FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2008
FY08-28
ORAU’s Commitment to Environmental Management Recognized by International Organization
Recent Audit Results in ISO 14001
Re-registration for ORAU
OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—Oak Ridge Associated Universities has successfully renewed its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 registration after a recent week-long reassessment audit.
ISO 14001 is a globally recognized framework for providing businesses with an international, voluntary standard for environmental management, as well as manufacturing, communication, trade and other management systems.
The designation, which was originally awarded to ORAU in May 2005, represents the company’s compliance with and commitment to continuous improvement in the ORAU environmental management system, which includes pollution prevention, energy conservation, and waste reduction.
ORAU President Ron Townsend notes the success of the re-registration would not have been possible without the unwavering efforts of ORAU’s Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Office and the commitment of each and every ORAU employee.
"It’s imperative that as ORAU’s initiatives continue to grow, then so do our awareness of and commitment to environmental responsibility," Townsend said. “Environmental performance is a responsibility shared by every employee everyday."
According to Tom Wantland, ORAU environmental hygiene officer, the reassessment not only takes a critical look at the 17 elements of the ISO 14001 standard*, but also at the culture behind it, and how the organization manages its environmental goals and objectives.
“In effect, ORAU must be committed—on all levels—to serve as an environmentally responsible member of the community,” Wantland said.
In addition to the 17 elements, the ISO 14001 audit also focuses on the systematic identification, assessment, control and improvement of environmental aspects of ORAU.
"After completing the 3-year reassessment audit, I am pleased to recommend ORAU/ORISE for another 3-year ISO 14001 registration cycle," said Joe Birchfield, ISO 14001 lead auditor. "They've demonstrated continual improvement through a variety of facility construction and recycling activities. The organization’s commitment begins with top management and enjoys effective and efficient implementation with a green-inspired workforce."
Also in the report filed by Birchfield, ORAU was commended for an "exceptional" recycling program, as well as a "very robust" training and qualifications program for employees.
ORAU’s successful re-registration of the ISO 14001 will remain effective for another three years, and smaller surveillance audits will also be conducted every six months.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 99 major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy.
* The 17 Elements of the ISO 14001 Standard
- Environmental policy
- Environmental aspects
- Legal and other requirements
- Objectives and targets
- Environmental management programs
- Structure and responsibility
- Training, awareness and competence
- Communication
- Environmental management system documentation
- Document control
- Operational control
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Monitoring and measurement
- Nonconformance and corrective and preventive action
- Records
- Environmental management system audit
- Management review