Environmental Management Systems
Increasingly, federal facilities are formalizing their environmental
programs by establishing an Environmental Management System (EMS).
ERG can help you implement an EMS compatible with the ISO 14001
standard and the requirements of Executive Order 13148. Our approach
is grounded in a thorough understanding of EMS principles and of
best practice implementation approaches adopted by organizations
in the United States and abroad.
Whether you are developing an EMS from the ground up or want help
building and enhancing an existing system, ERG has the expertise
you need. We tailor our approach to take into account where your
environmental program is now and where you want it to take you in
the future. Our EMS expertise is backed by a rich base of environmental
science, engineering, policy, and communications know-how. With
20 years of experience supporting a full spectrum of EPA regulatory
and voluntary programs, we are qualified to tackle whatever EMS
challenge you face.
The Flexibility to Serve Your Needs
ERG has pioneered a variety of innovative EMS implementation approaches
and tools:
“Agencywide” EMS Models
Most organizations approach EMS on a facility-by-facility basis.
Some, however, want a more integrated solution that provides consistency
in implementation and transferability of know-how. We can develop
an “umbrella” framework for implementation across an agency
or department, based on a set of consistent policies and procedures,
that will maximize opportunities for learning while reducing implementation
costs.
EMS for Office-Based Operations
Many office-based facilities lack the usual connection to environmental
impacts found in a manufacturing or service setting. When asked
to develop an EMS, those tasked with the project may not know where
to begin. ERG’s expertise in areas such as building and office
equipment energy efficiency, paper procurement and recycling, and
commuter choice programs provides the basis for building an EMS
that is both relevant to the office setting and meaningful in the
objectives it sets.
EMS for Laboratory Operations
Labs are often thought of as clean, safe places to work. In reality,
there can be a variety of exposures to hazards, waste management
issues, and community issues to deal with. ERG is applying our knowledge
of lab operations to help the U.S. EPA implement EMSs at nine of
their research and development labs across the country.
EMS Metrics and Measurement Tools
For many of the most common “environmental aspects” addressed
in an EMS, ERG has developed tools for measuring baseline environmental
performance and projecting the improvement potential associated
with alternative targets. Our expertise covers virtually any type
of regulated or nonregulated environmental aspect, and is based
on the most current and accepted data sources. For example, we have
models that translate vehicle fleet data into air pollution estimates,
allowing customers to estimate the improvement potential from switching
to alternative fuel vehicles. Another tool calculates VOC reductions
from choosing low-VOC paints for renovation and construction projects.
Contractor and Supplier Issues
Implementing an EMS can be a daunting task for a single facility.
It becomes even more complex when attempting to extend the system
to suppliers or contractors. ERG has experience in both supplier
and contractor EMS issues and can help you find ways to make EMS
requirements relevant and meaningful to them.
EMS for Municipalities
ERG has worked with hundreds of local, state, and federal government
organizations and understands not only the nature of the environmental
issues they face but their other unique characteristics as well.
We draw from our expertise in municipal transportation, energy,
wastewater, drinking water, land use, and solid waste issues to
craft an EMS that works for you.
Small Business EMS
All companies, large and small, can implement an effective EMS.
ERG spearheaded one of the first projects in the world to systematically
apply the ISO 14001 standard to small companies and has worked with
the U.S. EPA to develop EMS training programs specifically targeted
toward small business.
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