Benefits of EMS Examples and Case Studies Why

Benefits of EMS Examples and Case Studies

Why Implement an EMS ? • Helps to identify the causes of environmental problems. – better to make a product right the first time – cheaper to prevent a spill – cost effective to prevent pollution • Trade and competitive issues – inconsistency in environmental regulation and enforcement

Why Implement an EMS? To get your environmental ducks in a row! • Struggling to stay in compliance and keep track of regulations/laws • Environmental management just one of many responsibilities • Establish a framework to move beyond compliance • Vehicle for positive change; improved employee morale, enhanced public image • Employee turnover • Many individual parts may already be in place – just need to unify under the EMS umbrella!

Why ISO 14001 at Konica L Corporate Directive to Certify in 1998 $ Increased Efficiency & Reduced Costs ¶ Improved Environmental Performance J Enhanced Public Image J Increased Employee Awareness & Involvement N Better Knowledge Preservation & Transfer J Enhanced Image with Regulators

Charleston Public Works • Problems faced: – aging infrastructure – more stringent environmental laws and regulations – customer interests – limited resource base (human and financial) – private sector competition

Gastonia: Why the City Council Approved an EMS • Several members were businessmen, who were familiar with ISO standards, the consistency of application and policy it brings to an organization and recognized the benefit to the City • Good environmental stewardship • Above and beyond compliance with laws and regulations • Proactive - not reactionary • Recognized intangibles, such as improved public image

What are some of the Benefits? • • • Cost Savings Reduced Liability/Improved Compliance Better planning Better public image/customer trust Enhanced employee awareness/increased knowledge and skill of employees • Deficiencies identified • Changed habits of employees

Electrical Improvements: ASMO • Changed Habits: Turn machines, fans and task lights off when not needed. • Discontinued use of infrared oven. • Turn off PC’s at end of work day. • Applied for and received new tariff option with CP&L. (LGS-RTP) Large general service - real time pricing • Installed POW R command lighting panels. • Installed programmable control of 17 HVAC Systems.

Water Use Improvements: ASMO • Replaced liquid coolant with cold air guns for milling, drilling and band saws. • Replaced water-cooled compressors with air cooled. • Replaced large cooling tower with 3 small chillers. • Received exemption from mandatory surcharge imposed by the Water Authority during draught. Displayed documented conservation / reduction success during prior 12 months.

Water Use Improvements: ASMO • Cut back volume on sinks, Bradley basins and toilets. • Installed new flush valves. • Posted conservation notices on restroom doors. • Communicated daily draught status with tips in daily bulletins. • Further tweaked counter-flowing and volume at Paint Line Pretreatment. • Extended interval on dumping cleaner tanks (without sacrificing quality)

Cost Savings: CPW • Records Management costs were reduced 10% for 1999 • Operating costs at the water plant reduced $175, 000 by using only necessary equipment

CPW: A Value to Our Business • Environment is Clearly Being Further Integrated -Employees and Managers are Much More Aware of the Environmental Policy and Their Role in it • EMS is "System Dependent" rather than "Person Dependent" • It Helps Drive Continual Improvement • Customer Inquiries are Handled Efficiently • Strengthening our Record of Leadership

More Benefits • Aspects identification has greatly improved employee awareness and involvement • Skill-based knowledge of the staff has substantially increased • Operational deficiencies have been identified

Gastonia Benefits • Enhanced cooperation among staff – Within the WWTD as well as with other Divisions in the City – Consistency in applications, despite employee turnover • Public awareness of the City's commitment to environmental excellence • Improved relationships with State authorities • Controlled documented procedures • EPA accepted the EMS documentation and/or descriptions as the WWTD’s portion of the MOM program

Konica Example • During Internal Audit, identified several non -conformities – Some procedures not documented – Response actions not clear – Sump procedures do not fully reflect practice • Two different groups handled sump differently, but the EMS review identified the conflicting SOPs