The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of the NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives.

The NIEHS traces its roots to 1966, when the U.S. Surgeon General announced the establishment of the Division of Environmental Health Sciences within the NIH. In 1969, the division was elevated to full NIH institute status. Since then, the NIEHS has evolved to its present status as a world leader in environmental health sciences, with an impressive record of important scientific accomplishments and a proud history of institutional achievements and growth.

As the premier Federal environmental health research institute, the NIEHS embraces environmental protection as a core value in the conduct of our research programs. Through implementation of an EMS, the NIEHS supports its mission, enhances existing environmental protection programs, and reduces environmental impacts associated with its activities. Some highlights are provided below. Please visit the NIEHS EMS Webpages for additional information.

Environmental Policy

The NIEHS Environmental Policy establishes nine general goals and guiding principles for a commitment to environmental responsibility and provides the framework for setting and reviewing the Institute’s environmental objectives and targets.

Awareness Training

An effective EMS provides opportunities for employees to understand how their work activities, products, and services can impact the environment. NIEHS employees take an online EMS awareness training course to learn more about the role they play in protecting the environment. In addition, EMS updates are periodically provided to all employees through online newsletters and email announcements.

Stewardship Programs

The NIEHS is recognized as an Environmental Partner by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources under their statewide Environmental Stewardship Initiative. This is a voluntary program for companies and organizations located in North Carolina that accept a commitment toward improving their environmental performance beyond traditional levels of compliance.

Click here for information about site-specific NEMS activities at NIEHS.

Contact Bill Steinmetz, NIEHS EMS Coordinator, for further questions.​​​​​​