Design and Implementation of Environmental Management Systems

Environmental Management Systems that conform to external standards such as the ACC's RCMS or RC-14001, TCEQ's EMS Program, US EPA's NEPT, and ISO-14001 have recently received much attention. Most of these discussions, however, have focussed on the "why" rather than the "how to" of designing and implementing the EMS. This is particularly true for organizations with large and complex operations. This presentation will cover a simplified EMS design and implementation process. The session will include a discussion of 1) use of a Map and Gap Analysis to evaluate the status of the existing management system, 2) use of a facilitated-training approach to assure employee involvement and support of the system, and 3) use of internal audits to improve business performance.

A.W. Armstrong is an EMS professional providing services to a wide variety of clients including many companies in the process and energy industries. A.W. was recently appointed to the TCEQ Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee which was formed by the State Legislature to advise the TCEQ on environmental matters.

A.W. Armstrong
Senior Consultant
JD Consulting
Austin, TX