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EMS Initiatives Supported by EPA
See Also
EPA is carrying out a number of programs and activities involving EMSs, including voluntary initiatives with the public sector and private sector.
The National Environmental Performance Track Program was established by EPA in June 2000 to recognize and reward companies and public entities that consistently exceed regulatory requirements, work closely with their community, and excel in protecting the environment and public health. Facilities across the nation, of all types and sizes, have successfully qualified for membership in Performance Track. To join, an organization needs to demonstrate that it has: a proven record of regulatory compliance; a commitment to continuous improvement; a mechanism for public outreach; and an Environmental Management System.
Sector-Specific Programs
Sector Strategies Program
EPA programs and regions, states, and select trade associations partner to craft EMS solutions to sector-specific problems.
Local Government EMS Initiatives
EPA's Office of Water (OW) continues to support EMS adoption by local governments, including water and wastewater utilities. OW supports a national clearinghouse of EMS information for local governments located at http://www.peercenter.net/. 
This site contains a wide array of EMS information, guidance, case studies, and other information
geared to the needs of local governments of various types. The site also includes information on 11 EMS Local Resource Centers around the country designated by OW to educate and support EMS understanding and adoption by local governments.
Water/Wastewater Related Initiatives
EPA's Office of Water is involved in a number of EMS activities including a pilot with the Global Environmental Technology Foundation with local governments (Environmental Management System Pilot Program for Local Government Entities), initiatives with agricultural sectors such as the egg producers, research (with others) on the effects of EMSs, and work on guidance such as the SME Guide.
Waste Management Related Initiatives
This page describes the waste management related initiatives underway at EPA's Office of Solid Waste and other EPA offices.
The Design for Environment (DfE) Program
Partners with stakeholders to help businesses help the environment. DfE projects help businesses design products, processes, and management systems that are cost-effective, cleaner, and safer for workers and the public. The DfE goals are to encourage businesses to incorporate environmental information into their decision criteria, and effect behavior change to facilitate continuous environmental improvement. To accomplish these goals DfE and its partners use several approaches including cleaner technology and life-cycle assessments, environmental management systems, formulation improvement, best practices, and green supply chain initiatives. To date, the DfE Program has brought environmental leadership to over 2 million workers at over 170,000 facilities. Small- and medium-sized businesses recognize DfE as a unique source of reliable environmental (as well as performance and cost) information.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program is working to help federal facilities integrate green purchasing into their EMS.
EPA Regional EMS Initiatives (Where You Live)
EPA has ten regional offices, each of which is responsible for several states and territories. This section includes information on EPA Regional EMS initiatives.