An EMS is a management tool that provides a framework to weave existing environmental programs into a coherent "system" that enables an organization to achieve continual improvement. The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) is a voluntary partnership program that encourages Federal facilities and agencies to purchase greener electronic products, reduce impacts of electronic products during use, and manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way. The overall FEC program goal for Partners is to reduce lifecycle environmental impacts of electronic products. An EMS provides the structure and framework to achieve that goal. The FEC and associated tools and guidance will help Federal facilities achieve environmental improvements from better management of electronic equipment throughout its life cycle.

EMSs and the FEC: What's the Connection?
This document provides background information about the connection between EMSs and the FEC program. One primary purpose of an EMS is to coordinate environmental management activities into one integrated framework that enhances and improves the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these existing, but separate, environmental programs. The FEC is an environmental management program that can exist within the
structure of your EMS to improve your facility’s environmental performance.

Using Lessons Learned in the FEC program to integrate electronics into your EMS
This tool was developed to address the elements of ISO 14001 EMS Standard in the context of electronic equipment management across the lifecycle of the equipment. The tool provides resources for locating information and FEC program tools to help establish and implement your EMS, specifically the portions that concern electronic equipment
management. The tool also provides equivalent activities that can “populate” your EMS and at the same time meet FEC program requirements for recognition.