98	0.983	100	0.98	0.962	96	0.962	0.812	84
Mosaic tiles	Consumption	Lts	33765	34175	101	32774	32689	100	28966	28610	99
Pto Padre	Cons Index	L / M3	1,152	1,166	101	1,152	1,149	100	1,149	1,135	99
Tile	Consumption	Lts	19762	19909	101	20366	19644	96	15865	14645	92
Mechanized	Cons Index	L / M3	1,205	1,214	101	1,213	1.17	97	1.17	1.08	92
Tile	Consumption	Lts	43824	43641	99.6	47796	44371	93	59365	51690	87
Italian	Cons Index	L / M3	1.2	1,195	99.6	1.2	1,114	93	1,114	0.97	87
Elect energy. Total Cons	MW / h	145.32	144.79	100	148.52	149.44	101	164.71	162.54	99
Mosaic tiles	Consumption	MW / h	32.08	31.72	99	32.27	31.55	98	35.58	34.73	98
Tunas	Cons Index	MW / MM3	0.9	0.89	99	0.89	0.87	98	0.84	0.82	98
Mosaic tiles	Consumption	MW / h	26.08	26.08	100	25.32	25.32	100	22.43	22.18	99
Pto Padre	Cons Index	MW / MM3	0.89	0.89	100	0.89	0.89	100	0.89	0.88	99
Tile	Consumption	MW / h	26.9	26.73	99	27.2	26.86	99	21.97	21.97	100
Mechanized	Cons Index	MW / MM3	1.64	1.63	99	1.62	1.6	99	1.62	1.62	100
Tile	Consumption	MW / h	60.26	60.26	100	63.73	65.71	103	84.73	83.66	99
Italian	Cons Index	MW / MM3	1.65	1.65	100	1.6	1.65	103	1.59	1.57	99

Annex 3 Economic Indicators of the Construction Materials Company.

Economic indicators	U / M	2005	2006	2007
Total income	MP	4459.3	5545.1	5616.5
Costs	MP	4599.7	5508.4	5541.0
Costs by weight of income		1,031	0.993	0.986
Gross profit	MP	-140.4	36.7	75.5
Sales in CUC	MCUC	154.0	124.3	82.9
Profit margin	weight	-0.03	0.01	0.01
Circulating ratio	weight	7.05	6.23	5.35
Acid ratio	weight	2.74	3.01	1.68
Working capital	MP	1846.8	1706.5	1426.0
Investment for the environment	MP	-	90.0	-

Source: Prepared by the Economic Department of the Company's management.

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