COMMUNICATING YOUR EMS Jeffrey A. Sitler Environmental Compliance Manager Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Management perspectives - understanding the need for EMS Management perspectives - understanding the need for EMS The importance of management buy-in and guidance The importance of management buy-in and guidance How to convey the EMS message to all staff members How to convey the EMS message to all staff members TOPICS TO BE COVERED

Management Perspectives Understanding the need for EMS How did we sell EMS at UVA?

University of Rhode Island $800,000 Boston University $750,000Brown$500,000 University of Hawaii $1,700,000 University of Virginia $29, Compliance with Regulations

Compliance issues at UVA  Over 1,000 laboratories – Wastes (chemical, radiological, general)  Emissions to Air - Many Permits  Stormwater Discharges - Permits  +300,000 gallons of petroleum stored on site  Ever growing list of regulations and responsibilities

Objectives With Potential Cost Savings  Waste Reduction  Water Use Reduction  Energy Use Reduction  Material Use Reduction  Etc.

Sustainable and Community Based Objectives Link With Other Dept’s Sustainable Goals Link With Other Dept’s Sustainable Goals Increase Environmental Awareness and Education Across Campus and Local Community Increase Environmental Awareness and Education Across Campus and Local Community

RECOGNITION

The Importance of Management Buy-in and Guidance Complex Management Structure Only the management understands the inner workings of the university management

Campus wide initiatives require action from the top, i.e., Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

How do we convey the EMS message to all staff members?

UVA Steering Committee UVA Steering Committee Department Level Implementation Meetings Department Level Implementation Meetings Hands-on implementation with individuals Hands-on implementation with individuals Technology – WEB Pages, , etc. Technology – WEB Pages, , etc. VEEP - Recognition VEEP - Recognition Incorporate EMS in Employee orientation Incorporate EMS in Employee orientation Incorporate EMS in UVA’s Sustainability Initiative Incorporate EMS in UVA’s Sustainability Initiative Community Meetings Community Meetings EMS Partnerships EMS Partnerships

Community-Wide Programs And Goals

Communication is Essential to: EMS Implement EMS Sustain EMS Future plans Review and Improve AFFECT CHANGE PLAN DOCHECK ACT

EMS IS A Challenge

But the Rewards Are Worth the Effort EMS