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National Information
Additional National Information
Related Mid-Atlantic Information
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of management processes and practices that enable an organization to analyze, control and reduce the environmental impacts of its activities, products and services and operate with greater efficiency. An EMS can improve compliance with laws and prevent pollution.
Plan, Do, Check, Act
Most EMSs are built on the "Plan, Do, Check, Act" model. This model leads to continual improvement.
ISO 14001
The most commonly used framework for an EMS is the one developed by the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO) for the ISO 14001 standard . Once an EMS is developed and implemented, some organizations undergo a third party audit to obtain ISO 14001 certification.
Two Mid-Atlantic EPA Facilities With EMSs
EPA's 2 largest facilities in the mid-Atlantic Region have EMS programs:
- Environmental Science Center
Ft. Meade, Maryland - Philadelphia Regional Office
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania