Grantee Research Project Results
Encouraging Industry Environmental Technology Innovation Through the Implementation of Environmental Management Systems
EPA Grant Number: R824742Title: Encouraging Industry Environmental Technology Innovation Through the Implementation of Environmental Management Systems
Investigators: Diamond, Craig , Branson, Christine
Institution: Industrial Technology Institute
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1997
Project Amount: $187,802
RFA: Incentives and Impediments to Pollution Prevention (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Sustainable and Healthy Communities , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development
Description:
This project seeks to demonstrate and strengthen the link between environmental management systems (EMS) and environmental technology innovation in industry. The project will use the ISO 14001 International EMS Standard to encourage the adoption of environmental technologies and practices in companies within the metal finishing industry. An emphasis is being placed on encouraging the identification of pollution prevention opportunities.Eleven metal finishing facilities are voluntarily participating in the project. The primary project objectives are to: 1) develop an EMS implementation guide designed specifically for the metal finishing industry; and 2) explore the link between EMS implementation and pollution prevention. Examples of how an EMS can encourage pollution prevention will be included in the EMS guide. Through the project, participants are receiving training on EMS implementation and on the identification of pollution prevention opportunities. Data are being collected on environmental management practices and environmental technologies to track progress on EMS implementation and pollution prevention over the course of the project.
The project is based on the recognition that the ISO 14001 EMS Standard, which will likely become a widely used environmental management tool, presents an opportunity to encourage pollution prevention in industry. In addition, small businesses may face significant challenges in implementing an EMS; therefore, the metal finishing industry (which is comprised almost solely of small companies) will benefit especially from EMS training and guidance tools. It is also hoped that the lessons learned from this project will provide future guidance for similar efforts in other industry sectors.
Supplemental Keywords:
Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Economics, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, Social Science, environmental management systems, cleaner production, environmentally conscious manufacturing, small business, metal plating industry, metal finishing , innovative technology, Environmental Technology Initiative, pollution prevention, EMS, ISO 14001Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.