Example environment dissertation topic 2:

Office waste management: A comparative case study.

Using a ten day audit over two working weeks, this comparative study first analyses and then proffers suggestions for greater recycling for two organisations that work within a similar field: the Registrars’ offices at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. The ten day audit enables baseline data to be obtained and the types of recycling waste are also measured A five day waste audit is conducted to obtain quantitative data and to identify the types of recyclable waste (as well as normal waste) being created by the two departments. In addition, questionnaires are sent to all staff members in the two officers so as to garner an understanding of their views as to how waste management is presently dealt with by their respective organisations and how it should be dealt with. Barriers to effective waste management within an office environment are noted in this dissertation, along with cultural changes that need to be initiated so as to ensure that a greater proportion of waste is recycled in an appropriate manner.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Frazer, L. and Lawley, M. (2000). Questionnaire design and administration. Richmond, Vic: John Wiley and Sons.
• Gascoigne, J.L. and Ogilvie, S.M. (1995). ‘Recycling waste materials: Opportunities and Barriers’. In Hester, R.E. and Harrison, R.M. (eds), Waste treatment and disposal. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, pp. 91-113.
• Gilmour, B. and Manns, H. (2001). A practical guide to waste management for universities and colleges. Cheltenham: Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.