Environmental Management System |
 An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its adverse environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. It is a systematic approach for our school system to bring environmental considerations into day-to-day decision-making and operations. Implementing an EMS also establishes a framework for tracking, evaluating and communicating environmental performance. It will also help us ensure that major environmental risks and liabilities are identified, minimized and managed effectively.
The establishment of an Environmental Management Policy is the cornerstone of an EMS. Albemarle County Public Schools has adopted an Environmental Management Policy that embodies our commitment to compliance, pollution prevention, and continual environmental improvement. CLICK HERE to read our Environmental Management policy. Major EMS Components Our EMS is based on a "Plan, Do, Check, Act" model:
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"PLANNING" involves:
"DOING" includes:
"CHECKING" involves:
"ACTING" includes:
Status of Albemarle County Public Schools' EMS An Environmental Management Policy has been adopted by Albemarle County School Board. Nine (9) EMS System procedures (see "doing" above) have been written and approved. Environmental Aspects and Impacts have been identified and ranked for significance; significant aspects have been identified in such areas as chemical management, asbestos management, and energy use. The procedures, related attachments and Annual Environmental Report are accessible below.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Click here to view the standard operating procedures that have been developed as part of the Environmental Management System. EMS TEAMS EMS Steering Committee An Albemarle County Public Schools staff-level committee has been established in order to review and approve all written EMS policy and procedures, review all components of the EMS periodically during EMS Management Review, and maintain responsibility for providing resources (human, technological and financial) essential to the implementation of the approved EMS Objectives and Targets. The EMS Steering Committee Members are:
EMS Core Team A staff-level team representing the major departments of the Albemarle County Public School Division has been established in order to review EMS documents, procedures, and plans as necessary; provide feedback to the Environmental Manager regarding any environmental-related activities in their respective areas; and participate in the implementation of EMS Objectives and Targets, as needed.
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Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP)  The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP), created and administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), is a program that encourages both businesses and local government entities to develop and implement Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) and Pollution Prevention (P2) Initiatives. Participation in VEEP allows organizations to be recognized for advances in environmental stewardship, and may also lead to reduced permit fees, a single point of contact with VDEQ, and various other benefits and incentives. In early 2006, Albemarle County Public Schools' VEEP application was approved by VDEQ and we have been officially accepted into the program. Other EMS-Related Information and Links EPA's EMS Site  Benefits and Basic Steps of EMS Development EMS Definitions and Terms EMS Resources and Publications  The Public Entity EMS Resource (PEER) Center website provides information to help public organizations understand and implement Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). This website also contains a state-by-state listing of various public organizations across the U.S. who have implemented an EMS. |
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