An EMS is a management approach used by LaRC to execute its environmental and energy management policy. It helps LaRC manage compliance, assess environmental impacts, set objectives and targets, and identify, prioritize, and address LaRC’s most significant environmental risks, as well as opportunities for enhancing long-term environmental sustainability.
LaRC’s EMS is a system that: (1) incorporates people, procedures, and work practices into a formal structure to ensure that the important environmental impacts of the organization are identified and addressed; (2) promotes continual improvement, including periodically evaluating environmental performance; (3) involves all members of the organization, as appropriate; and (4) Ensures accountability of Center management by integrating EMS requirements into day to-day operations and ensuring that adequate resources are available to maintain an effective EMS.
LaRC’s EMS is based on the NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR 8553.1), Environmental Management Systems. It is implemented by its Environmental Management Committee, for which LaRC’s Associate Director is the Management Sponsor. The EMC is a cross-functional group of personnel from all relevant organizations that assists with the development, implementation, maintenance / operation and continual improvement of LaRC’s EMS. The Committee is responsible for identifying, categorizing, and prioritizing LaRC’s environmental risks and impacts; as well as developing and implementing objectives, targets, and programs to address the highest priority risks/impacts.
As part of an annual EMS review process, the EMC assesses and prioritizes the Center’s environmental aspects and impacts to work on for the year, based on procedures provided in NPR 8553.1. Objectives and targets that demonstrate commitment consistent with the intent of LaRC’s environmental policy are then established for the highest priority areas.
For Fiscal Year 2024, LaRC’s High Priority Aspects have been determined to be Energy and Water Consumption, Water Quality, and Fuels, Oils, and Lubricants.
Every three years, LaRC’s Center Director reassesses LaRC’s EMS to ensure it is fully implemented as established by NASA requirements and signs a Declaration of Conformance. This assessment includes results of formal EMS audits conducted by a qualified party outside the control or scope of the EMS.
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