Environmental Improvement Categories
Resource Center Links
Environmental Improvement Categories
Environmental Management Systems
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Facilities participating in the National Environmental Performance Track program demonstrate past environmental achievement and commit to continued improvement in their environmental performance. Performance Track measures progress toward environmental performance goals in specific environmental categories (see the Environmental Performance Table for details (PDF, 298KB, 3 pp). The resource center's environmental categories are intended for prospective members to help them develop their goals, and for renewing members to help them develop new goals and learn about best practices. The following links provide information and resources for developing strategies to improve performance in these wide-ranging categories:
Stage: Upstream Stage: Inputs Stage: Nonproduct Outputs Stage: DownstreamEach link above describes:
- indicators that can be used to track and demonstrate environmental improvement in each category
- how to implement these improvements, including common strategies used by current Performance Track members
- business benefits of improved environmental performance
- methods to convert various improvements into appropriate units and contexts
- additional resources specific to each indicator.
A detailed, searchable list of Performance Track members' goals is available in Excel or PDF format.
- Microsoft Excel version (880 KB)
- PDF version (90 pp, 9.37 MB)
For more details on specific goals, please use the search by goal made feature in the online directory of Performance Track members.
In addition, the Resource Center provides links to information and resources related to Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Implementation of an EMS is a core requirement for acceptance into Performance Track. These links are intended to help facilities develop effective EMSs that satisfy the entry criteria of the program. This link also provides access to general resources for effective environmental management and sustainable business practices.
The National Center for Environmental Innovation has an online global library of Internet resources, such as journals, databases, guidelines, programs, and institutes that demonstrate best practices and innovations in environmental management from around the world. It also provides a list of fellowships for group and individual exchanges.