NOAA EMS Executive Briefing for Managers (11-24-03)

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NOAA EMS Executive Briefingfor
Managers(11-24-03)
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Executive Briefing

• What is Environmental Management System?
• Why do we need to do this?
• What does it cover?
• How do we start?
• How much does it cost?
• Assistance and tools
• Bottom line, What does it really mean?

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Environmental Management System

• EMS is a SYSTEM developed to holistically manage
  environmental issues at a facility.
• The concept is not new. It is based on a very
  basic management model.

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The Purpose of EMS

• Demonstrates the facilitys commitment to the
  environment
• Seeks continuous improvements on our processes
  (e.g., travel, administrative, energy, research
  parties, facility operation maintenance,
  laboratory, and etc) for both environmental and
  financial benefits
• Allows us to work toward sustainability and
• Promotes NOAA mission in fostering global
  environmental stewardship!

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So why do we need to do it?

• We have to! The deadline is 12/31/05.
• Executive Order 13148
• DOC EMS memo dated 4/22/03
• Provokes us to challenge the status quo for
  improvements on our processes.
• An effective EMS will create a better working
  environment for our employees and collaborators.
• It is good for our business as an environmental
  agency!

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What does it cover?

• Resource Management
• Energy
• Water
• Raw Material
• Pollution Prevention
• Waste Reduction
• New Technology
• Self Assessment
• NOAA internal assessment program

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How do we start?

• First order of business is securing your
  COMMITMENT and SUPPORT for this effort. This is
  absolutely critical!
• Draft and sign an Environmental Policy (see
  example)
• Designate an EMS Coordinator at your facility.
  This is a key position!
• Follow the recommended strategy that NOAA has
  developed for building an EMS
• The NOAA Environmental Compliance, Health
  Safety, and Security Office is available for
  assistance

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How much does it cost?

• NOAA ECHSSO has developed most of the templates.
  Contractor support is available upon request.
• The actual out of pocket dollars should be
  minimal. However, still need commitment and
  dedication from your facility namely the EMS
  Coordinator.
• Periodic discussions with management and process
  owners.
• Heavy up front to set up but should level off.
• Never ending process.

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Assistance and Tools

• Standardized Procedures complying with EPAs CEMP
  and ISO 14001.
• Template Plans and Policies
• Work Instruction samples from other facilities
• Secured web site hosting
• www.ems.noaa.gov

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What Does It Really Mean?

• Raising safety and environmental awareness.
  Making it second nature.
• Encouraging employees to contemplate and initiate
  alternatives to enhance their working
  environment.
• Achieving safety environmental improvement as
  well as monetary savings.
• Moving away from a personality based program
  management. We want to institutionalize it