Justice Management Division
Serving Justice - Securing Results

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities throughout the organization. To facilitate this goal, DOJ is in the process of developing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at buildings and for programs across the agency. DOJ has issued an Environmental Management Policy, signed by the Assistant Attorney General for Administration, that establishes DOJ’s environmental policy goals and will help pave the way for EMS implementation. Any questions on this program can be directed to Dawn Gunning at dawn.gunning@usdoj.gov.

DOJ’s EMS efforts are part of the government-wide effort to become more environmentally friendly. Learn more about other Federal efforts in EMS.

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

• A set of policies and procedures that enable an organization to systematically assess and manage its environmental "footprint" ---the environmental impact associated with its activities, products, and services.
  
  
• An important vehicle for improving environmental performance by providing organizations with the tools to successfully manage their environmental activities in a cost effective manner.

EMSs come in many forms, and can be used in a variety of sectors, including factories, small businesses, service industries, and government agencies. Most EMSs are built on the "Plan, Do, Check, Act" model.

Learn more about EMS and the Plan, Do, Check, Act model at EPA’s EMS website

What are the Benefits of an EMS?

• Helps an organization comply with its regulatory responsibilities, and provides a means for addressing non-regulated environmental aspects such as energy efficiency and resource conservation;
• Facilitates assessment of risks and liabilities;
• Increases operating efficiency, creates standard operating procedures, and captures institutional knowledge of experienced employees;
• Increases employees' environmental awareness and involvement throughout the organization;
• Potential environmental and financial benefits; and
• Provides a competitive edge and improve public relations.