FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2005
FY05-35
ORAU/ORISE Achieve Esteemed Registration to International Environmental Standards
OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) were recognized with ISO 14001 registration on Friday, certifying that their environmental management system demonstrates sound environmental decisions and recognizes their impact on the environment.
DOE Oak Ridge Operations Manager Gerald Boyd; ORAU Environment, Safety and Health Director Bob Kapolka; NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd., Account Executive Rick Gehrke; ORAU President Ron Townsend; ORAU Environmental/Hygiene Officer Tom Wantland; and DOE Environment, Safety and Health Assistant Secretary John Shaw pictured with the flag awarded to ORAU to honor their ISO 14001 registration.
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The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 is the world’s most recognized framework for an environmental management system, providing businesses with an international, voluntary standard for environmental management. NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd., provides ISO 14001 registration, as well as standards for manufacturing, communication, trade and other management systems.
“With the advice and counsel of the Department of Energy, ORAU decided to go for this designation, and I’m happy to be standing here today to celebrate this achievement,” ORAU President Ron Townsend said. “We like high standards, we’re up to the standard, and we’re looking forward to the next one.”
In the ISO 14001 audit, ORAU/ORISE were commended for a strong environmental commitment by management and personnel to training, volunteer efforts and advanced recycling efforts. They were also recognized for their pollution prevention program and affirmative procurement program that encourages the use of “green” companies, utilizing recycled products.
“This designation speaks volumes about ORAU’s commitment to the environment, commitment to pollution prevention, and commitment to ensure the public of Oak Ridge and East Tennessee that ORAU and the Department of Energy are progressively responding to the issue of environmental responsibility,” said John Shaw, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary of Environment, Safety and Health.
ORAU is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 91 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 for the U.S. Department of Energy.
ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness and educate the next generation of scientists. ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).