The Federal Electronics Challenge and the VA GEMS Program

1
The Federal Electronics Challenge and the VA GEMS
Program
Bill KulasDepartment of Veterans Affairs VISN 1
Environmental Protection Manager
2

• Topics of Discussion

• What is GEMS and how does it relate to management
  of electronics?
• GEMS Guidebook
• Nine Steps to Establish a Successful GEMS
• The Facility Perspective
• The significant aspect of electronics and the
  GEMS Program

3
What is GEMS?
Green Environmental Management Systems

• Executive Order 13148
• ISO 14001
• Environmental Protection
• Pollution Prevention
• In Balance with Economic Needs

4
GEMS is an

• Environmental Management System integrated into
  VAMC Management Systems.

5
GEMS and the VA Policy Statement

• Integrates environmental accountability into
  decision-making and long-term planning
• Includes VA medical centers, CBOCs, and other VHA
  health care facilities.

6
GEMS Guidebook

• Intro, Quick Fix/Find Tables.
• EMS Concepts.
• 9-Steps to Implementation.
• Sample Environmental Impacts for Operating Units.
• Sample Policies Procedures.
• Evaluation Tool E-SAFE.
• Technical Resources.

7
Nine Steps to Establisha Successful GEMS
8
Conduct Gap Analysis Common Findings

• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Program Manager Position Training
• Environmental Performance Standards
• Environmental Compliance Audits
• Procurement Programs
• Recycling Programs
• Pollution Prevention Programs
• Enhance Internal/External Communication

9
Conduct 3rd party Environmental Audit
10
(No Transcript)
11
Universal Waste per State
12
Lamp Storage
13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
(No Transcript)
16
(No Transcript)
17
(No Transcript)
18
Developing an EMS

• Appoint a GEMS Coordinator and GEMS Committee
• Train GEMS Coordinator and GEMS Committee
• GEMS Policy Statement

19
Identify Significant Aspects and Impacts

• Activity Management of Computers, lamps,
  batteries, and other Electronic Equipment
• Aspect Purchasing, managing and disposal of
  electronic materials
• Impact Energy usage, waste management, use of
  natural resources
• Compliance
• Risk
• Frequency
• Control

20
Establish Train Employees on Operational
Controls

• Purchasing criteria
• Substitution (LCDs vs CRTs)
• Work Practices (two sided printing, shut down,
  etc.)
• Management of Universal waste procedures,
  training and documentation
• Universal Bill of Lading, Manifests
• Certificates of Recycling

21
(No Transcript)
22
Setting and Achieving Objectives and Targets

• 100 of Computers Recycled by 2006 (met)
• 100 of purchasing with multiple environmental
  attributes
• 100 of units will have an average life span of
  at least four years (met)
• Energy Star features will be enabled on 95
  percent of units (met)
• Set default on all PCs and copiers to
  double-sided printing

23
Conduct Annual Effectiveness Review

• Results of audits and evaluations of compliance
• Communication with internal and external
  customers
• Performance with established environmental
  standards, goals and objectives
• Corrective Actions and Preventative Actions

24
Any Questions?