Environmental Management Systems Training and Assistance
- EMS Training & Assistance - Round 3 -- Transit Agencies Selected for Participation 9/30/1010
- EMS Training & Assistance – Round 2
- EMS Training & Assistance - Round 1
BACKGROUND
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of procedures to ensure that an organization’s daily operations not only comply with environmental regulations but also support environmental stewardship objectives. An EMS addresses various operational and managerial issues such as energy conservation, efficient water use, vehicle emissions reduction, materials recycling, and management of hazardous materials. Organizations with EMSs are better able to manage their environmental obligations and report cost savings over time, improved bond ratings, reduced insurance premiums, and better community relations.
In the fall of 2003, FTA initiated its EMS assistance program to help certain transit agencies develop and implement an EMS, using standard 14001 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (http://www.iso.org/). Participants in the program receive assistance in the form of training workshops, on-site technical support visits, electronic materials and resources, and consultation. Round 3 of the EMS assistance program is now underway.
