Environmental
management systems
are the main management
framework for achieving
the sustainable goals
of Executive Order
13514. The Instruction
to E.O. 13514 describes
an environmental management
system (EMS) as follows:
EMS is a tool used
to pursue policies
and goals established
by an organization
by properly managing
its operations and
activities. It is
not a stand-alone
environmental program
or a data management
program. In other
words, the management
system is a framework
within which existing
and new organizational
responsibilities,
programs, and activities
are linked. The
management system
model of “Plan,
Do, Check, Act”
provides rigor to
existing operations
and programs to
further ensure continual
improvement.
When properly implemented,
a management system
enables an organization
to clearly identify
and establish goals,
develop and implement
plans to meet the
goals, determine
measurable progress
towards the goals,
and make improvements
to ensure continual
improvement. Where
programs to support
the sustainable
practices related
to environmental-,
transportation-,
or energy-related
activities already
exist within an
organization, they
are not replaced
or overtaken by
the management system
but contribute to
and, are enhanced
by, the system.
For example, leadership,
management, and
operations addressing
a specific program
can remain, except
the management system
now recognizes that
program as one contributing
towards meeting
the organizational
goals and as a source
of information for
overall reporting.
The true benefit
of the management
system model is
that it ensures
existing or new
programs are closely
linked to the organization’s
environmental and
energy footprint
and
legal and other
requirements. The
management system
helps to ensure
that efforts are
properly deployed
in regard to training,
monitoring and measurement,
and reporting. The
management system
also ensures that
senior management
plays an active
role in evaluating
status and progress
and makes decisions
towards the commitment
to continual improvement.
EMSs will help
maintain USDA as
a dynamic organization
in protecting and
enhancing the Nation’s
resource base and
environment.
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