EMS Focuses
on Pollution Prevention

Battelle researchers at the Pacific Northwest Division are conducting a three-year project with a large energy provider to establish an environmental management system (EMS) that emphasizes pollution prevention; sustainable development; compliance assurance; and employee, contractor, and community involvement.

The project began with development of a composite model for excellent environmental performance. Battelle EMS experts analyzed strengths and weaknesses of the most widely recognized and implemented EMSs: ISO 14001, the International Chamber of Commerce Business Charter for Sustainable Development, Commission for Environmental Cooperation Guidance, EPA’s Code of Environmental Management Principles, and Responsible Care. Battelle then worked with the company to develop an EMS that 1) fully conforms to ISO 14001 requirements, 2) captures the strongest elements of other programs that are not addressed sufficiently in ISO 14001, and 3) is compatible with the organization’s mission and values. The composite model includes pollution prevention, training, communication, providing technical expertise to operations, and improved documentation to “institutionalize” programs.

Next, Battelle benchmarked organizations recognized as top performers; and also evaluated company programs by compiling a summary of existing programs, auditing regulatory compliance, assessing existing programs against the composite EMS model, and providing management with recommendations and a project plan for achieving their strategic objectives.

The organization already had CEO-level support for an environmental stewardship ethic, which is a determining factor in success. Battelle assisted the organization in updating their environmental policy, and is working to enhance and modify existing programs to incorporate requirements of the composite model. Recommended enhancements to the client’s pollution prevention program included:

• Performing pollution prevention opportunity assessments annually
• Providing rewards and recognition for staff
• Improving waste and cost avoidance tracking
• Establishing purchasing controls
• Documenting existing recycling streams and accomplishments
• Incorporating environmental requirements into contracting documents
• Regularly communicating existing and enhanced programs to staff

In 2003, three pollution prevention opportunity assessments were performed, addressing the energy provider’s most costly waste streams. Implementation of the recommendations is expected to result in significant savings.

In 2005, the client will pursue registration under ISO 14001. Battelle will be working with them up through initial registration to ensure that the necessary systems are in place and working effectively and that there is a plan in place to sustain the EMS long term. Battelle operations at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are ISO 14001 registered.

For more information on this project, contact Ms. Bet Zimmerman, (860) 974-3020, elizabeth.zimmerman@pnl.gov.

For information on pollution prevention services, contact Mr. Kelvin Soldat, (509) 375-6810, kelvin.soldat@pnl.gov.