Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) is the VA environmental program.
Mission
a. Encourage VA employees at all levels to be good stewards of the environment by complying with all applicable environmental requirements; preventing pollution; reducing waste; conserving energy, water, and other natural and cultural resources; and continually reviewing and improving VA environmental programs.
b. Ensure management's commitment and accountability through the incorporation of position description elements and performance standards/measures related to pollution prevention and environmental management for appropriate senior level managers and other employees who have responsibilities related to the management of environmental programs.
c. Have top managers provide necessary support, including funds and other resources, to ensure compliance by VA facilities with Federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including development and implementation of an EMS.
d. Utilize sustainable practices to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
e. Evaluate and monitor the operation of VA facilities and incorporate policies and procedures necessary to reduce environmental vulnerabilities and ensure environmental compliance.
f. Integrate pollution prevention, waste reduction, natural and cultural resource conservation, affirmative procurement/green purchasing, life cycle costing, and environmental compliance into planning, purchasing, and operating decisions, wherever practicable.
g. Implement source reduction as the pollution prevention method of choice, or alternative methods of reuse, recycling, treatment of wastes, or proper disposal.
h. Use natural resources efficiently and maintain and protect plant and wildlife habitat, consistent with VA’s mission.
i. Recognize that the development and construction of VA facilities must consider the unique conditions of the environment of which the facility is a part.
j. Train all appropriate VA staff, as needed, to satisfactorily carry out the environmental responsibilities of their positions.
k. Solicit input regarding environmental matters affecting the operation of VA facilities, as appropriate, from stakeholders including, but not limited to, staff, Veterans, and the community.
Our Recycling program
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the environmental program, call (253) 583-3511.
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