Applying a Systems Approach

EPA Regions 9 & 10

and

The Federal Network for Sustainability

2

Objectives

After this discussion, you should be able to:

• Describe the parts of an EMS

• Relate those parts to offices or functions at your facility

• Consider how to coordinate the parts

3

Overview

• EMS as a System

• Parts of the System

• Ownership of the Parts

• Coordinating the System

4

EMS as a System

• An EMS is a management system that involves conscious coordination of many different functions in a facility.

5

EMS Document Structure

PolicyAspects Register

Objectives and Targets

Environmental Management PlansTraining Needs SurveysOrganizational Charts

Standard Operating ProceduresTraining RecordsHazardous Waste ManifestsEnergy Bills

EMS

EnvironmentalManagementPrograms

Day-to-DayOperations

6

Parts of the System(ISO 14001 Elements)

• Environmental Policy

• Environmental Aspects

• Legal and Other Requirements

• Objectives & Targets

• Environmental Management Programs

• Structure and Responsibility

• Training: Awareness & Competence

• Communication

• EMS Documentation

• Document Control

• Operational Control

• Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Monitoring and Measurement

• Nonconformance & Corrective and Preventative Action

• Records

• EMS Audit

• Management Review

7

Ownership of the Parts

• Management• Environmental office• Line managers• Procurement• Maintenance or

Engineering• Other support groups

(Data Systems, Supply, etc.)

• Provide review and direction• Provide technical expertise• Process knowledge• Purchasing knowledge;

contractors and grantees• Facilities management• Knowledge of facility systems

8

Coordinate the System

• Cross reference parts to offices– Management function carried out by senior

managers

• Identify parts that aren’t clearly assigned

• The function of the EMS coordinator is to demonstrate the linkage between the part and the office

9

Summary

• An EMS is a system

• The success of the EMS depends on integration into day-to-day activities

• Consider ownership as the key to success