The Environmental Management System (EMS) is a process used to support Ohio University in its effort to integrate environmental concerns into daily practices. An EMS offers schemes for the development of policies and procedures, training and awareness, internal and external communication, planning mechanisms for continuous improvement and performance measurement. The EMS contains methods for regulatory tracking and regulatory relationships, auditing, environmental management information systems, risk management, budgeting, accounting, records and documentation. The EMS includes pollution prevention, sustainability efforts, green building efforts and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. At Ohio University, the Department of Safety is responsible for implementation of programs designed to insure regulatory compliance with environmental regulations and coordinates the overall campus EMS effort, with the help of Facilities Management, University Planning, and the Campus Community.
The Safety Department has implemented a number of environmental compliance programs to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Numerous other campus environmental protection initiatives have been on-going for many years. An EMS attempts to tie together various facets of Ohio University institutional efforts into a unified program and compliance approach to environmental protection. EHS is currently engaging the campus community in this effort.
Environmental Management Systems Overview [PDF]
Other EMS related links:
- Campus Safety, Health, & Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA)
- USEPA Sector Initiative - Universities and Colleges
- USEPA - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Guide
- USEPA - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Guide for Laboratories
- USEPA - Best Management Practices
- Ohio University Institute for Sustainable Energy & Environment
- Ohio University, Facilities Management, Recycling & Refuse Program
- ISO Environmental Management Standards
- Washington State University EHS
- Green Computing Guide (PDF 120kb) [PDF]
- Green Chemistry