|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
Documents |
Pilot Project Participation Considerations
Two years ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) joined ten other states to create a common database for the purpose of evaluating the economic and environmental benefits derived from organizations that develop and implement environmental management systems (EMSs). We were learning from our more forward-thinking companies that these EMSs were often resulting in improved environmental performance while also contributing to the companies’ economic growth opportunities. As the PADEP strives to continually improve the management of its own resources, both now and in the future, we are interested in partnering with several Pennsylvania organizations to more fully understand the potential positive role that EMSs might play in the next generation of environmental protection tools available to us.
The information to be provided to the database closely parallels information that companies undertaking an ISO 14001-type EMS would internally generate. PADEP is not requiring organizations participating in the pilot to achieve ISO 14001 certification, but rather to develop and report their EMS implementation progress in a manner compatible with the ISO 14001 EMS tool.
PADEP intends to enter into a two-year partnership with four PA organizations that are at various stages of EMS implementation. The PADEP will outline their agreement to work cooperatively with individual organizations through a Memorandum of Understanding or Cooperative Agreement. In exchange for receiving technical assistance from the PADEP in developing their EMSs, these organizations will submit information described in the protocol accompanying this letter to the common database, which is housed at the University of North Carolina. We estimate that more than 60 organizations will be providing information to the database by March 1999, and more than 120 organizations will be providing data by this time next year.
In selecting organizations to partner with PADEP in this pilot project, PADEP will take the following factors into consideration:
- The pilot project will include small, medium and large organizations from both the public and private sectors;
- Participating organizations should currently be in compliance with applicable environmental regulations;
- Pilots can be at various stages of EMS development and implementation. ISO 14001 certification will not be required; it is an option for organizations to pursue as their markets dictate.
- Organizations interested in maximizing the environmental benefits to be derived from one
or more of the following activities in its EMS development and implementation:
- Conducting materials throughput analysis on business processes;
- Enhancing supply chain relationships to maximize profits through waste minimization alternatives;
- Adopting "zero emissions" management goals;
- Involving stakeholders in EMS development and implementation;
- Integrating environmental accounting into business operations;
- Initiating life cycle assessment of products as the EMS matures.