Environmental-Management-System.docxVIP

Introduction to the Environmental Management System ModeWhat is an Environmental Management System (EMS)? An EMS is a system that uses comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented management processes and procedures that allow a school district to identify, analyze, control and reduce the impact of its activities and services on human health and the environment.An EMS provides a systems approach based on the Deming model of “plan, do, check and act”.The model provided in this IPM module is based on the EMS standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the ISO 14001 Standard. Established in 1996, this framework is the official international standard and the most commonly used framework for an EMS.The model was used for industry and businesses.In 2006, as part of a national effort by EPA and a statewide effort by MassDEP, Lynn Rose worked with Madeline Snow of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, PEER Center to adapt this model for use by schools and municipalities in Massachusetts. We are using this modified version to guide the design of this IPM Module.What are the Three Key EMS Commitments?What are the basic activities involved in developing and implementingthe framework of an EMS?analyzing the environmental impacts of a facility’s operations;identifying environmental legal and compliance requirements of the facility’s processes, and benchmarking the status of the facility’s compliance; setting environmental objectives and targets to reduce environmental impacts and comply with legal and compliance requirements;identifying roles and responsibilities to ensure employees’ awareness and competence and integration into all aspects of operations;establishing environmental management plans and a training program to meet these objectives and targets;monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives and targets;auditing progress of the EMS and making improvements.This framework helps a school achieve its environment