Environmental Management System — Overview and Three Priorities
DoD Environmental Footprint
DoD Largest User
The Department of Defense, as the nation's largest user of federal lands, consumers of energy, and operators of large industrial complexes, must strive to ensure efficient operations while reducing its environmental footprint.
Universal Integration Mandate
Universal Environmental Integration
All USAF commanders, supervisors, and process owners shall integrate environmental considerations into:
- Daily work activities
- All levels of decision-making for current or proposed actions that may adversely impact the environment
What EMS Is
EMS Definition
The environmental management system is a set of processes and practices that enable:
- A reduction in environmental impact
- An increase in operating efficiency
Three EMS Priorities
Three EMS Priorities
Three priorities of the environmental management system are:
- Compliance
- Risk reduction
- Continuous improvement
Compliance
Compliance
Compliance will be maintained with all environmental legal obligations and regulatory guidelines.
Risk Reduction
Risk Reduction
Risk reduction will be achieved through a standardized approach to protect USAF assets, personnel, and material by effectively identifying and managing risks from environmental encroachment.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement
Instilling a culture that encourages and supports continuous improvement will:
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Reduce regulatory burden