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The Public Entity EMS Local Resource Center (LRC) team of the Zero Waste Alliance is pleased to announce the formation of NW Pub 2, the second environmental management system group implementation program for public entities in the Northwest.

What is NW Pub 2?
NW Pub 2 is a Program to assist Northwest government agencies, primarily local and state, that wish to voluntarily develop and implement environmental management systems (EMS) with a sustainability focus. It follows on the heels of the successful 18-month NW Pub 1 program that completed in June 2005.

Public entities are being increasingly pressured to manage their operations in a faster, safer, more effective manner. EMSs have been found to provide the same benefits for public entities as they do for private industry.

How does it work?
ZWA provides seven two-day workshops over an 18-month period starting in first quarter 2006 to help each participant develop a complete EMS, using the ISO 14001 International EMS Standard as a baseline. The ZWA support team works closely with each participant to provide training, technical assistance, site visits, and other materials. The completed system will meet the EMS criteria for EPA's Performance Track Program. (http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack).

The organization decides on what part (or all) of the organization in which to implement the EMS (scope or fenceline). Top management selects a leader and core implementation team that is coached by a ZWA associate. Typically, the core team meets bi-weekly or monthly to plan and guide the implementation process.

This initiative is similar to and builds on the successes of three previous projects sponsored by EPA. More information on these projects can also be found at http://www.peercenter.net.

What is an EMS?
An EMS is a powerful tool that allows organizations to integrate diverse environmental issues and sustainability goals into regular business practices. EMSs provide a framework for prioritizing and implementing environmental goals, policies, and procedures.

An EMS's success is due to the engagement of all employees, effective planning, supporting data and clearly defined environmental roles from top management to staff. The result is confidence in environmental performance and continual environmental improvement.

How do we benefit?

Over the past ten years, there has been increasing evidence that organizations that adopt environmental management systems (EMS) for their operations can realize significant benefits in terms of improved environmental performance, including but not limited to:

• Cost savings through resource efficiencies
• Lower insurance rates, better bond ratings
• Improved environmental compliance and performance
• Reduced environmental liability and risk
• Improved public image
• Improved environmental awareness, involvement and competency throughout the organization
• Better relationships and communication with regulators and communities
• Framework to work toward sustainability

More benefits information is available from the April 12, 2005 national webcast, "Environmental Management Systems: A Powerful Tool to Help Local Government Managers and Public Works Directors Minimize Environmental Liability, Increase Efficiency, and Improve Financial Health". The webcast was hosted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the American Public Works Association (APWA), in cooperation with the US EPA. Check out the presentations:

• Environmental Management Systems, A Smart Decision for Local Government by Jim Horne, US EPA (PPT 554K)
• Environmental Management Systems by Bob Herbert, Virginia Tech. (PPT 659K)
• City of Scottsdale, Arizona, EMS by Jan Dolan, City Manager (PPT 169L)
• City of Charlottesville, Virginia, EMS by Judy Mueller, Public Works Director (PPT 1.82M)

Why this NW Pub group process?

• Lowest cost
• Experienced professionals lead every step of the way
• Proven implementation process avoids lost time
• Peer group setting for additional mutual assistance and more fun

Who is eligible?
The program is open to Northwest government agencies, primarily local and state, that wish to voluntarily develop and implement environmental management systems.

How much does it cost?
This group process is the most cost-effective method of implementation. Participants pay a fixed fee of $25,000 assuming a minimum of four participants.

When does it start and how long does it last?
NW Pub 2 will begin in first quarter 2006 and the seven quarterly workshops will continue for 18 months.

How do I apply?
Organizations apply by submitting an application letter by December 31, 2005.

The letter, signed by the head of the organization, contains information about the organization, why it is interested and an assurance of top management support.

Once all applications are received, follow up interviews will be conducted with each applicant. Final decisions on program participation are expected by January 31, 2006. The first workshop will be held on a mutually agreeable date in February or March 2006.

Download Application Information (PDF 936K)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Download the NW Pub 2 Brochure (PDF 1.5M) or contact:

Dorothy Atwood, EMS Associate, datwood@zerowaste.org